Deadlines nearing for 2014 4-H program enrollments

Where can youth learn life skills and work to master knowledge by selecting from more than 70 topics that include shooting sports, scrapbooking, photography, sewing, aerospace, ATV safety, small engines and model building crafts?

The answer is 4-H. Enrollment forms may be found on the Purdue Extension Putnam County website listed below and new this year are the two projects career exploration and plumbing. Youth grades 3-12 are welcome to join 4-H and are reminded that the deadline to enroll is Monday, March 17.

Some projects may have openings after that date. It is best to get signed up now to assure availability of all projects. The 4-H program is more than the important lessons learned from showing livestock or farm activities that come to mind with most individuals. It is actually a misnomer that one must have animals or be on a farm to enroll in 4-H.

The 2014 handbook is now available online, via CD or $3 for a hardcopy in the Extension office which details all project offerings.

Besides the project features of 4-H, there are many trips, awards and scholarship aspects.

The 4-H Science Workshops occur during June and cover a variety of topics ranging from aerospace-computer science-electric-engineering-entomology-food science-plant science-animal science and veterinary science. The animal science portion offers one to select from nine different species and includes aquatic science. The veterinary science workshop has both a large and a small animal option. There are three options of horticulture, agronomy and Mission to Mars in the plant science workshop.

Also there is 4-H Roundup where 4-Hers learn about careers, leadership development and team building activities. There is sponsorship for these workshops to assist with at least half of the registration fees.

Most of these workshops are three-day events that occur at Purdue, West Lafayette. Therefore, regardless of whether one is a Purdue fan, one can experience being on a large university campus and gain that valuable experience. After having a sponsor paying half the fee, the cost for most of these events is $90 or less.

The state band and state chorus workshops have slightly higher fees but are also additional options for 4-Hers.

Any 4-Her interested in the 2014 trips or workshops should indicate by marking the enrollment form appropriately or contacting the Extension office. To have increased opportunity for sponsorship, please have your enrollment info provided or trip request into the Extension office by April 1.

Those 4-Hers in grades 7-12 are also eligible to join Junior Leaders and the next meeting March 11. Due to a scheduling conflict the location is TBD and will be placed on the web calendar or you may call the office to learn location.

Junior Leaders is a project where youth return the favors of others who have gone before them in terms of providing assistance and encouragement to younger 4-Hers. This special group may apply to become camp counselors, serve as junior superintendents during project judging at county fair, and most importantly learn by conducting service learning projects and solving community problems in a team atmosphere. Leadership development roles are provided.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.pur-due.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week's column topic 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.

Upcoming Events

March 10 -- Leader Lesson "Your Emergency Clean-up Bucket List," 1 p.m., Extension Office.

March 11 -- Putnam 4-H Junior Leader meeting, 7 p.m., location TBD.

March 15 -- Putnam County Ag Day.

March 17 -- Putnam 4-H enrollment deadline for all projects available.

March 29 -- Breast cancer awareness events, 8 a.m.-noon, 12 Central Square.

April 1 -- Enrollment forms due for 4-H Beef steers and X-bred heifers.