‘Exploring 4-H’ for grade 2 kicks off in February

Monday, January 22, 2018

Eligibility in the regular 4-H program necessitates one must be in grades 3-12 as of Jan. 1 of the current year. However, second-graders can get a taste of 4-H by signing up for the “Exploring 4-H” program.

Exploring 4-H is a program for children who are not yet old enough for 4-H. Any boy or girl in the second grade as of Jan. 1 of the current year is eligible.

There will be three meetings leading to a field day during the summer months for Exploring 4-H’ers and ultimately project exhibition during the Putnam County 4-H Fair during July 20-27.

With help from the Junior Leaders, the meetings include an introduction to the 4-H program, individual project instruction, recreation and refreshments. Additionally, the youth in this program typically have entered their own float in the fair parade which will likely occur again this year if the group so desires.

Project choices for Exploring 4-H youth include collections, crafts, drawing, farm animals, foods, photography and wildlife. Collections, photography and wildlife are poster projects while drawing is submitting a framed picture, foods involves entering no bake cookies, and crafts is hands-on construction creating a small standing or hanging exhibit. Information and registration forms were sent home with all second-grade school students during mid-January in connection with school visits.

Parents may sign up their second-graders now for one of seven projects. Enrollment is simple. The cost is $5 and forms are available at the office or online at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to download. The first meeting will be between 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds in the York Automotive Community Building.

Other meetings occur on March 7, April 11 and the field day will be on June 19. The meetings are typically 6-7 p.m. The field day is during the afternoon starting at 1 p.m., and all events are at the fairgrounds.

Project check-in at the fair will be July 18 anytime between 4-7 p.m. and the “Fun at the Fair” scavenger hunt will be at 5:30 p.m. on July 25.

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 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

Jan. 25 – Gardening Conference, 6-9 p.m., Beef House in Covington, $20. RSVP 765-492-5330.

Jan. 29 – Annie’s Project starts, $75, Extension Office, 6 p.m.

Feb. 1 – New 4-H’er Orientation, 6:30 p.m., York Automotive Building, Fairgrounds.

Feb. 6 – Succession Planning Program, 1-4 p.m., Fairgrounds, $40 for family of four. Registration info in article.

Feb. 7 – On Local Government webinar, Extension Office, 11 a.m.

Feb. 8 – Exploring 4-H orientation meeting, 6 p.m., Fairgrounds.

Feb. 8 – Pasture Management workshop, 5:30 p.m., Beef House in Covington, $20. RSVP http://bit.ly/2AP2MyI.

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