4-H deadlines nearing

Where can youth learn life skills and work to master knowledge by selecting from more than 70 topics that include shooting sports, scrap booking, photography, sewing, aerospace, ATV safety, small engines and model building crafts? The answer is 4-H! Enrollment forms may be found on the Purdue Extension Putnam County website listed below and new this year are the two projects recreation and sports fishing.

Youth grades three through 12 are welcomed to join 4-H and are reminded that the deadline to enroll is Monday, April 1. Some projects may have openings after that date. It is best to get signed up now to assure availability of all projects.

The 4-H program is more than the important lessons learned from showing livestock or farm activities that come to mind with most individuals, as it is a misnomer that one must have animals or be on a farm to enroll in 4-H. The 2012 Handbooks are now available online, via CD or $3 by hardcopy in the Extension office which detail all project offerings.

Besides the project features of 4-H, there are many trips, awards and scholarship aspects. The 4-H Science Workshops occur during June and cover a variety of topics ranging from aerospace-computer science-electric-engineering-entomology-food science-plant science-animal science and finally veterinary science.

The animal science portion offers one to select from nine different species and includes aquatic science. The veterinary science workshop has both a large and a small animal option. There are three options of horticulture, agronomy and Mission to Mars in the plant science workshop.

Also there is 4-H Roundup where 4-Her's learn leadership development and team building activities. There is sponsorship for these workshops to assist with at least half of the registration fees. Most of these workshops are three-day events that occur at Purdue, West Lafayette.

Therefore, regardless of whether one is a Purdue fan, one can experience being on a large university campus and gain that valuable experience. After having a sponsor paying one-half the fee, the cost for most of these events is $85 or less. The state band and state chorus workshops have slightly higher fees but are also additional options for 4-Hers.

Any 4-Her interested in the 2013 trips or workshops should indicate by marking the enrollment form appropriately or contacting the Extension office. To have increased opportunity for sponsorship, please have your enrollment into the Extension office by April 1.

Those 4-Hers in grades seven-12 are also eligible to join Junior Leaders and the next two meetings are March 5 and March 21 at 7 p.m. at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

Junior Leaders is a project where youth return the favors of others who have gone before them in terms of providing assistance and encouragement to younger 4-Hers. This special group may apply to become camp counselors, serve as junior superintendents during project judging at county fair and most importantly learn by conducting service learning projects and solving community problems in a team atmosphere. Leadership development roles are provided.

Meetings have already started and congratulations to officers who have been elected as follows: Co-presidents, Miriah Cherry and Jake Robertson; Vice-presidents, Kadie McKean and Tori Kiste ; Co-secretaries, Brianna Bryant and Sierra Graham; Co-treasurers, Miriah Huge and Adriana Millican; Recreation and Song Leaders, Dakota Kiste, Emmett Holsapple, Katie Kiste and Kristen Rudolph; historians and news reporters, Adriana Millican and Lauren Johnston; and Parliamentarians, Kadie McKean and Sierra Graham.

The wonderful feature of Junior Leaders, unlike many adult organizations, individuals do step forward seeking the officer roles rather than being coerced!

Check our 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 Time.

Upcoming Events

March 5 -- Junior Leaders, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

March 6 -- Private Applicator Program, Russellville Community Center, 11:30 a.m.

March 9 -- Cloverdale FFA Livestock Invitational

March 11 -- Livestock Feed and Show Program, Cloverdale, 6 p.m.

March 16 -- Ag Day, Fairgrounds, 8 a.m.-noon

March 21 -- Junior Leaders, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.