Kane County 4-H Hosts International Night Feb. 20 in St. Charles
Would you like to explore several countries without ever leaving Illinois? At the annual Kane County 4-H International Night, visitors can discover the geography, culture and food of many nations, all while staying close to home.
"International Night is a great experience for both 4-H youth and our communities," said Doris Braddock, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator. "Through the 4-H Passport to the World project, youth not only learn about another country and its cultures, but they gain skills in presenting that information both visually and verbally to the community."
4-H Community Clubs spend months studying a specific country and then create a booth displaying the geographical and cultural aspects of the nation. Some also prepare craft stations, songs and skits, or food to reflect their study country, Braddock added.
On Friday, Feb. 20, event participants are invited to "travel" to the different countries by visiting the 4-H club booths, earning punches to a passport each time they answer a trivia question correctly for a country, explained Braddock.
At this year's event, several Kane County 4-H Clubs will participate, sharing research on Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, India, and the Netherlands
"These hands-on activities nurture a love of learning, as well as encourage youth to become good local and global citizens," Braddock said. "International Night is just one of several 4-H opportunities that help youth gain an understanding of the world around them."
The event will be 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the Prairie Events Center Atrium at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. A suggested donation for admission is $1 per person. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact the office at (630) 584-6166 at least two weeks prior to the event.
4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. For more information about 4-H Youth Development programs in Kane County, contact Doris Braddock at (630) 584-6166 or at dbraddoc@illinois.edu.
For more about University of Illinois Extension programs in your county, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/. University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems.