“Exploring 4-H” for grade 2 kicks off February 23rd

Eligibility in the regular 4-H program necessitates one must be in Grades 3 through 12 as of January 1 of the current year. However, second graders can get a taste of 4-H by signing up for the “Exploring 4-H” or mini 4-H program. Exploring 4-H is a program for children who are not yet old enough for 4-H. Any youth in the second grade as of January 1 of the current year is eligible.

This year to plan appropriately for health and safety guidelines, we really need to have everyone sign up ahead of time so planning can occur. There will be three meetings leading to a field day during the summer months for Exploring 4-Hers and ultimately project exhibition during the Putnam County 4-H Fair during July 21-28. With help from the Junior Leaders, the meetings include an introduction to the 4-H program, individual project instruction, recreation, and a snack. Additionally, the youth in this program typically have entered their own float in the fair parade which will likely occur again this year if the group so desires.

Project choices for Exploring 4-H youth include collections, crafts, drawing, entomology, farm animals, foods, photography and wildlife. Collections, photography and wildlife are poster projects while drawing is submitting a framed picture, foods involve entering no bake cookies, and crafts is hands-on construction creating a small standing or hanging exhibit. A model of an ant that the youth assemble is the entomology exhibit option while those doing farm animals will use a shoe box to make an animal themed diorama. Information and registration forms were sent home with all second-grade school students during recent school visits.

Parents may sign up their second graders now for one of seven projects. Enrollment is simple. The cost is ten dollars and forms are available at the office or one may enroll online at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in and pay with a credit card there as well. The first meeting will be between 6-7 pm on Thursday, February 23rd at the Putnam County Fairgrounds in the York Automotive Community Building.

Other meetings will occur on April 4th, April 26th and the field day will be on June 28th. The meetings are typically 6-7 pm, the field day is during the afternoon starting at 1 pm, and all events are at the fairgrounds. Project check-in at the fair will be July 18th anytime between 4-7 pm and the “Fun at the Fair” scavenger hunt will be at 5:30 pm on July 26th. It is fine is one misses a meeting as that should not keep one from participating.

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

Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 – Be Heart Smart virtual program, 5pm, register  at https://tinyurl.com/PutCoBHS23

Feb. 9, 16, 23 – Winter Walking Group, 4:00pm, Fairgrounds York Auto Community Building

Feb. 23 – Exploring 4-H Kickoff (grade 2), 6 pm, Fairgrounds

March 11 – Putnam County Ag Day, Fairgrounds