4-H again offers summer travel opportunities

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Oops, I forgot to enroll in 4-H.

The enrollment deadline assuring all projects being available was Jan. 15. However, one can still enroll by contacting the Purdue Extension office staff.

Archery, dog and horse and pony projects are closed while other projects will remain open for a limited time. Otherwise the drop-add date is May 15. Those in second grade may also still sign up for Exploring 4-H, as the next meeting is Wednesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. in the Community Building at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

It is time to sign up for 4-H travel and workshop opportunities. One of the most common remarks heard from current and former Putnam County 4-Hers is how awesome their camp experiences were while in the program, or what a great experience it was to be on a college campus for science workshops. Most will make lifelong friends while on these trips.

Youth interested in camp must be in grades three through six as of Jan. 1. Camp occurs at Shakamak State Park. Departure is noon on Sunday, June 7, with a return of 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10. Youth learn lifelong skills, have a great time and make new friends.

The deadline for youth to enroll for camp is Wednesday, May 15 or as long as space is available. Registration must be submitted to the Purdue Extension office. Health forms must also be completed prior to departure.

The cost is $80 for the entire event and includes food, lodging and transportation. One can click on the 4-H link of the Purdue Extension website at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to download forms from the camp info page.

Those interested in applying to be camp counselors must be enrolled in 4-H and be in at least seventh grade for consideration. Camp counselor applications are due Friday, April 10 to the Extension office. Training dates for counselors will be Thursday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 29 where successful applicants must be present.

The cost is $50 and, once again, the application and necessary health forms are on the Extension website mentioned above.

Several travel opportunities to 4-H Academy @ Purdue and other events occur throughout the summer at Purdue and other venues. Examples include aviation, plant science, animal science, electrical, journalism and computer science workshops. Other events include 4-H band or chorus and the ambassador program to name a few.

4-H Roundup at Purdue and the State Junior Leader Conference in Indianapolis are more examples of in-state options besides the Washington, D.C. conference trip and a Wisconsin dairy conference. The 4-H Council will pay half the cost of in-state trips and the out-of-state trips are assisted on a case-by-case basis.

Finally, for those who would like to work in the 4-H Exhibit Hall and have the opportunity to meet other 4-Hers from around the state, there are paid opportunities to work during late-July and August with the entry and display of 4-H projects at the Indiana State Fair.

Contact the office if you have questions or are interested in this opportunity to earn funds and gain work experience. Individuals working there are provided dorm rooms as well. The deadline for applications to work at the state fair is April 1.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or 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. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming events

March 5 – Electricity 4-H workshop, 6 p.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds

March 9 – Genealogy 4-H workshop, 6 p.m., Putnam County Public Library

March 12 – Junior Leader 4-H meeting, 7 p.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds

March 14 – Ag Day breakfast and Mini Farm Fest, 8 a.m.-noon, Putnam County Fairgrounds

March 19 – Exploring 4-H meeting, 6 p.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds

March 21 – Garden fair, Putnam County Fairgrounds

March 30 – Becoming the Employer of Choice, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $75, Extension office

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