Opinion

4-H Camp results in lifelong friendships

Monday, May 3, 2010
Putnam 4-H Camp Counselors participate with morning flag raising during 2009 4-H Camp at Shakamak State Park.

Although the original camp registration deadline has past, we are still taking camp applications on a first come first served basis as there were at least fifteen openings as of April 30. Registration will absolutely be cut off by Friday, May 14. Go to www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam for current information about camp which can be found by going to the 4-H left menu link and search for the camp link.

Youth interested in camp must be in grades three through six as of January 1, 2010. Camp occurs at Shakamak State Park. Departure is noon, Saturday, June 5 with a return of noon, Wednesday, June 8. Youth learn lifelong skills, have a great time, and make new friends. The registration forms must be submitted to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office. Health forms must also be completed and submitted to the Extension office. The cost is $75 for the entire event.

Camp Counselors have been selected and letters are on their way to these individuals. There will be ten camp counselors who are in Junior Leaders and have had experience as campers. Being a camp counselor is a very rewarding experience and certainly a learning event for these youth in grades 7-12 who more or less conduct the bulk of the camp activities and programs. Past camp counselors commonly note that the experience helped build their resume and provided invaluable experience that could be used in their current work place. Parents of youth in grades 3-6 will want to note that being involved in the camp program will give the 4-Her an edge in terms of experiences that can be used to qualify for becoming a camp counselor in the future and to build a resume worthy of competing and receiving scholarships or other awards in the future.

Besides professional characteristics, many former Putnam 4-Hers cite lifelong friendships resulting from camp. This is certainly a significant and perhaps most important reason to participate in camp. Encourage your grade 3-6 friends and relatives to sign up 4-H camp if they have not already done so.

Visit our website 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

May 1: Monroe County Master Gardener 2010 Garden Fair

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

May 4: Master Gardener Association Meeting Field Trip

May 10: "End of Life Financial Issues" 7 p.m. in Ext. Classroom

May 13: Ext. Homemakers County Council Mtg. at 7 p.m. fairgrounds

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

May 17: All remaining 4-H Livestock enrollment forms due to office

May 22: 2010 Tox-Away Day in Putnam County

June 12: Putnam County Master Gardeners' Garden Tour

June 15: Greencastle Farmers Market starts

June 17-19: 2010 State Conference for Purdue Master Gardeners