The Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference (JLC) is an engaging, hands-on event designed for junior high 4-H members in 7th and 8th grade. It introduces youth to the many opportunities within Illinois 4-H while helping them begin their leadership journey. Participants build skills in communication, decision making, and teamwork through interactive workshops and activities. The event is planned and led by the State 4-H Youth Leadership Team, giving members the chance to learn from their peers while exploring leadership, 4-H opportunities, and project areas.
Jr. Leadership Conference (JLC) will be held November 14-15, 2026
Open to: Any youth in 7th or 8th grade in fall 2026
Cost: $215 (Fee covers lodging, t-shirt, meals, conference supplies, and activities.)
Conference location: Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL.
Registration Opens: August 31, 2026 Registration Deadline: October 19, 2026
- 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.
- Required forms: All forms will be included in the online registration form.
Registration Guidance:
- Non-members will need to create a ZSuite account before registering for the event. Check out ZSuite Enrollment Info to learn more.
- Go to the ZSuite Event Registration How-To for step-by-step and video instructions on registering for Illinois 4-H Events.
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. 4-H Members need to check with local extension staff prior to registration. County staff will submit a County Payment Coverage Form for State Events if they will be covering all or part of the event fees.
- Scholarship needed. Members will apply directly during the conference registration process.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made by October 9, 2026, will receive a full refund. After October 9, 2026, cancellations are non-refundable.
How to Apply for Scholarships: Please note the Scholarship Deadline has passed.
Scholarship funds are available for youth attendees who need financial assistance to attend the conference. To apply, complete the scholarship information requested during conference registration in ZSuites. Scholarship applications will be reviewed closer to the registration deadline, and youth will be notified by email if they have been awarded a scholarship.
We appreciate the Illinois 4-H Foundation's support in providing these scholarship opportunities.
Saturday Workshops
Seas the Day: Networking for Effective Leaders
In the vast ocean of leadership, strong communication is the current that carries you forward. In this interactive workshop, participants will dive into action that build confidence, spark conversation, and strengthen networking skills. From playful icebreakers to creative challenges, you'll explore how to express ideas clearly and connect with others. Through networking games and real-world practice, you'll discover how meaningful relationships can help you navigate any leadership journey and make a splash wherever you go.
Anchor Your Actions
Learn to “take the helm” of your actions instead of drifting into excuses. Through fun, ocean-inspired activities and real-life scenarios, you will explore how your choices create ripples that affect others. You will learn how to drop the excuses, anchor yourself in responsibility, and steer your decisions in a positive direction - building trust and confidence along the way.
Captain of Your Own Ship
Set sail on a journey to understand who you are as a leader and where you want to go. Through creative ocean‑themed activities, you will uncover your strengths and explore new ways to grow. You will walk away with a personal leadership map that guides your next steps.
Rising Tides
Dive in and build your own Coral Reef Village! You and your crew will work together to tackle unexpected challenges, adapt to changing tides, and keep your village afloat. Along the way, you’ll discover how communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving can help your crew navigate whatever comes your way.
Sunday Workshops
Tide Together - Community Service
Tide Together reminds us that leaders don’t just float with the current; they create waves that lift others up. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore how simple acts of service can spark meaningful change in their communities. Through creative activities, you’ll discover how small efforts can ripple outward, identify ways to support those around you, and learn what it means to lead with compassion and purpose beneath the waves.
Escape the Sunken Sub
Dive into an unforgettable underwater adventure! After a violent storm, your research submarine was left stranded in the depths. With time running out, you must work together to explore the wreckage and uncover the secrets hidden beneath the sea. Success will require teamwork, creativity, and sharp problem-solving skills. Will your team recover the treasure and escape the sunken sub, or remain trapped beneath the waves forever?
Take the Helm!
Ready to take the helm and put your leadership skills into action? In this interactive workshop, you’ll guide your crew through icebreakers, team-building activities, and challenges that put you in the leader’s seat. Practice communicating, making decisions, and keeping your crew on course—all while building skills you can take back to your 4-H club and community. All hands on deck—it’s your turn to lead!
