Second graders 'Exploring 4-H'

To officially be in the regular 4-H program, one must be in Grades 3 through 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 who lives in or attends school in Putnam County and was in second grade as of Jan. 1 of the current year is eligible.

There will be three meetings during the summer months for Exploring 4-Hers. With help from the Junior Leaders, the meetings include an introduction to the 4-H program, individual project instruction, recreation, and refreshments. Also, during the last seven years, the youth in this program 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, foods, wildlife, drawing and photography. Also, the summer college students who work in the office will be starting around the first week of May and will be visiting second grade classrooms and enrollment forms will be sent home.

Parents may sign up their second graders now for one of five projects that may be exhibited at the county fair in July.

Enrolling is simple. The cost is three dollars and forms are available at the office or online at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to download and submit by mail. Enrollment forms are requested by May 28.

If need be, enrollment forms and the $3 project fee will be accepted at the first meeting.

The first Exploring 4-H meeting will be held on June 3 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Community Building at the fairgrounds. The second meeting will be on June 24 from 7 to 8 p.m., again at the fairgrounds. The annual field day will be July 7 from 1 to 3:30 p.m., again at the fairgrounds.

Project check-in at the Fairgrounds for Exploring 4-H will be July 22 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Scholarship and camp reminders

Please note that this Friday is the deadline for submitting Putnam County 4-H Scholarship applications and camp counselor applications. Also, camp application forms for those in grades 3-6 are due April 23 to the office. Forms are available for all of these items online or at the office.

Visit our Web site at 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. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming events

April 12: Craft Workshop 7 p.m. at County Annex, registration necessary.

April 13: Farmer Market Boot Camp, Indianapolis

April 15: Tax Day

April 15: Introduction to Starting a Specialty Food Business in Indiana, Indianapolis

April 16: Putnam County 4-H Scholarships Due

April 16: Camp Counselor Applications Due

April 17: Dairy Feeder Steer Weigh-in and Tagging, Fairgrounds, 8-10 a.m.

April 23: 4-H Camper Forms Due

April 26: Pond Workshop

April 29: Ext. Homemaker Spring Dessert at Fairgrounds

May 4: Extension Office Closed (Primary Election Polling Place)

May 15: 4-H Sheep Tagging, Fairgrounds, 8 a.m.-noon.