Not too late for 2nd-graders to join Exploring 4-H

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.

The best part about the program is that youth in grades 7-12 representing the 4-H Junior Leader program provide much of the leadership for Exploring 4-H programs.

There will be three meetings during the summer months for Exploring 4-H'ers. The meetings include an introduction to the 4-H program, individual project instruction, recreation, and refreshments. Typically the youth in this program in the past have 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, crafts, 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 seven 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 also still sign up by coming on Thursday, June 26 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds at the second project session 6:30 p.m. meeting.

The annual field day will be Thursday, July 10 from 1-3:30 p.m., again at the fairgrounds. Project check-in at the fairgrounds for Exploring 4-H will be Wednesday, July 16 from 4-7 pm.

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.

Upcoming Events

June 17 -- Indiana Farm Management Tour, Spencer and Dubois counties.

June 17 -- Consumer Clothing 4-H Workshop, Extension Office, 1 p.m.

June 19 -- First-Year 4-H Member Workshop, Extension Office, 6 p.m.

June 19 -- Wood Science 4-H Project Workshop, Steve Lien shop, 6 p.m.

June 19 -- Public Speaking Demonstration Contest Workshop, Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.

June 20 -- Electric

4-H Project Workshop, Extension Office, 9 a.m.

June 24 -- Consumer Clothing 4-H Workshop, Extension Office, 1 p.m.

June 25 -- Basketry 4-H Project Workshop, Fairgrounds, 1 p.m.

June 25 -- Wood Science 4-H Project Workshop, Steve Lien shop, 6 p.m.

June 26 -- Electric

4-H Project Workshop, Extension Office, 6 p.m.

June 26 -- Exploring 4-H Project session, Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.

June 28 -- Master Gardener Garden Tour, tickets available at Extension office, 10 a.m.

June 30 -- Public Speaking Demonstration Contest, Fairgrounds, 6 p.m.

June 30 -- Summer Judging 4-H Contest, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

July 1 -- Consumer Clothing 4-H Workshop, Extension Office, 1 p.m.

July 1 -- Youth PQA Program, Fairgrounds, 5:30 p.m.

July 1 -- Putnam 4-H Junior Leaders, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

July 1 -- Livestock

4-H record sheets due for leader signature.

July 6 -- Fair Kickoff ice cream social and free Levi Riggs concert.

July 7 -- Cake Decorating 4-H Project Workshop, Fairgrounds, 6 p.m.

July 10 -- Exploring 4-H Field Day, Fairgrounds, 1 p.m.

July 10 -- Cake Decorating 4-H Project Workshop, 6 p.m.