4-H is Preparing Youth for the Challenges of Life

Lake County youth are joining the more than 6 million other 4-H members across the nation in celebration of National 4-H Week Oct. 5-11. The Lake County program reaches more than 531 youth and 103 volunteer leaders in organized community clubs operating in all areas of the county.

Last year, 531 young people in Lake County, ranging in age from 5 to 18, were involved in 4-H community clubs where, assisted by volunteer adult leaders, they learned about projects, careers, leadership and public speaking. 4-H club members also support their local community through service projects, said Cindy Sarkady 4-H Extension Educator for the 4-H youth program locally.

"We have concrete, independent research which proves the positive impact of 4-H membership on the lives of young people," Ms. Sarkady said. "4-H members are nearly three times more likely to spend time exercising or being physically active than non 4-H members and have significantly lower drug, alcohol, and cigarette use than their peers.

"4-Hers are nearly five times more likely to believe they'll graduate from college and nearly two times more likely to pursue a career in science, engineering, or computer technology," Ms. Sarkady said.

The Tuft University study also showed 4-H youth are nearly four times more likely to actively contribute to their community when compared with non 4-H youth, Ms. Sarkady said. "4-Hers are two times more likely to participate in civic activities," .

Please check out the 4-H club's Window Displays which will be located at Antioch Public Library, Culvers in Mundelein, Einstein Bagels in Gurnee, Ela Library in Lake Zurich, Impression County, Antioch, Lake Villa District Library, Lake Villa.

One may learn more about joining 4-H by contacting University of Illinois Extension in Lake County at 847-223-8627 or emailing Sabrina Huley, 4-H Program Coordinator or Cindy Sarkady, 4-H Youth Development Educator at csarkady@illinois.edu.