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.
Have fun and make new friends at JLC!
Jr. Leadership Conference (JLC) will be held March 7–8, 2026
Conference location: Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL.
Open to: Any 4-H member in 7th or 8th grade in fall 2025
Cost: $200 (Fee covers lodging, t-shirt, meals, conference supplies and activities.)
Location: Springfield, IL
Registration Opening: November 7, 2025
- Deadline to register: Friday, January 30, 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.
- Approximately one week before the event, the conference agenda and other event details will be sent to the email provided during registration.
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds (minus credit card fees) are available for cancellations made by January 1, 2026. After January 30, 2026, cancellations are non-refundable.
Saturday Workshops
Survival Skills: Tackling Failure in Life’s Jungle
In the wild world of leadership, challenges are everywhere but so is growth! In this workshop, participants will explore how facing fear and failure head-on builds strength and confidence. Through reflection and goal-setting, you’ll learn how to navigate life’s jungle and come out stronger, braver, and ready to lead.
Build Your Brand: Unleash Your Inner Wild
Every leader has a unique roar! In this interactive workshop, participants will explore their authentic selves and learn to embrace what makes them stand out in the jungle of life. Through engaging activities and self-reflection, you’ll discover how to express your individuality, build confidence, and create a personal brand that reflects the true you.
Overcoming Peer Pressure
In a world full of noise, staying true to yourself takes courage. In this workshop, participants will learn strategies to stand up for their values and resist negative peer pressure. Through team activities and interactive discussions, you’ll strengthen your ability to make confident choices and lead with integrity, even when the vines get tangled.
Wild Moves: Dance, Wellness, and Confidence in Motion
Get your heart pumping and your energy flowing in the jungle! This upbeat workshop uses dance and movement to promote physical wellness, confidence, and teamwork. Participants will explore how staying active supports both body and mind while learning fun ways to express leadership through motion. No dance experience needed—just a willingness to move, groove, and let your wild side shine!
Sunday Workshops
Community Service
Leaders don’t just survive in the jungle, they make it better for others. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore how small acts of service can create a big difference in their communities. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, you’ll learn how to identify community needs, take action, and lead with compassion.
Jungle Escape
In this interactive “Jungle Escape” workshop, participants work together to overcome challenges that represent common fears like embarrassment, failure, and asking for help. Through fun, hands-on activities and teamwork, they learn that courage grows when you step outside your comfort zone and support others along the way.
Leadership in Practice
Ready to lead your pack? In this active workshop, you’ll guide your team through challenges and icebreakers designed to test your problem-solving and leadership skills. Learn how to communicate, motivate, and adapt like a true jungle trailblazer. By the end, you’ll walk away with practical skills to lead your club and community with confidence.
