Not too late for those looking to explore 4-H

Monday, June 24, 2013

To officially be in the regular 4-H program, one must be in grades 3-12 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-H'ers. 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, entomology, 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 six projects that may be exhibited at the county fair in July. Enrolling is simple. The cost is $5 and forms are available at the office or online at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to download.

Despite missing the first meeting, one can still sign up by coming this Thursday, June 27 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds at the second project session meeting.

The annual field day will be Thursday, July 11 from 1-3:30 p.m., again at the fairgrounds. Project check-in at the Fairgrounds for Exploring 4-H will be Wednesday, July 17 from 4-7 p.m.

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 765-653-8411 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

June 24 -- 4-H Summer Judging and Public Speaking Contest

June 24 -- 4-H Sportfishing, Recreation, Bicycle Workshop, 6-8 p.m., Fairgrounds

June 25 - 4-H Electric Workshop, 6:30 p.m. Extension Office

June 26-27 -- 2013 Indiana Farm Management Tour, Clinton Co.

June 27 -- Exploring 4-H Program, 7 p.m., Fairgrounds

June 28 - 4-H Basket Workshop, 9 a.m.-Noon, Extension Office

June 30 -- 4-H Cake Decorating Workshop, 3-5 p.m. Fairgrounds

July 1 -- 4-H Fine Arts Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m., Fairgrounds

July 1 -- State Fair H&P Entry Forms Due

July 2 -- 4-H Cake Decorating Workshop, 6:30 p.m., Fairgrounds

July 5 -- 4-H Swine Flu Vaccine Booster Day, Extension Office, 8 a.m. -- 4 p.m

July 9 -- Field Day for Rotational Grazing for Dairy Cattle -- Clay City

July 9 -- 4-H Junior Leader Meeting, 7 p.m., Fairgrounds

July 11 -- Exploring 4-H Field Day, 1-3:30 p.m., Fairgrounds

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