Second graders 'Exploring 4-H'

Monday, May 14, 2012

By MARK EVANS, Purdue Extension

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 eight 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. Information forms were sent home with all second grade school students during mid-May.

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.

Enrollment forms are requested by Friday, June 1 but the enrollment forms and the $3 project fee will be accepted at the first meeting.

The first Exploring 4-H meeting, an orientation program, will be held on Thursday, June 7 from 7-8 p.m. in the community building at the fairgrounds.

The second meeting is a project help and work session which will be on Thursday, June 21 from 7-8 p.m., again at the fairgrounds.

The annual field day will be Thursday, July 12 from 1-3:30 p.m., again at the fairgrounds. Project check-in at the Fairgrounds for Exploring 4-H will be Thursday, July 19 from 9 a.m.-noon.

Check the website www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to view the most up to date info. You can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653.8411 for more information regarding column topics 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.

Upcoming Events

May 15 -- All dairy, goat, horse & pony, sheep, swine, pure-bred heifer 4-H livestock enrollment forms due

May 15 -- 4-H Camp Registration absolute registration deadline if not already full.

May 16 -- Walking Wednesday--People Pathway Fillmore Trail from Fillmore Shelter, 5-6 p.m.

May 19 -- 4-H Scrapbooking Workshop, Extension Office, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

May 19 -- Putnam County Master Gardener Plant Swap, Kroger parking lot

May 20 -- 4-H Scrapbooking Workshop, Extension Office, 1:30-4 p.m.

May 30 -- 4-H Wood Science Workshop, Steve Lien Shop, 6:30 pm

May 30 -- 4-H Consumer Clothing Workshop, Mill Pond Health, 5:30 p.m.

May 30 -- 4-H Photography Workshop, Extension Office, 6:30 pm

May 31 -- 4-H Cake Decorating Workshop, 7 p.m. (check Extension Office for location)