Indiana is very blessed to have overall an excellent working relationship between FFA ag science programs and 4-H youth development programs. While both offer different programs and vary in delivery, the career development events are very much shared events for youth in both organizations to develop career and life skills. Ag science in the middle school and high schools is rooted to the Smith-Hughes Act passed in 1917 while 4-H via Extension programs at land grant universities has its roots in the Smith-Lever Act of 1914. Extension via 4-H youth programming work with schools using a variety methods. Sometimes this is with ag science instructors and other programs as well.
During April the Cloverdale KNOY After School program and more recently the Gobin Summer Enrichment program partnered with Purdue Extension Putnam County to offer the 4-H Chef University program. The youth gained knowledge in preparing food safely with proper sanitation, kitchen practices and also with the experience of cooking six different recipes for classroom sampling. Skills like reading and following a recipe, finding materials and tools to prepare items, international connections of food, and healthy nutrition on a budget were additional items presented to more than 30 students.
Last winter and through June, investment programming reaching more than 250 students via South Putnam High School, Greencastle Middle School, and Cloverdale High School students occurred where students were given a virtual portfolio to manage with additional funds earned each week using an online program made available by the Indiana Council for Economic Education. Thanks to Leah Henry, SPHS, Brittany Labhart GMS business teacher and Karl Turk, CHS for allowing this partnership to occur where between December and mid-May, various investment topics were presented and students shared trading experiences or thoughts about the market. An additional virtual program state-wide occurred where 4-H Educators from Madison and Jay counties helped out as well.
Extension staff conduct numerous programs at county schools and are very involved with youth education throughout the year. Nature of Teaching and Captain Cash are two other examples where the ag natural resources educator and health and human science Extension educators and county Extension education coordinator teach in classrooms and afterschool events. School admin, teachers and home school groups are welcomed to contact Extension staff to begin planning for the next school year and schedule programs for the next school year. Teachers and educators can request or be on the lookout for our semi-annual newsletter to schools describing our program offerings for the fall and spring semesters.
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 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. 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
July 4 – Extension Office Closed for Independence Day Holiday
July 10 – Rescheduled Public Speaking & Summer Judging Contest, 5:30-8 pm, York Bldg. Fairgrounds
July 6 – Tractor Driving 4-H Contest, Fairgrounds
July 8 – Archery 4-H Shooting Competition, Fairgrounds
July 15 – Firearms Shooting 4-H Competition, 8:30 am, Cloverdale Conservation Club
July 16 – Dog Obedience 4-H Show, noon, Fairgounds
July 16 – Putnam 4-H Fair Parade
July 21-28 – Putnam County 4-H Fair, Fairgrounds
Aug. 2 – Last day to apply for Master Gardener Course, contact 765-653-8411 to apply
