My name is Angela Miller from University of Illinois Extension. I am the contact person for all things 4-H in Jo Daviess County. I wanted to let you know about a few opportunities that are being offered which are open to all youth in our county. Traditionally, our programs are a blend of 4-H members and non-members and that is due to the help that we receive from our area schools. If I could ask a favor, would you please help us promote these opportunities with your students? If you could share this with your families digitally, through bulletin boards, by email, or whichever way is best for your school that would be wonderful. My goal is to spread the word!
A. The first opportunity is Being Present: A Mindfulness Workshop
Sometimes every day stress can get a little overwhelming. But how do you take time out? Join us for a Being Present: Mindfulness Workshop where parents and youth can learn some ways to calm down and take a moment to relax their mind and de-stress. Several short meditations will be used to focus on breathing and being present in one’s daily life. We will make a calming jar and do some yoga movements to help with de-stressing. Please dress in loose-fitting clothes and it’s optional to bring a mat. Cost is $5 and you do not have to be a 4-H member to attend. Register online at https://extension.illinois.edu/jsw. This workshop will be offered on Thursday, January 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Elizabeth Community Building located at 402 West Street, Elizabeth, IL.
B. The second opportunity is 2023 Norther IL 4-H Overnight Camp. (Last year Jo Daviess County youth had the most participation out of our nine counties that participated. That is amazing! To top it off- Jo Daviess County has 7 youth that were chosen to serve as camp counselors so campers from our county should see a friendly face)
We are beyond thrilled to announce that we are back to an overnight 4-H Camp and, again, attending Rock River Christian Camp this year, in Polo, Illinois. The dates have been set for Sunday, June 11 - Thursday, June 15, 2023. Rock River Christian Camp is a 94 acre, year round retreat and camping center. Youth facilities include nine cabins. 4-H Camp will offer a variety of safely-led activities such as: archery, crate stacking, arts and crafts, hiking, pool, nature study, team building and large group games. 4-H Camp 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. Historically, parents have sent their children to 4-H Camp for a variety of reasons: to have fun, to make new friends, to develop new skills, to be physically active, and to appreciate nature. 4-H Camp is about way more than a few days of fun. Sending your child to 4-H Camp will allow them to create memories they will carry with them through adulthood. 4-H camp teaches youth to make good decisions, build their self-confidence, become independent, and gain the ability to work well with others. These skills will help youth develop into strong adult leaders. In addition, 4-H camp counselors devote much of their personal time to ensure today’s campers have the same great experience they did as children. During camp week, youth will engage in a variety of activities designed to challenge, educate, and entertain. Free-choice periods will be offered daily and will include options such as hiking, shooting sports, arts and crafts, crate stacking, team-building challenges, zip-lining, swimming, and more. Early evening activities will be provided by the 4-H camp counselors and include campfires, a games night, and a backward scavenger hunt. It is guaranteed to be a blast!
4-H Camp is open to ALL boys and girls, ages 8-14 by June 11, 2023. 4-H membership is not required. Youth need to be interested and excited to have a week of outdoor fun, away from television and technology.
Camp Fee Schedule: (Camp fees include 4 nights of lodging, 11 meals, afternoon and evening snacks, a camp t-shirt, and camptivity and supplies)
Register by March 1……………………………..$300 (4-H members) or $320 (non-4-H members)
(Must be paid in full by March 1, or the price goes up)
Register after March 1…………………………..$350 (4-H members) or $370 (non-4-H members)
(Must be paid in full by May 15, or spot not held)
Download a camper application online or register online at: https://extension.illinois.edu/bdo/northern-illinois-4-h-camp. You may also call the Jo Daviess County Extension office at 815-858-2273.