The Junior Leadership Conference is for 4-H members in 7th and 8th grade. This event is organized and conducted by the State 4-H Youth Leadership Team. Workshops help participants develop leadership skills, learn about 4-H opportunities, and explore 4-H project areas.
Have fun and make new friends at JLC!
Jr. Leadership Conference (JLC) will be held November 2-3 in Springfield, IL.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN NEED HELP REGISTERING IN ZSuite?
Check out the agenda and workshop descriptions.
Conference location: Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL.
Open to: any 4-H member in 7th or 8th grade
Cost: $200 (Fee covers lodging, t-shirt, meals, conference supplies and activities.)
Registration deadline: October 1, 2024
- Registration is limited to the first 100 youth who register.
- Participants are encouraged to register early as this conference usually reaches capacity before the registration deadline. A waitlist will be activated once capacity is reached.
- Approximately one week before the event, the conference agenda and other event details will be sent to the email provided during registration.
Required forms: All forms will be included in the online registration form.
Scholarships: Scholarship funds are available for 4-H member attendees who need financial assistance in order to attend. To apply, fill out the information requested on the conference registration. Your spot will be saved until we contact you regarding your scholarship status. We appreciate the support of the Illinois 4-H Foundation for providing these scholarships.
Payment options during registration:
- Members pay on their own by credit card at the time of registration.
- My County is Paying. Some (not all) counties may be able to assist with the registration fee. Members need to check with local extension staff prior to registration. A list will be sent to counties prior to the conference to verify that county will pay.
- Scholarship needed. 4-H members will apply online during the conference registration process.
Conference Check In on Saturday, Nov. 2: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Conference Program begins: 11:00 AM
Pick Up on Sunday, Nov. 3: 11:30 AM
What to wear: We will be doing lots of activities so bring comfortable clothes and shoes that would be normally worn to school.
Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations made by Oct. 1, 2024 will receive a full refund. Please let us know if you cannot attend so that we may let someone on the waiting list have the opportunity to experience this event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after Oct. 1, 2024 as event supplies have already been ordered. All cancellations and refund requests must be received in writing to the State 4-H Office by emailing Carla Blue, blue1@illinois.edu.
Volunteer Chaperones Needed:
Potential chaperones may apply by registering online using the registration button at the top.
Criteria: Adults who are at least 21 years of age may apply. Chaperones must be current with 4-H volunteer screening and training before the event. If screening is needed, please contact your local extension office. There is no charge for chaperones to attend the event. Chaperones will have an assigned roommate, but a preferred roommate (not a youth participant) may be requested. County staff are encouraged to share our need for chaperones with their volunteers. County staff are always welcome to serve as chaperones with permission from their county directors, if applicable. Approved chaperones will be notified by email in October. If more screened chaperones apply than what is needed for this event, chaperones will be determined by the date and time they registered online.
Saturday Workshops
Calling all Constructive Leaders! NOW HIRING! We are in need of a group of constructive leaders to help us design the future Cloverville, a place where 4-Hers can thrive! You will be learning how to communicate effectively in a small group. Join us as we brainstorm, design, and build this new home for 4-H!
Building Connections: Networking for Success: Ready to build your leadership network and open doors to exciting opportunities? In this workshop, you'll learn essential networking skills that will help you connect with like-minded individuals, make a lasting impression, and position yourself for future success in 4-H and beyond. Discover effective strategies for building meaningful relationships, crafting a compelling personal brand, and confidently selling yourself for internships, jobs, and leadership roles.
Constructing True Leaders in Equity: In this dynamic leadership workshop, we will delve into social norms preventing us from embracing our different strengths and perspectives. Participants will engage in interactive activities and discussions to identify and challenge biases while developing essential leadership skills to promote equity and inclusivity. By exploring how society influences our perceptions, students are empowered to lead as advocates, celebrating and valuing cultural pluralism in their clubs, communities, and beyond.
Building Together: A Hands-On Approach to Teamwork & Communications: Ready to put your teamwork and communication skills to the test? In this interactive workshop, you'll be challenged to construct an object as a team, but with a twist: each participant will have a specific role, either as a communicator, director, or builder. By working together effectively and leveraging your unique strengths, you'll learn valuable lessons about delegation, collaboration, and the power of clear communication. This hands-on experience will help you develop the skills needed to succeed in any team-based project, both inside and outside of 4-H.
Sunday Workshops
Community Service: Join us for a transformative community service workshop aimed at nurturing environmental consciousness among youth while fostering a sustainable future. In this hands-on session, participants will engage in an enriching experience of planting seeds in recycled materials, weaving together elements of environmental stewardship, creativity, and community engagement.
Brain Builders: Shaping Minds for Lifelong Health Get set for an exciting hands-on adventure where you'll do more than learn—you'll build a brain! Join the Illinois 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors to learn the importance of a strong foundation. You will work in teams to explore how the experiences you have early in life shape not only your brain but also your lifelong health and the well-being of your community. It's all about discovery, teamwork, and brain-building fun!
Leadership in Practice: Ready to be a leader in your community? In this interactive workshop, you'll have the opportunity to lead your team through a series of icebreakers and team-building challenges. Imagine yourself as the foreman of a construction crew, guiding your team to success. By practicing leadership in a fun and engaging environment, you'll develop essential skills that you can apply to your club and community. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to build your leadership career!