4-H develops life skills in workshops

Summer learning continues through fun and hands-on 4-H workshops. Besides workshops, youth will be learning through the summer as 4-H camps and summer 4-H trips kick off.

In terms of workshops, the upcoming events at the end of this column demonstrate there are numerous family opportunities for fun learning. Typically there are cake decorating, electricity, fine arts, genealogy, public speaking/demonstration, sewing and wood working 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 an interactive family 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. One may not desire an electrical or plumbing career while still acquiring basic knowledge to fix or avoid problems around the home, which is invaluable.

Also at these workshops, the 4-Her must take the lead in being the hands constructing and working the project itself. Any adult (parent, grandparent, friend, etc.) who sews a 4-Her’s sewing project, constructs the poster or the wood project or works the animals, etc, without the 4-Her having the primary roles, cheats the 4-Her.

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 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. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming events:

June 10 – Invasive Species Meeting, 12-1 pm, Fairgrounds

June 10 – Woodworking 4-H Workshop, 6 pm, 1292 N US Hwy 231 (Steve Lien)

June 11 – Electricity 4-H Workshop, 9-11 am, Fairgrounds

June 18 – Woodworking 4-H Workshop, 6 pm, 1292 N US Hwy 231 (Steve Lien)

June 20 – Photography 4-H Workshop, 6-8 pm, Harris Hall

June 25 – Poster Making 4-H Workshop, 6 pm, Harris Hall

August 12 – My Record of Achievement 4-H Workshop, 6 pm, Extension Office