4-H Camp is a five-day, four-night residential camping experience that is conducted cooperatively by University of Illinois Extension staff in Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties and the professional staff at RRCC.

Leaf River is celebrating the season with the Festival of Trees hosted by the Charles D. Bertolet Foundation.

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club celebrated its annual Christmas party Dec. 8.

Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club members donated some nonperishable food and a check to Loaves and Fish Food Pantry.

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club meets the second Monday of each month in the River Valley Complex in Leaf River at 6:30 p.m.

From Oct. 9 through Nov. 21, the National 4-H organization encouraged club members to participate in the Wicked For Good Challenge. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club participated in two different activities for this challenge.

Feathered gobblers are much more than the center of customers’ holiday meals for Renee Koster and her family at Windsweep Farm in Lee County.

Ogle County 4-H recently announced that Karen Marsh has been inducted into the 2025 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, recognizing her 24 years of service and dedication to local youths.

Ninety-eight Ogle County 4-H members were honored for their achievements during the 2025 4-H year at club programs this fall.

Local 4-H members are collecting donations for three causes: supporting local food pantries, bringing comfort to pediatric patients at Serenity Hospice, and creating warmth for patients at OSF St. Katharine Medical Center.

Brandon Clark spoke with Katie Baker, Lee County’s 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator, on Talk Line. They discussed local 4-H programs, community projects, and upcoming opportunities for kids.

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles celebrated the new 4-H year with a kick-off party at the Lingbeck Farm on Oct. 4.

Ogle County’s top 4-H members and clubs were honored for outstanding achievement at a special program held Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in the Pinecrest Grove Theatre.

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club had its monthly meeting on Oct. 13, 2025.

The TALK-LINE interview for Oct. 20 featured the 4-H Youth Development Coordinator with Lee County Extension, Katie Baker, discussing upcoming events, including a “Pumpkin Smash” at Sauk Valley Community College on Nov. 8 through Lee County Extension.

The Mendota 4-H BB Gun Club is a youth program focused on teaching firearm safety, the responsible use of firearms, and marksmanship skills through BB guns.

During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 5-11, 2025, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.

The University of Illinois Extension and 4-H clubs will host hands-on activities and provide opportunities for families to meet staff and volunteer leaders.

Kendall County 4-H members can explore dozens of projects in seven areas of study.

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles had their first meeting of the new 4-H year Sept. 8.

The TALK-LINE interview for Sept. 15 featured Lee County Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator Katie Baker discussing re-enrollment and participation in the 10 Lee County 4-H chapters.

Lindsay Young, formerly of Sterling, was presented the 2025 Illinois 4-H Alumni Award on Aug. 8, 2025, at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield for her contributions to her profession, service to her community and support of the 4-H program.

Ogle County 4-H Fair General Projects winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Horse Show winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Clothing Show winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Cat Show winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Swine Show winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Sheep Show winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Poultry Show winners were recently named.

The 2025 Ogle County 4-H Senior Master Showman winner was Luke Lichty of Ogle Jolly 4-H Club. The runner up was Ayden Alderks, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Dairy Show winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Beef Show winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Goat Show winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Foods Contest winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Llama and Alpaca Show winners were recently named.

Ogle County 4-H Fair Quality Meats Show winners were recently named.

The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 12 featured Lee County Extension 4-H Youth Development Coordinator Katie Baker.

The Merry Martha Club donated a check to the group from money received at their recent quilt auction.

A 4-H workshop at the Rock Falls library Monday, July 28, 2025, taught kids about animal health.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 25 featured Lee County Fair and 4-H Show Board Member Josie Hussey.

Check out photos from the Marshall-Putnam County 4-H Fair on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds in Henry. The show continues Thursday with judging, tractor driving contest, rocket launch and silent auction.

See local 4-H club members in action with their animals and experience the wide array of displays and presentations

The Foundation will offer soft-serve ice cream, flurries, sundaes and root beer floats from Aug. 5 to 9, 2025, during the Carroll County Fair.

The Youth In Ag Foundation presentation of scholarships and the Brownfield Ag awards will begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. The auction starts at 7 p.m. in the Carroll County Fairgrounds' Poultry Barn.

The TALK-LINE interview for July 21 featured Lee County Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator Katie Baker discussing youth summer workshops coming up at the end of this month.

Members of the Bureau Valley FFA chapter were honored at the 97th annual Illinois FFA State Convention held June 10-12 in Springfield.

4-H'ers from around the region flocked to the La Salle Fairgrounds for this year's La Salle County 4-H Fair.

The 2025 Bureau County 4-H Fair kicked off on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at the Bureau County Fairgrounds in Princeton. The fair runs through Saturday.

Contestants gulped down watermelon during the watermelon eating contest, a dog show and judging kicked off the the La Salle County 4-H Fair on Thursday, July 10, 2025 in Ottawa. Check out photos from Kyle Russell.

The Marshall-Putnam 4-H and Extension Foundation will host its annual silent auction during the 4-H Show from July 22-24 at the M-P Fairgrounds in Henry.