Christian County 4-H

08/25/2026

Fall is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to get crafty!

Join us for a Macramé Pumpkin Workshop where youth will learn the basics of macramé while creating an adorable pumpkin to take home. This hands on workshop is perfect for beginners and is a great way to get creative, learn a new skill, and make a fun fall decoration.

Ages 8–18
Cost: $3 to cover supplies
You do not have to be a 4-H member to participate!

Spots are limited, so don't wait! Learn more and register here: https://go.illinois.edu/MacrameCC

08/24/2026

Are you interested in sewing or want to learn how? Join us this fall for the 4-H Sewing Spin Club!

Learn new sewing skills, work on fun projects, and get hands-on experience with a sewing machine. No previous sewing experience is needed, and equipment will be provided!

Learn more and register here: go.illinois.edu/sewingspin

08/20/2026

Project Spotlight: Food Preservation

Do you like pickles on your hamburgers? What about chips and salsa, peanut butter and jelly, or jerky? Food preservation is a way to enjoy seasonal fresh-grown fruits, vegetables, and even meats, all year long! The foods mentioned can all be preserved by canning, pickling, freezing, or drying.

Food Preservation Project - Preserving your own garden produce can help extend your family’s food budget while guaranteeing your food is healthy and safe. You can choose from several preservation methods: canning fruits and vegetables, making jams and jellies and preserves, freezing fruit and vegetables, drying produce and meats, and making pickles.

Youth learn how to safely preserve tomatoes, vegetables, and meats and use these home-canned foods in healthy recipes. The manual includes nutrition information, kitchen basics, the basics of the preservation procedure, and activities for the youth to conduct to learn the techniques. Activities include canning vegetables, beans, and combinations of meat and vegetables.

Want a hands-on experience? Learn how to preserve your tomato harvest with our Food and Nutrition Educator, Lisa Peterson at the Preserve the Harvest Workshop on August 29! Want to start smaller, check out details about the project and try out the Freezer Jam recipe!

Check out this Preserve the Harvest Workshop with our Food & Nutrition Educator: https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-08-29-preserve-harvest-tomatoes

Learn more about the project: https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/ways-participate/projects/food-preservation

Learn more about different types of Food Preservation: https://nchfp.uga.edu/

08/19/2026

Check out this state event!

Explore this hands-on arts day where youth explore creativity in nature through new ways to experiment, make, and express themselves. From bold art techniques to quiet moments of noticing the world around you, youth move through four stations, try out new ideas, and discover the sparks of creativity you didn’t even know were there.

Registration is open for the 2026 Echoes & Embers Art Camp in Ottawa, IL!

Explore this hands‑on arts day where youth explore creativity in nature through new ways to experiment, make, and express themselves. From bold art techniques to quiet moments of noticing the world around you, youth move through four stations, try out new ideas, and discover the sparks of creativity you didn’t even know were there.

This camp is open to youth ages 8–14 and will be held Monday, October 12 at 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Thanks to generous support from our 4-H Foundation, this experience is offered at no cost to participants. Lunch will be provided.

Register before September 25 at: go.illinois.edu/EchoesAndEmbers

08/18/2026

Calling all CLUB LEADERS: Check out this training opportunity for incorporating Food Science into 4-H Meetings!

Calling all club leaders!

Elevate your 4-H Club Meetings with an exciting opportunity to integrate fun and engaging food science experiments. Join our hands-on virtual workshop, where Linda Perucca from the Chicagoland Food Science Foundation will guide you through tasty activities that bring food science concepts to life.

Discover the art of product development with a potato chip seasoning lab, craft ice cream in a bag right from home, and enjoy demonstrations on creating bubble gum and rock candy. Plus, registered participants have the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card to stock up on supplies for your club.

Date and Time: September 17, 7–8 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Audience: 4-H club leaders

For details and registration, visit go.illinois.edu/fun-food-science-4-h-club-meetings

Let's make learning delicious!