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Workshops key to 4-H learning experience
Youth efforts in 4-H are all about experiential learning. Too often people make the mistake of thinking that one must have animals to be in 4-H. There are many opportunities to learn through workshops and hands on experience. Thankfully due to committed and skilled volunteers, 4-H'ers can have experiential learning with more than 75 topics that improve life and/or job skills and provide opportunity for more informed career decision making.
This past week, Putnam County 4-H alumnus Janna Oxford gave back a portion of time afforded her by earlier volunteers to conduct a cake decorating workshop. The workshop was packed and there were a considerable number of first year 4-H'ers in the project who attended. Youth were encouraged to bring materials like icing and tips to practice.
Various techniques were demonstrated on wax paper and the youth worked to complete various techniques and to practice with their work critiqued. To allow for more space, the next 4-H cake decorating workshop has been moved to the Putnam County Fairgrounds to the Community Building East and will occur on the same date/time advertised of June 27 at 7 pm.
Steve Lien hosted a wood science and woodcraft workshop last week specifically for those enrolled in these projects. More wood science and wood craft workshops will be held on June 14 and July 11 at 6:30-8 p.m. at Mr. Lien's shop. This workshop will be a "come and go" format and 4-H'ers are encouraged to bring projects for critique and receive assistance for project related questions. Proper finishing technique or enhancements are additional areas where questions would be welcomed.
A new workshop just added is a painting and drawing workshop that Dessa Frank will be leading at the Extension Office on June 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Other 2012 workshops for 4-H projects occur as well. Consumer clothing, electricity and My Record of Achievement are among those that will be occurring in the coming weeks.
Check the online calendar at the website listed below and post cards are mailed to those enrolled in specific projects that are having workshops.
Several project workshops have already occurred, like photography. If you need assistance with your project, please contact your leader, superintendent or the Extension office staff who can hopefully provide tips or a contact for assistance.
Summer judging, public speaking and the demonstration contests for the county will be on June 26. The evening will begin with the speaking and demonstration events between 6-7 p.m. followed by the summer judging to occur between 7-9 p.m. Summer judging is another great opportunity for 4-H'ers to gain life skill experience. Members will have opportunity to be involved in a mini-session with hands on application in a contest format. Prizes and recognition will occur for those participating in the event open to all 4-H'ers.
Visit our website 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
June 5 -- Youth PQA Test 5 p.m., Class 6 p.m., Fairgrounds
June 5 -- 4-H Junior Leader Meeting, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.
June 6 -- Week 1 of Walking Wednesday's--Summer Series--Start from Deer Meadow School
June 6 -- Forage Small Dairy / Cheese Field Day -- Spiceland
June 7 -- Exploring 4-H Orientation, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.
June 13 -- Consumer Clothing Workshop, Mill Pond, 5:30 p.m.
June 13 -- Week 2 of Walking Wednesdays'--from DPU Connector Trail
June 14 -- Wood Science/Wood Craft Workshop, Steve Lien Shop, 6:30 p.m.
June 14 -- Greenhouse Extension Series -- Crossroad Greenhouse
June 15 -- Garden Explorers Youth Garden Camp -- Madison County
June 20 -- Consumer Clothing Workshop, Mill Pond, 5:30 p.m.
June 21 -- Exploring 4-H Project Session, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.
June 26 -- 4-H Demonstration & Public Speaking Contest, Extension Office, 6 p.m.
June 26 -- 4-H Summer Judging, Extension Office, 7 p.m.
June 27 -- 4-H Cake Decorating Workshop, Fairgrounds CBE, 7 p.m.
June 27 -- 4-H Electricity Workshop, Extension Office, 6:30 p.m.
June 28 -- 4-H Electricity Workshop, Extension Office, 9 a.m.
June 28 -- Youth PQA Test 5 p.m., Class 6 p.m., Fairgrounds
June 28 -- 4-H Junior Leader Meeting, 7 p.m., Fairgrounds
June 29 -- Beginning Meat Goat Workshop -- Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center
July 1 -- Putnam County Fair Kickoff (performance by "Overtones" & Ice Cream Social), Fairgrounds, 2-4 p.m.
July 1 -- Indiana State Fair 4-H Animal Registration Forms Due
July 10 -- Consumer Clothing Workshop, Mill Pond, 5:30 p.m.
July 11 -- Wood Science/Wood Craft Workshop, Steve Lien Shop, 6:30 p.m.
July 12 -- Exploring 4-H Field Day, Fairgrounds, 1 p.m.
July 20-27 -- Putnam County Fair