The post-4-H Fair rest and recovery period is barely past us and it's already time to kick off a new year.

Lindsey Burden at the University of Illinois Extension Office in DeWitt County says the new 4-H year opened September 1 and that means it is time for youth to start getting back together with their clubs and plan on workshops and all the things that encompass 4-H.

There are plenty of programs to take advantage for youth in DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties. Burden says the highlight of the clubs is the ever-growing robotics club where the kids are doing some phenomenal things.

According to Burden, if you are interested in 4-H but wonder if you have the time for it, there is not that much of a time commitment. She feels there is something for everyone and feels it is a good experience for youth to take on.

If you're interested in joining 4-H or finding out more about it, you can contact Burden at the DeWitt County University of Illinois Extension Office at 217-935-5764 or visit go.illinois.edu/dmp.