FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS 4-H?
It’s “Learn By Doing”. You get interested in a project, learn how to make it, or take care of it. 4-H is a “hands-on” learning experience.
WHAT ARE THE 4 “H’s”?
Head – for thinking, planning, reasoning
Hands – to be helpful, skillful, and useful
Heart – for kindness and truth
Health – for strength to enjoy life, resist disease and be more efficient
WHO CAN BE IN 4-H?
4-H is for those who are in grades 3-12 at the time of enrollment. Mini 4-H is for youth in 1st or 2nd grade at time of enrollment. Moms and Dads can join 4-H as a volunteer leader. There is also an Open Class Show in which any Hendricks County Resident of any age may participate.
WHAT DO CLUBS DO?
You have a business meeting for your 4-H club (clubs are divided by townships; there are also project clubs). You can ask your club leader questions about your 4-H projects. You could possibly do a “Show and Tell” demonstration on a subject that you know something about. There will be recreation, refreshments, and some plain fun learning with your friends. Your club leader must sign off on your record sheet to indicate that your projects are completed before you can enter them in the fair. Check here to locate your township and then select a club within that township to join.
WHAT ARE 4-H PROJECTS?
Click here for a full listing of projects. There are over 50 projects available for you to choose. They are listed on the enrollment form and details about each project can be found in the handbook.
When choosing a project, consider your interests, background, what is necessary to start the project and the resources available to help you complete it.
DOES IT COST TO JOIN?
There is a $15.00 enrollment fee for regular 4-H (grades 3-12). Mini 4-H is free. There is a $45.00 cap; if you have more than 3 children to enroll, the most you will pay is $45.00. The office can only accept cash or checks, however if you enroll online (during the time allowed) you may pay with a credit card.
Some projects require you to purchase a book. Each project book contains information and activities for members to explore as an organized group project or at home under the guidance of a parent or interested adult.
WHAT IS THE 4-H FAIR?
That is where you bring your completed 4-H projects. Your projects are judged and given a ribbon.They are displayed for the public to view. The fair is held in July at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex.
Will I have to pay for parking when I show my project at the fair?
Every 4-H family gets one parking pass for the week of the fair.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Turn in a completed 4-H enrollment form to the Hendricks County Extension Office at 1900 E. Main St. or enroll online. The 4-H target enrollment deadline is March 1st.
IT’S AFTER MARCH 1ST, CAN I STILL ENROLL?
March 1st is a target deadline – you may enroll after this date. However, we will caution: the longer you wait to enroll, the more meetings, info, etc. you may miss!
WHAT IS A 4-H HANDBOOK?
In Hendricks County, it is our rule book that lists all of our 4-H projects and tells what you will exhibit in each division.
WHERE ARE THE YOU LOCATED?
The Purdue Extension Hendricks County offices are located inside the 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex. Enter through the main doors and our office is on the right.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS? ARE YOU CLOSED FOR LUNCH?
Our hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. We are closed on county holidays. The office is open during lunch hours.
HOW CAN I RENT A ROOM AT THE 4-H FAIRGROUNDS AND CONFERENCE COMPLEX?
Please contact the complex staff at 317-718-6153. Also, check out their website for more information.