4-H summer travel opportunities

By MARK EVANS

4-H Youth Educator

"Oops, I forgot to enroll in 4-H!" The enrollment deadline assuring all projects being available was Monday, March 17. However, one can still enroll by downloading the form from the Purdue Extension Putnam County website.

Archery, dog and horse and pony projects are closed, while other projects will remain open for a limited time.

While some may be travel weary with 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 Jan. 1, 2014. Camp occurs at Shakamak State Park. Departure is noon on Wednesday, June 4 with a return of 11 a.m., Saturday, June 7. Youth learn lifelong skills, have a great time, and make new friends.

The deadline to enroll for camp is Friday, April 25 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 in at least seventh grade for consideration. Camp counselor applications are due Friday, April 11 to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office. Training dates for counselors will be April 21 and May 1, 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 having the opportunity of 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.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 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

March 24: Fair Board meeting, 7:30 p.m., Fairgrounds

March 28: Cover Crop Field Day -- Ewing Il

March 29: Breast Cancer Awareness events, 8 a.m.-noon, 12 Central Square

April 1: Enrollment forms due for 4-H beef steers and crossbred heifers

April 3: Cover Crop Tour for fruit and vegetables, Alto Pass, Ill.

April 5: Gardenfest -- Boone County Fairgrounds

April 9: Area Small Farm Clinic -- Brazil