Opinion

4-H summer travel opportunities

Monday, March 25, 2013

Spring Break! Oops I forgot to enroll in 4-H! The enrollment deadline assuring all projects being available is Monday, April 1 upon return from Spring Break.

One can enroll and pay online by visiting www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam and clicking on 4-H Youth in the left hand menu or to link in the "Hot Topics" area. The Extension Office will be closed on Good Friday, March 29. However the outside door will be open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. such that individuals may slide enrollment info under our office door from the hallway.

While some may be travel weary from spring break, it is time to sign up for 4-H travel and workshop opportunities. One of the most common remarks heard from current and former Putnam County 4-Hers is how awesome their camp experiences were while in the 4-H program or what a great experience to be on a college campus for science workshops. Most will make lifelong friends while on these trips.

Youth interested in camp must be in grades three through six as of January 1, 2013. Camp occurs at Shakamak State Park. Departure is noon, Wednesday, June 5 with a return of 11 a.m., Saturday, June 8.

Youth learn lifelong skills, have a great time and make new friends. The deadline for youth to enroll for camp is Friday, April 26 and registration must be submitted to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office.

Health forms must also be completed prior to departure. The cost is $80 for the entire event, which includes food, lodging and transportation.

One can click on the 4-H link of the Purdue Extension-Putnam County website www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to download forms by going to the 4-H left menu link and then select the 4-H Camp link.

Those interested in applying to be camp counselors must be enrolled in 4-H and be in at least seventh-grade for consideration. Camp Counselor applications are due Friday, April 12 to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office.

Training dates for counselors will be May 9 and May 15 where successful applicants must be present. Cost is $55 and once again the application and necessary health forms are on the Extension website mentioned above.

Several travel opportunities to 4-H Science Workshops and other events occur throughout the summer at Purdue and other venues. Examples include Aerospace, Plant Science, Animal Science, Electrical and Computer Science workshops. Other events include 4-H Band or Chorus and Ambassador Program to name a few. Also 4-H Roundup is one of the opportunities in addition to a Washington, D.C. conference trip. A trips and awards application is also on the local Extension website.

And finally, for those who would like to work in the 4-H Exhibit hall meeting other 4-Hers from around the state, there are paid opportunities to work during late July and August with the entry and display of 4-H projects at the Indiana State Fair.

Contact the office if you have questions or are interested in this opportunity to earn funds and gain work experience. Individuals working there are provided dorm rooms as well. The deadline for applications to work State Fair is April 1.

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 25 -- Deadline to register for Area V Leader Lesson Conference

March 29 -- Extension Office closed to observe Good Friday

April 1 -- 4-H Member Enrollment due

April 1 -- 4-H Steer and Commercial Heifer Enrollment Forms due to Extension Office

April 9 - Area V Leader Lesson Conference at the Knoy Center at Cloverdale H.S.

April 13-14 -- Spring Fest & Bug Bowl Purdue University

April 17 -- 4-H Junior Leaders, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

April 24 -- 4-H Volunteer Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

May 3 -- Area V Performing Arts (Share the Fun) Contest, Cloverdale MS, 6 p.m.

May 11 -- 4-H Wood Science/Craft Workshop, Fairgrounds, 9 a.m.-noon