Life skills tackled in 4-H workshops

Though it seems spring was skipped, summer is here, school is out, but learning continues through fun and hands on 4-H workshops. Besides workshops, youth will be learning through the summer as 4-H camp and summer 4-H trips kickoff.

In terms of workshops, the upcoming events at the end of the column demonstrate there are numerous family opportunities for fun learning. There are cake decorating, electricity, fine arts, genealogy, public speaking/demonstration, sewing and woodworking workshops scheduled.

Additionally, if anyone would like to volunteer to teach or lead a workshop, the Putnam County 4-H program in most situations would be happy to help facilitate additional workshops.

These workshops provide hands on knowledge and can be family interactive opportunity. Life skill development and career learning are the outcomes of these workshops. Most youth report knowledge gain and cite career decision making as the key impact after attending programs. If one does not desire an electrical or plumbing career, still acquiring basic knowledge to fix or avoid problems around the home are invaluable.

Also at these workshops, the 4-H’er must take the lead in being the hands constructing and working the project itself. Any adult (parent, grandparent, friend etc.) who sews a 4-H’er’s sewing project, constructs the poster or the wood project or works the animals, etc. without the 4-H’er having the primary roles cheats the 4-H’er. I cannot imagine how embarrassing it could be for a youth who consistently received blue ribbons or higher awards to have another individual in high school or post high school assume vast knowledge due to past winnings only to have to admit they did not possess skills because someone else did their work. Sharing, showing and demonstration by adults is great. 4-H activities and work provide great family bonding and memorable experiences. In the end, we must remember the primary goal is for youth in grades 3-12 to learn and achieve rather than for adults to be proud of the ribbon, award or banner received.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or 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.

Upcoming events

June 4 – Genealogy 4-H workshop, 5-7 p.m., Putnam County Library.

June 4 – Photography 4-H workshop, 6-7 p.m., location TBD, call office to RSVP.

June 5 – Fine Arts 4-H workshop, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Extension Office.

June 5 – Public Speaking/Demonstration 4-H workshop, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Extension Office.

June 7 – Sewing 4-H workshop, 6 p.m., Extension Office.

June 14 – Electricity 4-H workshop, 9 a.m. – noon, Harris Hall, Fairgrounds.

June 14 – Woodworking 4-H workshop, 6-8 p.m., Steve Lien Shop.

June 18 – Poster Making 4-H workshop, 6-8 p.m., Harris Hall Fairgrounds.

June 20 – YQCA cert program, Fairgrounds, 10 a.m., RSVP online.

June 20 – YQCA cert program, Fairgrounds, 1 p.m., RSVP online.

June 27 – Fashion Revue/Modeling 4-H workshop, 6-7 p.m., York Automotive Building Fairgrounds.

June 27 – Fine Arts 4-H workshop, 9-10 a.m., Extension Office.

June 27 – Public Speaking/Demonstration 4-H workshop, 10-11 a.m., Extension Office.

Aug. 15 – My Record of Achievement 4-H workshop, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Extension Office.