4-H summer travel opportunities

Mark Evans

Normally it is time to sign up for 4-H travel and workshop opportunities, but uncertainty about details is causing a bit of delay in releasing registration material.

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

Youth interested in camp must be in grades 3- 6 as of Jan. 1. Camp occurs at Shakamak State Park. Departure is at noon Sunday, June 13 with a return of 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 16. Youth learn lifelong skills, have a great time, and make new friends.

The deadline for youth to enroll for camp is Friday, May 14 or as long as space is available. Registration must be submitted to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office. Health forms must also be completed prior to departure. Please be patient, as we hope to have camp registration information out early in April as details are still being worked out. We do know that capacity will be limited and there will be increased costs. We do have TSC Paper Clover funds that we hope to use to offset some of the increases.

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 will be due Friday, April 16 to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office. Training dates for counselors will be Thursday, April 29 and Wednesday, May 5 where successful applicants must be present. Cost will be $50 and, once again, the application and necessary health forms are currently on hold as details are worked out.

Statewide summer events in 2021 will occur but will not have an overnight component. The 4-H Academy, the state 4-H Junior Leader conference, 4-H Round-Up, 4-H Band and 4-H Chorus will be combined into a new event, 4-H On the Road. Plans are under way to have campus faculty and industry experts connect via Zoom to 10 host sites where youth can gather in-person to take part in educational opportunities. Following an instructional session, host county educators will lead youth in a related hands-on activity.

Finally, for those who would like to work in the Indiana State Fair 4-H Exhibit Hall and have the opportunity of meeting other 4-H’ers from across the state, there has not been any info provided yet related to the typically 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 are interested in this opportunity to earn funds and gain work experience so we can move info to you as soon as possible when it is released.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Extension office at 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events.

Upcoming Events

March 16 – How to Start Seeds Indoors - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

March 22 – ServSafe Food Managers online exam, pre-register by March 12 at www.purdue.edu/servsafe

March 23 – Soils: Preparing Your Garden for Planting - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

March 24 – Understanding the Opioid Crisis - virtual on Zoom - 2 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/opioidcrisisclayputnam

March 30 – Best Practices for Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

April 2 – Extension/county offices closed for Good Friday holiday

April 6 – Best Practices for Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

April 13 – Best Practices for Beans and Peas - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

April 20 – Best Practices for Berries - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

April 27 – Best Practices for Herbs - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

May 4 – Best Practices for Cucumbers, Squash, Melons - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21