Youth efforts in 4-H are all about experiential learning. Too often people make the mistake of thinking that one must have animals to be in 4-H. There are many opportunities to learn through workshops and hands on experience. Thankfully due to committed and skilled volunteers, 4-Hers can have experiential learning with more than 75 topics that improve life and/or job skills and provide opportunity for more informed career decision making.
This past week, Putnam County 4-H alumnus Janna Oxford, gave back a portion of time afforded her by earlier volunteers, to conduct a cake decorating workshop. The workshop was packed and there were a considerable number of first year 4-Her’s in the project who attended. Youth were encouraged to bring materials like icing and tips to practice. Various techniques were demonstrated on wax paper and the youth worked to complete various techniques and to practice with their work critiqued. To allow for more space, the next 4-H cake decorating workshop has been moved to the Putnam County Fairgrounds to the Community Building East and will occur on the same date/time advertised of June 27 at 7 pm.
Steve Lien hosted a wood science and wood craft workshop last week specifically for those enrolled in these projects. More wood science and wood craft workshops will be held on June 14 and July 11 at 6:30-8:00 pm at Mr. Lien’s shop. This workshop will be a “come and go” format and 4-Hers are encouraged to bring projects for critique and receive assistance for project related questions. Proper finishing technique or enhancements are additional areas where questions would be welcomed.
A new workshop just added is a painting and drawing workshop that Dessa Frank will be leading at the Extension Office on June 25 at 6:30 pm. Other 2012 workshops for 4-H projects occur as well. Consumer clothing, electricity, and My Record of Achievement are among those that will be occurring in the coming weeks. Check the online calendar at the website listed below and post cards are mailed to those enrolled in specific projects that are having workshops. Several project workshops have already occurred like photography. If you need assistance with your project, please contact your leader, superintendent or the Extension office staff who can hopefully provide tips or a contact for assistance.
Summer Judging, Public Speaking and the Demonstration contests for the county will be on June 26. The evening will begin with the speaking and demonstration events between 6-7 pm followed by the Summer Judging to occur between 7-9 pm. Summer Judging is another great opportunity for 4-Hers to gain life skill experience. Members will have opportunity to be involved in a mini-session with hands on application in a contest format. Prizes and recognition will occur for those participating in the event open to all 4-Hers.
Visit our website at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s blog topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. 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 in blog are Eastern Time.