4-H develops life skills through workshops

Summer is here and finally it feels like it on the thermometer. The calendar is also showing it is summer as 4-H camp, summer 4-H workshops and trips kick off.

In terms of workshops, there are numerous family opportunities for fun learning. There are cake decorating, electricity, fine arts, genealogy, public speaking/demonstration, sewing and wood science workshops scheduled in the upcoming events.

Additionally, if anyone would like to volunteer to teach or lead a workshop, the Putnam County 4-H program in most situations would be happy to help facilitate additional workshops.

These workshops provide hands-on knowledge and can be family interactive opportunity. Life skill development and career learning are the outcomes of these workshops.

Most youth report knowledge gain and cite career decision making as the key impact after attending programs. If one does not desire an electrical or plumbing career, still acquiring basic knowledge to fix or avoid problems around the home are invaluable.

Also at these workshops, the 4-H’er must take the lead in being the hands constructing and working the project itself. Any adult (parent, grandparent, friend etc.) who sews a 4-H’ers sewing project, constructs the poster or the wood project or works the animals, etc. without the 4-H’er having the primary roles cheats the 4-H’er.

I cannot imagine how embarrassing it could be for a youth who consistently received blue ribbons or higher awards to have another individual in high school or post high school assume vast knowledge due to past winnings only to have to admit they did not possess skills because someone else did their work.

Sharing, showing and demonstration by adults is great. 4-H activities and work provide great family bonding and memorable experiences.

In the end, we must remember the primary goal is for youth in grades 3-12 to learn and achieve rather than for adults to be proud of the ribbon, award or banner received.

Visit www.extension.purdue.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 make contact 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

June 6 – Photography 4-H Workshop, Extension Office, 6:30 p.m.

June 6 – Wood Science/Craft 4-H Workshop, Steve Lien Shop, 6 p.m.

June 6 – My Record of Achievement 4-H Workshop, Extension Office, 10 a.m.

June 8 – Fine Arts 4-H Workshop, York Automotive Building, Fairgrounds, 9 a.m.

June 8 – Public Speaking/Demo 4-H Workshop, York Automotive Building, Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.

June 13 – Electricity 4-H Workshop, Harris Hall, 9 a.m. – noon

June 13 – Cake Decorating 4-H Workshop, Harris Hall, 6-8 p.m.

June 15 – Genealogy 4-H Workshop, Extension Office, 6:30 p.m.

June 20 – Floriculture 4-H Workshop, Extension Office, 6:30 p.m.

June 22 - Fine Arts 4-H Workshop, York Automotive Building, Fairgrounds, 9 a.m.

June 22 - Public Speaking/Demo 4-H Workshop, York Automotive Building, Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.

June 22 – Wood Science/Craft 4-H Workshop, Steve Lien Shop, 6 p.m.

June 22 – Gardening 4-H Workshop, Extension Office, 6:30 p.m.

June 29 – Youth Pork Quality Assurance 4-H First Year, Fairgrounds, 6 p.m.