Illinois 4-H's Healthy Living programs encompass physical health, nutrition, and social-emotional well-being, empowering youth to make positive choices for themselves, their families, and their communities. Addressing substance abuse prevention and mental health issues, 4-H builds a foundation for confident, compassionate young leaders with strong decision-making and interpersonal skills. Emphasizing social-emotional health and proper nutrition, the programs promote self-care and healthy habits, fostering holistic well-being and resilience in youth. This holistic approach equips them to lead meaningful lives and positively impact their communities and beyond.

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The Get Experience in Mindfulness (GEM) Program is an awareness and acceptance mindfulness-based stress management program.  The GEM program lessons…
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Through 4-H Mindful Mechanics, teens are encouraged to build positive relationships by expressing care, concern, and gratitude for others, build…
lego heads showing various emotions
Feelings can be confusing!  Your Feelings Matter allows youth to explore what emotions are, how to express them, and how to react to them in a…
teen meditating
This health & wellness program utilizes children’s literature and hands-on activities to introduce youth to basic concepts in mindfulness…
Health Rocks! focuses on life skills and decision-making development to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and e-cigarette/vaping use.  The interactive lessons…
Food and Nutrition
4-H Cooking 101 is an introductory cooking program for youth to learn about nutrition, food preparation skills, and food safety by preparing simple…
Health and Fitness
Create safe, affirming and fair environments where youth can improve their social and emotional learning, build positive relationships, and reduce…
teenage boy speaking to group
Understand what mental health means and its impact on those around us. Learn about different mental health disorders and identify strategies for self…
Food and Nutrition
Learn food safety, food preparation, nutrition, and kitchen safety. Then participate in a culminating team food challenge event where youth plan,…