4-H online enrollment window open through Jan. 15

Indiana online 4-H enrollment has been open in Putnam County since Oct. 1 and remains open through Jan. 15.

A premier source of enjoyable, educational programs, 4-H can help youth reach their full potential. 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. And for those previously enrolled, you will find the info already rolled over for this year such that you can make changes or quickly accept personal information and enrollment info from last year.

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 30 plus 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.

The Jan. 15 enrollment window is to enroll the child 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., Greencastle, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. The office closes for lunch on the noon hour except remains open on Tuesday and Thursday.

One may also mail payment to Purdue Extension Putnam County, 12 Central Square, Greencastle, IN 46135. Please reference the child(ren) names in the reference area of the check. There is a $25 program fee per child which includes the $15 Indiana 4-H program fees. For those in livestock, there will be additional enrollment needs at later dates. One may drop or add projects through May 15.

If one is interested in Exploring 4-H for second-graders; it is best to sign up using our paper enrollment form and pay the $5 fee via mail or the office. If signing up online do not pay the fee there as it is set only for the $25 fee for the regular 4-H program. Only select “mini 4-H” and pay later if signing up online.

Extension staff will be conducting school visits and sending home info for Exploring 4-Hers. There are seven mini or Exploring 4-H project options compared to nearly 75 for the regular 4-H program.

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.

If you have questions about Putnam County 4-H, contact Mark Evans, 4-H Youth Development Extension educator; Kim Beadles, 4-H Youth Program assistant; or Kristy Straziscar, office team manager, at 653-8411.

Upcoming Events

Jan. 9 – Junior Leader 4-H meeting.

Jan. 12 – Planning for the Future Program, Covington, 5 p.m., $20. Register at 653-8411.

Jan. 15 – 4-H Enrollment deadline.

Jan. 19 – Mindful Eating for a Healthy Weight webinar, 2 p.m. Register at ag.purdue.edu/Extension/wia/Pages/webinars.aspx

Jan. 19 – 4-H Leader/Volunteer Development Program, Fairgrounds, 6-8 p.m.

Jan. 24 – Bi-State Gardening Clinic, Covington, 6 p.m., $20. Register at 765-793-2297.