One of the most common remarks heard from current and former Putnam County 4-Hers 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 participating in these experiences. Also, one may participate in one of these events to complete one’s 4-H experience or continue to achieve more in the program. There is no requirement to exhibit or do other 4-H activities if one solely wants to participate in a camp or state workshop.
Youth interested in 4-H camp must be in grades three through six as of January 1, 2023. Camp occurs at Shakamak State Park. Departure is noon, Sunday, June 4th with a return of 11:00 am, Wednesday, June 7th. Youth learn lifelong skills, have a great time swimming, and make new friends. The deadline for youth to enroll for camp is Friday, May 12th or as long as space is available. Registration must be submitted via 4honline to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office. Health forms must also be completed in 4honline and a medicine form (if meds needed) completed at departure. Camp registration will occur within the 4-Hers account in 4honline and payment can be mailed or dropped off at the Extension office and must be made by May 15. Thanks to TSC Paper Clover funds that help to offset significant increases in costs. Camp will be $130 this year and include all meals, t-shirt, lodging, etc.
Those interested in applying to be camp counselor must be enrolled in 4-H and be in at least 7th grade for consideration. Camp Counselor applications also are being completed in 4honline and will be due Sunday, April 16th for priority consideration. Training dates for counselors will be Tuesday, April 18th and Thursday, May 3rd where successful applicants must be present. Cost will be covered by the Diana Thomas Memorial Endowment for 4-H volunteer development. The health form and medicine form must be presented at departure.
Numerous statewide 4-H summer events in 2023 are planned to occur. 4-H Academy, State 4-H Junior Leader Conference, 4-H Round-Up, 4-H Band and 4-H Chorus will be in June. Locally DePauw University will be hosting the state Junior Leader Conference on Tuesday, June 13 through Friday, June 16. The fabulous career and workforce programs of 4-H Academy for grades 9-12 will be June 7-9 and the 4-H Roundup for grades 7-9 will be June 26-28. If a 4-Her does not attend these two events at least once during a 4-H career, one is really missing out. In the 4-H Academy the aviation participants fly a plane and the first responders are very hands on with local hospitals and emergency first responders for example. There is also the National 4-H Dairy Conference, National 4-H Youth Congress, and the Indiana 4-H Leadership Summit later in the fall.
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-Hers from around the state, these 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 are interested in this opportunity so we can get you the information. One is to sign up by May 15 for many of these events. Visit the state 4-H website https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/state-programs/index.html to see all details and most current info as plans are finalized.
Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. 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. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
Upcoming Events
April 4 – Exploring 4-H, 6pm, Putnam County Fairgrounds
April 7 – Extension Office closed for Holiday
April 13, 20, 27, & 29 – Forestry Management Workshop Series, 6-8 pm, Ivy Tech, $20, register at https://tinyurl.com/ForestyMgmt23
April 16 – Camp Counselor Applications due for 4-H Camp register via 4honline account
April 18 – Basics of Home Food Preservation (Freezing and Dehydrating), 6pm, Hendricks Co. Fairgrounds, register at 317-745-2555 ext. 3
May 15 – All 4-H livestock/animal registrations must be entered in 4honline (firm deadline)
May 15 – Last day sign up for 4-H Camp via 4honline
