9 year member of the Balcom Lucky Clovers 4-H Club in Union County; 22 year leader of the Balcom Hillstompers 4-H Club in Union County
Barbara Bauer has spent most of her life involved in 4-H. For many of those years she has been a participant, a sponsor, and a host of international students for 50 years. She is currently an IFYE coordinator for Union County 4-H. The following is a list of noteable experiences Barbara has had in 4-H: Illinois 4-H Leadership Continuation Committee, National 4-H Club Congress delegate, IFYE delegate to Turkey in 1957, met husband on international experience in 4-H, National IFYE Board, has hosted 76 4-H program youth from other lands, and her husband, mother and grandfather were all 4-H leaders. Her husband has also served on the National IFYE Board. Barbara is a graduate of the University of Illinois and lived at 4-H House Sorority as a student. Barbara stated, "4-H has been the most influential developmental experience of my life, so I made the commitment to offer the same opportunities to youngsters." Her children and grandchildren have all been 4-H members. She has been delighted to be a part of IFYE and allow youth an opportunity to see the world. Barbara has long been a positive influence in the lives of 4-H youth. She continues to be a hardworking, dedicated, loving and caring role model for our youth. Her commitment to the youth she works with is like no other and she serves as model for other 4-H leaders and volunteers to follow.