Opinion

Accomplishment records important for opportunities, future of 4-H'ers

Monday, August 16, 2010

Recordkeeping is not a favorite of many people. Some forms of record keeping, like having the winning football score or scrapbooking memories provide enjoyment. This is especially true when individuals can reflect back on great moments in life. The 4-H'er learns and is responsible for many different types of record keeping that in some cases is project specific while in other cases it involves the entire 4-H career.

All 4-H'ers should complete and submit "My Record of Achievement" forms to the Extension office as soon as possible. These forms allow the Extension staff to tally points based on the activities of the 4-H'er during year. These points continue to accumulate during the career of the 4-H'er which may potentially encompass 10 years. It is nearing the end of the year, so to speak, in the Extension office as many reports are being compiled and completed. These pieces of data, though, are not simply for the office staff to report activity; rather they are important for the 4-H'er to be eligible for awards and to accurately document activity on resumés, scholarship applications and other communication mechanisms.

Awards given to 4-H'ers at the upcoming 4-H Achievement and Leader Recognition night on Nov. 6 will be one reflection of reporting 4-H activity. One of the most coveted 4-H awards, won by John Sims in 2009, is the "Spirit of 4-H" award. This award is based on the total number of community service activities, projects, attitude and relationships with peers, etc. that one accumulates during his or her entire 4-H career.

When completing a scholarship application, a complete and current folder containing all submitted "My Record of Achievement" forms is a good place to start to summarize all of the activities and projects in which learning occurred. Being in 4-H is certainly not a requirement to get into college. However showing dedication by being a 10-year 4-H'er and participating in the learning activities of projects is a help. For example, being able to state that they were in livestock and vet science or health projects, respectively, reflects very positively for students who desire acceptance into veterinary school or nursing school.

The due date is Sept. 10 to assure consideration for 2010 awards. Please call if you have questions or ask your 4-H leader, who will be willing to help. The form is on the Purdue Extension-Putnam County website.

Check our website www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to view the most up to date information. Also, all interested in the Putnam County 4-H program are encouraged to join the Putnam County 4-H Facebook group, which has nearly 200 members. You can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding column topics or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time.

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Upcoming Events

August 6-22: Indiana State Fair

August 17: New Putnam Master Gardener Class Begins

August 18: RSVP Due, Fall District Extension Homemakers Meeting

August 30: Fall District Extension Homemakers Meeting, Putnam Fairgrounds

August 31: Beef Program, David & Hope Sutherlin Farm, 2 p.m.

September 10: 4-H My Record of Achievement Due