4-H offers youth summer travel 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 4-H program. Unlike anytime in the past, last year's camp had to be cancelled due to flooding. Several were in tears because they were so enthusiastically looking forward to camp. Several deadlines are approaching in the 4-H program area. Foremost, 4-H enrollment is due April 1 to the Extension Office. That is critical to being eligible for programs and opportunities.

Youth interested in camp must be in grades three through six as of Jan. 1, 2009. Camp occurs at Shakamak State Park. Departure is noon, Sunday, June 7 with a return of noon, Wednesday, June 10. Youth learn lifelong skills, have a great time and make new friends. The deadline for youth to enroll for camp is Friday, April 17, and registration must be submitted to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office. Health forms must also be completed. The cost is $75 for the entire event. One can click on the 4-H link of the Purdue Extension-Putnam County Web site www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to download forms.

Those interested in applying to be camp counselors must be enrolled as Junior Leaders for this year. Camp Counselor applications are due Friday, April 3 to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office. Training dates for counselors will be May 5 and 14, where successful applicants must be present. Cost is $55 and once again the application and necessary health forms are on the Extension Web site mentioned above.

Several travel opportunities to 4-H Science Workshops and other events occur throughout the summer at Purdue and other venues. Examples include aerospace, plant science, animal science, electrical and computer science workshops. Other events include 4-H Band or Chorus and Ambassador Program, to name a few. Also, 4-H Roundup is one of the opportunities. A trips and awards application is also on the local extension Web site.

Another heads-up for summer travel is the continuation of the Putnam County USA program. This year's trip will be to Putnam County, Ohio. Registration forms for this event, tentatively planned for June 26 through 28, are also available at the Extension Web site.

And finally, for our high school youth who will be traveling to college in the future, don't let any of the scholarship opportunities go un-awarded. There were several scholarships last year undistributed due to no applicants. The March Herald newsletter references scholarships and scholarship information may also be found on the local Extension Web site.

Visit our Web site at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765-653-8411 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. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events

March 30: Open Enrollment Night, County Annex (Ext. Office) 5-7 p.m.

April 1: 4-H Enrollment Forms Due

April 1: 4-H Beef Enrollment Forms Due

April 2, 9, 16, 23: Dining with Diabetes Classes-Advance registration required

April 16: Goat/Sheep Parasite Workshop 1, Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.

April 18: 4-H Dairy Feed Steer Weigh-in, Fairgrounds, 8-10 a.m.

April 25: 4-H Sheep Tagging & Retinal Scan, Fairgrounds, 8 a.m.-noon

April 28: Extension Homemakers Spring Dessert --Fairgrounds 7 p.m.

April 29: Goat/Sheep Parasite Workshop 2, Brick Chapel, 6:30 p.m.