4-H summer travel opportunities available

One of the most common remarks heard from current and former Putnam County 4-H’ers is how awesome their camp experiences were while in the 4-H program and/or what a great experience they had being 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 Jan. 1, 2025. Camp occurs at Shakamak State Park in Jasonville. Departure is noon, Wednesday, May 28 with a return of 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31. Youth learn lifelong skills, have a great time swimming, and make new friends. Registration must be submitted via 4honline (within 4-Her’s account) to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office by May 9 or as long as space is available. Health forms must also be completed in 4honline and a medicine form (if meds needed) completed at departure. 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 $120 this year and include all meals, T-shirt, lodging, etc.

Also, numerous statewide 4-H summer events in 2025 are planned to occur. 4-H Academy, 4-H Round-Up, 4-H Band and 4-H Chorus will be in June.

4-H Round-Up is an exciting opportunity offered to youth who have completed grades 7, 8 and 9. Attendees have an opportunity to explore a variety of careers by attending classes created just for Round-Up attendees at Purdue University. Classes may include but are not limited to; Exploring Careers in Healthcare, Peeking into the Microscopic World with Biochemistry, and Careers in Animal Science: Many and Diverse.

Participants will get a taste of college life and will live in a Purdue Residence Hall for two nights. Youth have an opportunity to meet others from across the state and further develop their leadership skills. Recreation events are planned in the evenings to allow attendees the opportunity to build friendships on their own. This year, 4-H Round-Up will be June 23-25. Early bird registration will close May 9 but youth interested in this opportunity won’t want to wait to reach out to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County Office to begin registration as classes will fill up fast.

The 4-H Academy at Purdue is a program held at Purdue University specifically designed to offer hands-on, exciting opportunities to learn about a diverse selection of subjects and careers. During this conference previously known as 4-H Science Workshops, participants will meet and learn from professors, graduate students and other experts in their respective fields and participate in interactive activities and experiential learning. Participants stay in a Purdue University Residence Hall for two nights while exploring the Purdue University campus and meeting 4-H members from across Indiana. 4-H Academy at Purdue is open to all youth grades 9-12.

During these workshops, aviation participants may have the opportunity to fly a plane, and first responder participants may have the opportunity to work hands on with local hospitals and emergency first responders. This year, 4-H Academy @ Purdue will be June 11-13. Early bird registration for 4-H Academy @ Purdue will also close May 9. Again, youth interested in this opportunity will not want to wait to reach out to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County Office to begin registration as these workshops will fill up quickly as well.

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-H’ers 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 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 www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local office by calling 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.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. 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.

Upcoming EventsMar.ch29 — Chainsaw Safety and Tree Felling training, 9 a.m. — 12:30 p.m., Greencastle, $5 (max class of 20), register in advance @ Extension Office

March 31 — Exploring 4-H, 6 p.m., fairgrounds

March 24, 31, April 7, & 14 — Roots of the Future: A Succession Planning Program for Sustainable Land Stewardship (webinar series), 7-8:30 p.m., $25, register at https://purduesuccession2025.eventbrite.com

April 5 — Dairy ID/Weigh-In, 7-10 a.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds