Dream of being an engineer or architect? Enjoy building and designing? Then put your ideas and skills to work for the fourth annual Bridge Busting Competition with 4-H.

This fun, educational challenge is facilitated by the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, and sponsored by Rural King and the Fox Valley Family YMCA. Registration opens Oct. 10 for the 2017 annual Bridge Busting Competition, which will be Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at the YMCA in Plano.

“The annual competition provides an excellent learning and team-building opportunity for youth, teens, classes, clubs, families, and other groups,” said Jo Ann Britton, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator in Kendall County. “Registered teams will build bridges according to competition rules with provided supplies, and entries will be judged on aesthetics and tested for structural strength at the contest in January.”

Competition participants may enter in one of three categories: youth teams for ages 10 and older, family teams including adults and youth ages 10 or older, and school teams for grades 5 to 12. Teams must have a minimum of two members. Registered teams will pick up the official contest packet, which includes rules and regulations, general event information and all project supplies, in November, Britton said.

New this year, 4-H also will offer a demonstration entry choice, which is intended to give younger students, ages 5 to 9, the opportunity to practice engineering and design skills without competition. These groups also will have the option to conference with judges and/or break their bridge as a demonstration only. Teams may include one to two adults and any number of youth between ages 5 and 9 only. Space is very limited for this new option, Britton added.

“The annual Bridge Bust program is just one example of the experiential learning process that 4-H promotes through its community clubs, special interest clubs and school enrichment activities,” Britton said. “With partners like Rural King and the Fox Valley Family YMCA, we are able to bring this challenge to the community and highlight the importance of science, technology, engineering and math in a fun and educational way.”

To learn more or register your team, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/bridge. Space is limited. Registration closes Nov. 4 or when the program meets capacity. The cost is $40 per team. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please notify at registration or contact the Extension Office at (630) 553-5823.

To learn more about 4-H in your county, visit go.illinois.edu/info4Hdkk.