4-H Summer Travel Opportunities

Thankfully it appears 2022 will be back to normal for state 4-H trips and camps. One of the most common remarks heard from current and former Putnam County 4-Hers is how awesome their camp experiences were while in the 4-H program or what a great experience to be 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 camp must be in grades three through six as of January 1, 2022. Camp occurs at Shakamak State Park. Departure is noon, Wednesday, June 8th with a return of 11:00 am, Saturday, June 11th. Youth learn lifelong skills, have a great time swimming, and make new friends. The deadline for youth to enroll for camp is Friday, May 13th or as long as space is available. Registration must be submitted to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office. Health forms must also be completed prior to departure. Camp registration forms are available on the 4-H page of the Purdue Extension Putnam County website. Thanks to TSC Paper Clover funds that help to offset some of the increases in costs. Camp will be $120 this year and include all meals, tshirt, lodging, etc.

Those interested in applying to be camp counselors must be enrolled in 4-H and be in at least 7th grade for consideration. Camp Counselor applications will be due Friday, April 15th to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office. Training dates for counselors will be Thursday, May 5th and Thursday, May 12th where successful applicants must be present. Cost will be covered by the Diana Thomas Memorial Endowment for 4-H volunteer development. The health form and medicine form must be presented at departure.

Statewide summer events in 2022 are planned to occur in a more normal format.  4-H Academy, State 4-H Junior Leader Conference, 4-H Round-Up, 4-H Band and 4-H Chorus will be in June. Locally DePauw University will be hosting the state Junior Leader Conference on Tuesday, June 14 through Friday, June 17. The fabulous career and workforce programs of 4-H Academy for grades 9-12 will be June 8-10 and the 4-H Roundup for grades 7-9 will be June 20-22. If a 4-Her does not attend these two events at least once during a 4-H career, one is really missing out. In the 4-H Academy the aviation participants fly a plane and the first responders are very hands on with local hospitals and emergency first responders for example.

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-Hers 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 you are interested in this opportunity so we can get you the information. One is to sign up by April 15.

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

March 31 – Exploring 4-H (mini 4-H Grade 2) program, Fairgrounds, 6 pm.

April 5 – Medicare and Diabetes, 3pm, Extension Office, free, register by April 1st at 765-653-8411

April 13 – ServSafe 1-Day Class & Online Exam, 9am-4pm, register at
      www.purdue.edu/servsafe/workshops

April 14 – Spring Flowers, 2pm, Extension Office, virtual option available upon request, free, register by April 8th at 765-653-8411

April 14 – Backyard Poultry Biosecurity webinar, 12 Noon, Register at
      https://tinyurl.com/WIAPoultry  

April 20-June 8 – A Matter of Balance (Fall Prevention), 8-Wednesdays, 1-3:00pm, Roachdale Community & Senior Center, free, limited spots, register at 765-653-8411