Exploring 4-H in Putnam County ~ 2013
What is Exploring 4-H?
Exploring 4-H is a program for children who are not yet old enough for the general 4-H program for Grades 3-12. Through the Exploring 4-H program, children have the opportunity to make new friends, share new experiences, and learn about 4-H and the many things it has to offer.
Who Can Join Exploring 4-H? (click here for Enrollment Form)
Any child who lives or attends school in Putnam County and was in second grade on January 1st of the current year is eligible to join Exploring 4-H.
What About Meetings?
There will be three meetings during the summer months. With help from the Junior Leaders, the meetings include an introduction to the 4-H program, individual project instruction, recreation, and refreshments.
What About the Fair Parade?
Thanks to our volunteers we frequently have been able to have an Exploring 4-H float in the fair parade. Under Jr. Leader supervision the Exploring 4-Her’s are allowed the opportunity to ride and experience the Putnam County parade. We will be able to continue this tradition with your help. If you would like to donate a trailer and volunteer to drive it during the parade, please call the Extension office at (765) 653-8411.
How Do You Join? (click here for enrollment form)
Complete the “Exploring 4-H” enrollment form that is provided by the Putnam County 4-H staff. The enrollment forms should be returned to the Extension office by June 1. There is a $3.00 project cost for the summer program. Make checks payable to “Putnam County Junior Leaders” If need be, the enrollment forms and the project cost will also be accepted at the first meeting.
When are the Meetings?
The first Exploring 4-H meeting will be held on Thursday, June 13th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm, in the Community Building at the fair grounds. The second meeting will be on Thursday, June 27st from 7:00 – 8:00 pm, in Harris Hall at the fairgrounds. The annual field day will be Thursday, July 11th from 1:00 – 3:30 pm at the fairgrounds. On field day we will meet in the Community Building at the Putnam County Fairgrounds and have activities at different locations on the fairgrounds.
What projects are offered?
Exploring 4-H is divided into five different project areas covering a wide variety of interests. You may choose one of the following projects to exhibit at the fair.
Collections (click here for manual/more info) You will exhibit a 22” x 28” poster that displays an 8½ ” x 11” sheet of paper that you will write a summary about your collection on and one or two photographs of some of the items in your collection.
Drawing (click here for manual/more info) You will exhibit one framed and ready to hang 8 ½” x 11” drawing that you have created.
Entomology (click here for manual/more info) Your exhibit will be a labeled model of an any. THe kit will be $1 and can be purchased at the Extension Office. You will also need to include a 4"x6" index card with 3 interesting facts you learned about insects.
Foods (click here for manual/more info) You will exhibit six no-bake cookies of any variety on a paper plate and wrap it with plastic wrap. You need to also bring a copy of your recipe on a 5" x 8" card. A recipe card will be given during one of the Exploring 4-H meetings. Be sure to include all ingredients, directions, and your name. Wrap the card in plastic or place it in a plastic bag.
Photography (click here for manual/more info) Your exhibit will include a 22” x 28” poster that includes 5 color pictures. To add your personal touch, you may add captions to your pictures.
Wildlife (click here for manual/more info) Your exhibit will be a 22” x 28” poster with 2 or 3 pictures on it. One picture will be the Indiana State bird and the other(s) will be your choice of a rabbit, squirrel, OR raccoon. These animal pictures will be provided for you at one of the Exploring 4-H meetings or be available at the Purdue Extension Office. Share information about each animal by adding a caption under the picture.
Exhibiting Information:
Exploring 4-H posters are to be exhibited horizontally, and the overall size, including any frame or backing, must be 22” x 28”, mounted on material that provides a stiff backing and covered with clear plastic or other transparent material. Foam core poster board material of correct size can be purchased at the Purdue Extension Putnam County office for $3 each and slip covers for the posters can be purchased there also for $1.
Attach the official Putnam County 3” x 4” label to the project. You can purchase these at the Purdue Extension Office for $0.50 for 3 or print them from our website (click here for label) for free. The label is to be placed in the lower right hand corner of your poster or drawing. For the foods project please put your label with your recipe card.
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Important Dates:
Thursday, June 13th…………..First meeting……………..7 – 8 pm……..………….Community Building at Fairgrounds
Thursday, June 27st…..……Second Meeting………….7 – 8 pm……………..…. Community Building at Fairgrounds
Thursday, July 11th…………..Field Day……………………1 – 3:30 pm………..….Community Building at Fairgrounds
Thursday, July 17th……….Fair Project Check-in…...4 - 7 pm………..Community Building at Fairgrounds
Wednesday, July 24th…..….“Fun at the Fair”…….5 – 7 pm..……....meet in the Community Bldg near the stage
Friday, July 26th (9:30pm-10pm) or Saturday, July 27th(9am-11am)…..Project Pick Up…..Community Building
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Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university. If you have special needs, please contact Mark Evans at 765-653-8411 ext 1 or toll free 888-EXT-INFO and ask for Putnam County office. It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action institution. This material may be available in alternative formats.