09/01/2026
Illinois 7th and 8th Grade Youth Invited to Take Part in 4-H Junior Leadership Conference Set for November 14–15
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois youth in seventh and eighth grades (you do not have to be a 4-H member) are invited to take part in the 2026 Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference (JLC), a fun-filled weekend designed to help young people discover their leadership potential, build valuable life skills, and learn more about opportunities available through Illinois 4-H.
The conference will be held November 14–15, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 South Dirksen Parkway in Springfield. The event is open to any youth currently in seventh or eighth grade.
Throughout the conference, participants will take part in hands-on activities and engaging experiences focused on leadership development. Youth will have opportunities to strengthen skills in communication, decision-making, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, while meeting other 4-H members from across Illinois.
“The Junior Leadership Conference is an opportunity for young people to step outside their comfort zones, meet new friends, and begin developing the leadership skills they will use throughout their lives,” according to Illinois 4-H.
The conference registration fee is $215, which includes lodging, meals, a conference T-shirt, conference supplies, and activities.
Registration Opens August 31
Registration for the 2026 Junior Leadership Conference opens August 31, 2026, with a deadline of October 19, 2026. Participation is limited to the first 100 youth who register, and the conference typically reaches capacity well before the registration deadline. Youth and families are encouraged to register early. Once the conference reaches capacity, a waitlist will be activated.
Participants can register through the Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference website. Required forms will be included as part of the online registration process.
Youth who are not currently Illinois 4-H members will need to create a ZSuite account before registering. Registration assistance and information about creating a ZSuite account are available through Illinois 4-H.
Families also have several payment options. Participants may pay the registration fee by credit card during registration. In some counties, local Extension offices may be able to assist with all or part of the registration cost. Youth should contact their local Extension office before registering to determine whether county assistance is available.
Scholarships are also available for youth who need financial assistance. Scholarship requests can be made directly through the conference registration process in ZSuite. Applications will be reviewed closer to the registration deadline, and youth will be notified by email if they receive a scholarship. Scholarship opportunities are made possible through support from the Illinois 4-H Foundation.
A Weekend of Leadership and Connection
The conference begins Saturday, November 14, with check-in and ice breakers from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the conference program. Participants will remain at the hotel for the overnight experience and activities before being picked up at approximately 11:30 a.m. Sunday, November 15.
The Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team plans and leads the conference, creating an experience that combines leadership education, teamwork, fun, and opportunities for youth to connect with their peers from across the state.
The Junior Leadership Conference is one of many ways Illinois 4-H encourages young people to develop confidence and leadership skills that can benefit them in school, their communities, future careers, and beyond.
Youth interested in attending are encouraged to register as soon as possible because space is limited.
2026 Junior Leadership Conference at a Glance
• Who: Youth in 7th and 8th grades
• When: November 14–15, 2026
• Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield, Illinois
• Cost: $215, including lodging, meals, T-shirt, supplies, and activities
• Registration Opens: August 31, 2026
• Registration Deadline: October 19, 2026
• Capacity: First 100 youth registered
• Conference Contact: Katie Duitsman, [email protected], for programming and scholarship questions
• Registration/Logistics: Jessica Hays, [email protected]
For registration information and assistance, families are encouraged to visit the Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference website or contact their local Extension office.
Registration Guidance:
• Non-members will need to create a ZSuite account before registering for the event. Go to https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/participate/zsuite-enrollment-info to learn more.
• Need help registering for the event? Go to https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/events/zsuite-event-registration-how
Section Registering for a 4-H EventBelow are detailed instructions for registering for an event in the Zsuite system. Directions for Registering for an EventLog In to your family’s household ZSuite account at 4h.zsuite.org. Don’t have a ZSuite account already? Start one using the “SIGN UP” b...
