4-H enrollment open for 2015, easier than ever with new online system

Indiana 4-H enrollment is now open in Putnam County through Jan. 15.

The 4-H program is a premier source of enjoyable, educational programs to help youth reach their full potential. Plus, new for 2015, enrollment is easier than ever with the 4-H Online system, https://in.4honline.com as one may also use a hand held or tablet device.

Indiana 4-H is the state's largest youth development program for grades 3-12, reaching more than 200,000 youth in all 92 counties. The 4-H Youth Development Educators in each Purdue Extension county office coordinate local activities.

In Putnam County, approved adult volunteers teach young people specific skills related to a wide variety of subjects through hands-on, experiential learning. Youth also develop leadership and citizenship skills by participating in one or more of Putnam County's 31 organized 4-H Clubs. Subjects include: science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); agriculture; citizenship; healthy living; art; consumer and family sciences; and more.

In 2013, a Tufts University study showed that 4-H members also excel in positive youth development areas compared to peers, including:

-- Four times more likely to contribute to their communities (grades 7-12).

-- Two times more likely to make healthier choices (grade 7).

-- Two times more likely to be civically active (grades 8-12).

-- Two times more likely to participate in extracurricular STEM programs (grades 10-12)

Now, the new 4-H Online system makes it even more convenient to offer enrollment, event registration, calendars, and secure payment online.

Youth may be enrolled in Putnam County 4-H by Jan. 15 online at https://in.4honline.com or by visiting the Purdue Extension Putnam County office located at the street address of 152 E. Columbia St. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. The office closes for lunch on the noon hour except remains open on Tuesday and Thursday.

One may also print and mail the form and payment to Purdue Extension Putnam County, 12 Central Square, Greencastle, IN 46135. There is a $25 program fee per child which includes the $15 Indiana 4-H program fees.

For more information about specific 4-H subjects in Putnam County or the 4-H program in general, visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to learn more.

Anyone who has questions about Putnam County 4-H may contact 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator Mark Evans, 4-H Youth Program Assistant Kim Beadles or Office Manager Kim Miller at 653-8411 for help.

Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Upcoming Events:

Jan. 9 -- Putnam County Community Foundation scholarships due.

Jan. 15 -- Putnam 4-H Junior Leader meeting, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

Jan. 15 -- Indiana 4-H Foundation scholarships due.

Jan. 15 -- Enrollment deadline for 2015 Putnam 4-H program.

Jan. 19 -- Extension Office closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.