Get to know 4-H in October with free family-friendly events in DuPage

University of Illinois Extension will host several free events in October for local families to learn about 4-H in DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties.

"4-H Youth Development programs provide ways for youth to belong to a community, give back, learn things they're interested in, and develop independence," said Amy Henschen, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development. "In 4-H, youth can explore scores of projects ranging from art to veterinary science."

The seven project areas include animal science, career and leadership development, creative arts, environmental sciences, global civic engagement, healthy living and nutrition, and STEM. Every county in Illinois has a 4-H program, which is operated through University of Illinois Extension, and open to youth aged 5 to 18, with Cloverbud programs designed for ages 5 to 7.

Throughout National 4-H Week, Oct. 6-12, and the month of October, stop in to one of the free kickoff open house events to meet 4-H Club leaders and staff, ask questions, see projects or curriculum, and do fun hands-on activities.

The DuPage County 4-H Clover kickoff will be 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton.

A Robotics Open House with 4-H will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at the DuPage County office, 1100 E. Warrenville Road, Suite 170, Naperville.

Find out more about any of these events at extension.illinois.edu/dkk/events or find our events at www.facebook.com/extensiondkk/events/.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact your local University of Illinois Extension office. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.