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‘Exploring 4-H’ program for grade 2 kicks off Feb. 24
Eligibility in the regular 4-H program necessitates one must be in grades 3-12 as of Jan. 1 of the current year. However, second-graders can get a taste of 4-H by signing up for the “Exploring 4-H” or mini 4-H program.
Exploring 4-H is a program for children who are not yet old enough for 4-H. Any youth in the second grade as of Jan. 1 of the current year is eligible.
This year to plan appropriately for health and safety guidelines, it is necessary to have everyone sign up ahead of time so planning can occur. There will be three meetings leading to a field day during the summer months for Exploring 4-H’ers and ultimately project exhibition during the Putnam County 4-H Fair during July 22-29.
With help from the Junior Leaders, the meetings include an introduction to the 4-H program, individual project instruction, recreation and a snack. Additionally, the youth in this program typically have entered their own float in the fair parade which will likely occur again this year if the group so desires.
Project choices for Exploring 4-H youth include collections, crafts, drawing, farm animals, foods, photography and wildlife. Collections, photography and wildlife are poster projects while drawing is submitting a framed picture, foods involves entering no-bake cookies, and crafts is hands-on construction creating a small standing or hanging exhibit.
Information and registration forms were sent home with all second-grade students during recent school visits.
Parents may sign up their second-graders now for one of seven projects. Enrollment is simple. The cost is $10 and forms are available at the office or one may enroll online at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in and pay with a credit card there as well.
The first meeting will be 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24 in the York Automotive Community Building at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.
Other meetings will occur March 31, April 27 and the field day will be on June 29. The meetings are typically 6-7 p.m. The field day is during the afternoon starting at 1 p.m., and all events are at the fairgrounds.
Project check-in at the fair will be July 19 anytime between 4-7 p.m. and the “Fun at the Fair” scavenger hunt will be at 5:30 p.m. on July 27.
Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local office at 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 21 -- Farmland for the Next Generation, virtual, five sessions, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $50. Register at https://tinyurl.com/FarmNext22 by Feb. 14.
Feb. 24 – Exploring 4-H (grade 2) program kickoff, 6 p.m., York Auto Building Fairgrounds.