Summer travel opportunities for local 4-H participants

Oops, I forgot to enroll in 4-H!

The enrollment deadline assuring all projects being available was Jan. 15. However one can still enroll by downloading the paper form from the Purdue Extension Putnam County website or contact the Extension office.

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

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-H'ers 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. Camp occurs at Shakamak State Park. Departure is noon Wednesday, June 10 with a return of 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13.

Youth learn lifelong skills, have a great time and make new friends.

The deadline for youth to enroll for camp is Friday, May 1 or as long as space is available. 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 "Quick Links" and find the camp info page.

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 17 to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office. Training dates for counselors will be May 6 and 14, at which 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 Indiana State Fair 4-H Exhibit Hall having the opportunity of meeting other 4-H'ers 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 7 -- Past Presidents Extension Homemakers Book and Garage Sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Fairgrounds

March 9 ญญ-- Junior Leader meeting, 7 p.m., Fairgrounds

March 14 -- Putnam County Ag Day Breakfast and Mini Farm Fest, 8 a.m.-noon

March 19 -- Regional Women in Ag Conference, Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.

March 19 -- Area Small Farms Clinic, Fairgrounds, 6-8 p.m.