Extension office will host volunteer training

University of Illinois Extension - Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam Counties will host a series of volunteer trainings for current 4-H community club leaders and other Extension volunteers, as well as those interested in becoming leaders and volunteers.

Continuing Education trainings are important for volunteers because they keep volunteers up to date on the newest information from Extension and the best practices in youth development. Extension provides volunteers with strategies and skills to help shape hands-on learning programs and activities for 4-H youth. But most of all, Extension can support their volunteers in their continued work and commitment to the organization and in every youth, family and community. They encourage everyone to participate for these reasons.

The first in a series of three continuing education volunteer trainings will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, in rooms CTC 124/125 at Illinois Valley Community College. The topic covered will be “Ages & Stages: Appropriate Activities for Each Age Group.” If you work with youth of all ages, you know that an 8 year old is different than a 13 year old. How do you know what their social and emotional needs are? How do you design activities to keep them engaged yet not frustrated? How do you get teenagers to interact? This first session will help answer those questions, and others. To register for this session, go to https://forms.gle/TGmcy1Bvf3J628n86. There is no cost to register. Registrations are due by Nov. 5. Masks will be required, and social distancing will be practiced.

The second session will occur via Zoom from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. To learn about recreation and program planning, you won’t have to venture out in the winter winds and snow; you can stay cozy in your own home while learning about recreational activities for all ages, program planning steps and resources available. This is perfect for anyone coordinating community clubs, SPIN clubs, day camps and/or one-day events. Register by Jan. 20, 2022, at https://illinois.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlf-GtpzsrGddVwJwy4GpSjC8onjq8r4hd.

The last session will be a project planning workshop. Do you need to learn about available venues to hold workshops? Do you need names of guest speakers and experienced professionals to share their knowledge and skills with youth audiences? Do you struggle to find funding or interest in the workshops you have already planned? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then join them from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, at the University of Illinois Extension Education Center and Community Teaching Kitchen at 944 First St. in LaSalle. Register by Feb. 17, 2022, at https://forms.gle/hf8dJRr47ZifN72c9. Masks will be required, and social distancing will be practiced.

Please note that each session has its own registration link. This allows you to register for one, or all, of the sessions. Please respect the “register by” date as refreshments will be provided, and the agenda will be tailored to participant needs. For more information, contact Beth Dellatori, 4-H youth development educator, at beth5@illinois.edu or 815-224-0889.

The mission of University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. Visit their website at https://extension.illinois.edu/blmp.

If you have questions or need more information, call University of Illinois Extension- Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit Office at 815-224-0889. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, indicate when registering or contact the Extension office. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.