Effingham County 4-H is ranked third in the state for 4-H membership. But that could soon change.
Patti Logan, Effingham County 4-H Youth Development Program coordinator, has a goal of reaching 500 members this year.
“We are so close,” she said after being contacted by the state 4-H office. “We’re right on the edge of hitting that milestone.”
If that happens, Effingham County 4-H will be allowed to send more youth to the Illinois State Fair in clothing, foods and general projects.
“But even more exciting, we could also surpass the membership total of last year’s second-place county,” she added.
Thanks to the teamwork of leaders, volunteers, parents and fair superintendents, she said they’re making one final push to get there.
“Everyone’s checking rosters, reaching out, and making sure no member is left behind. It’s truly a community effort,” she said.
It’s that community effort that Logan credits for the strong membership and success of the program.
While Logan works hard to promote 4-H by setting up booths at community events and offering hands-on workshops to spark interest, she said it’s the “amazing” leaders who bring “the magic to life.”
“They make monthly meetings fun, engaging and meaningful, so much so that kids are excited to return each month,” she said.
And the parents are the glue, she notes, that holds it all together.
“They dedicate their time to volunteer at events, support club activities, and make sure their children get to every meeting. They turn this program into a true community,” she said.
But at the heart of it all are the members. She points out it’s their passion for learning, growing, and exploring their interests that fuels the program.
“These young people show up eager to take on new challenges, whether it is a workshop, a speaking event, or leading a community service project,” she said, noting 4-H gives them a space to build leadership skills, confidence and purpose.
“I have had the privilege of watching kids grow from Cloverbuds into confident young adults,” she said.
Logan has been a part of 4-H for 30 years and is now seeing third-generation family members showing projects in the organization.
“That kind of legacy is rare and deeply meaningful,” she said.
She believes it’s proof that 4-H isn’t just a club but a tradition, a family and a lifelong influence.
Longtime 4-H member Emma Beckman believes generational tradition is one of the reasons membership is so high. But the added offerings in recent years are attracting families new to the program as well.
“Obviously, it’s changed. There’s a lot more offered,” she said.
Logan said there’s still a common misconception that 4-H is only for kids who raise animals.
“That couldn’t be further from the truth,” she said. “4-H has something for everyone.”
Effingham County 4-H has 21 clubs, several of which are SPIN or special-interest clubs. Kids can learn about photography, robotics, cooking, sewing, public speaking, leadership and community service, to name a few, she said.
She also notes that many families of 4-H members live in town in Effingham County.
“You don’t need to live on a farm to benefit from 4-H. You just need curiosity, a willingness to learn and a passion to grow. That’s what 4-H is really about,” she said.
4-H Leader Angie Moeller admits there are many other opportunities in this area for kids to participate and join. Still, she believes the reason Effingham County 4-H ranks near the top in the state in membership is the tight-knit nature of its clubs. She compares each to a family unit, where members become close to each other.
She also attributes strong membership to the decision-making ability the clubs have.
“Let them be the leaders. They’re learning new things, trying new things, and being involved,” she said.
Logan has seen members who have grown to become leaders in the organization, such as Ethan Savage and Otto Van Dyke.
During National 4-H Week, they make sure ribbons are hung in every community across the county, get the proclamation organized with the Effingham County Board, and secure radio spots so members can promote 4-H.
Every opportunity the two have during the Effingham County Fair, Logan said, they ask her what she needs help with and what still needs to be done.
“They are ready to take charge and make sure everything is running smoothly,” she said. “Youth like Ethan and Otto, who have quietly stepped into leadership and service, are the reason this program continues to thrive.”
With so many options now in 4-H, Moeller believes it’s a good way for kids not involved in other extracurricular activities, such as sports, to find out what they like.
“What’s a passion they didn’t know they had? You have a chance to learn and find out what you like and what your strengths are. You might not have had a chance to do that in school or sports,” she said.
Moeller noted her daughter discovered her love for photography in 4-H and now has her own business.
She also believes the Effingham County Fair draws new membership.
After attending many other fairs throughout the state, she said Effingham’s is the best because it offers so much. She attributes part of that to the robust 4-H portion of the fair, which she notes some fairs don’t even include anymore.
“It kind of sparks some interest that way,” she said, adding publicity of the county program has been good in general, from handing out information at Wonderland in Lights to putting up ribbons throughout downtown Effingham for 4-H Week.
“I had kids join because they saw that at Wonderland in Lights,” she said.
And when she had a Cloverbud Camp recently, she noted she had lots of adult and high school volunteers.
“Having leaders that are dedicated and want to do the best for the kids and keep them learning and growing, I think that’s definitely a plus in Effingham County. Just volunteers that are willing to do things on their own time. We’re definitely blessed with people who are willing to do that,” she said.
Logan notes an example of that is the superintendents who ensure every child has a positive experience on show day at the Effingham County Fair, often putting aside time they could be spending helping their own children in order to guide another 4-H family who may be learning the ropes for the first time. Whether it’s calming nerves, answering questions, or offering a last-minute helping hand, Logan said they step up without hesitation and create a welcoming, supportive environment for all. Swine superintendent Alan Kollmann is one example.
“Last year, he came to me with a grin and said, ‘You’re making my job really difficult, I don’t have enough pens for all these pigs!’” she said. “He had every pen full and was already thinking ahead, knowing most of the Cloverbuds at the Cloverbud graduation had swine projects coming up. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that Alan will have it all figured out; he always does.”
Logan said she has stood beside members in their earliest projects and wiped away tears with them on their final show day.
“The hardest part of this job is wiping away tears when we announce that this is a member’s final class as an Effingham County 4-H participant,” she said. “It’s the moment we all get choked up, because while it’s hard to see them go, it’s also one of the most beautiful parts of what we do. We’re not just saying goodbye; we’re celebrating everything they’ve become. We’re so proud to have walked this journey with them.”
For more information about Effingham County 4-H, including how to join, contact the local University of Illinois Extension office at 217-347-7773.