Monroe County 4-H News

Welcome to the virtual Monroe County 4-H Newsletter, your primary source of local 4-H news! We have some incredible opportunities, club meetings, and reminders you do not want to miss, so keep scrolling down!

As always, remind your friends that they can join 4-H at any time, but early enrollment is always best practice so you don't miss deadlines or communication. This is the year for spreading the good news of 4-H to everyone we care about. Try sharing this newsletter with your friends and allow 4-H to transform their lives too!

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Enrollment Link: https://v2.4honline.com/

Best,

Kip Harmon, Clint Deck

4-H Youth Development Educators, Purdue Extension Monroe County

harmonke@purdue.edu, cjdeck@purdue.edu

Check it out at bit.ly/moco4h for project assistance, deadlines, schedules, guidance, support, and inspiration!

Monroe County 4-H has SO much news to share, we mailed a newsletter to all active 4-H members. Check it out before it reaches your mailbox by visiting bit.ly/4hmail,

It contains:

4-H Camp Registration Details

Outstanding 4-Her Award Application Info

Geranium Sale Order Forms

State/National 4-H Trip Info

Livestock Reminders and Tag-In Details

.... and much more!

And for a dose of 4-H news that couldn't be squeezed into the mailer, our online newsletter is always up to date! bit.ly/4hnews

Save the Date! One of the BEST weeks of the year: 4-H Camp is May 31st- June 3rd, 2026!
3rd-8th Graders may register from ~April 6th - May 4th~, or until camp is full. Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience open to any 3rd-8th grade youth, regardless of whether they are currently enrolled in 4-H. For the first time, registration and payment will be done completely online at moco4hcamp26.4honline.com
Return to this website on March 3rd to register and pay!

If you aren't enrolled in 4-H yet, create an account at in.4honline.com or message us for assistance. We have a tutorial at bit.ly/new4her

Check out our camp video from 2023 at https://youtu.be/-wB_0Y57p1M?feature=shared

Check out our 2024 Adult Staff Video: https://youtu.be/mi2vsYw5hpE

Our 2024 4-H Camp Counselor Video: https://youtu.be/KfK4E1F2zr4

2024 4-H Camp Photo Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/wbW8WfVwcHcnicKm9
#4hcamp #4HGrowsHere #learnbydoing

Purdue EEO statement: https://www.purdue.edu/purdue/ea_eou_statement.php

Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care (QLC) trainings start in March. If you plan to exhibit beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, meat goats, dairy goats, poultry, or rabbits, you must complete QLC (or YQCA) each year.

How to get certified (choose ONE option)

Option A — Attend any in-person QLC session:
Just sign in at the front table at the start of the meeting.
NEW this year: No 4HOnline registration and no $3 fee—thanks to generous local sponsors (like Premier Companies) who make it possible to keep this training free for Monroe County families.

Option B — Complete online YQCA:
Register at yqcaprogram.org and send your completion certificate to the Extension Office / your 4-H Educator. This option is not preferred by most because it has a $10-$13 fee and contains grade-specific curriculum and quizzes.

Option C — Attend a training in another county:
That works too—just be sure to provide documentation to the Extension Office.

Monroe County QLC Sessions (all at the 4-H Building during club meetings)

• Tue, March 3 @ 7:00 PM — Sheep Club Meeting
• Wed, March 4 @ 6:30 PM — Poultry Club Meeting
• Thu, March 5 @ 7:30 PM — Beef Club Meeting
• Thu, March 26 @ 7:00 PM — Rabbit Club Meeting
• Thu, April 16 @ 6:30 PM — Dairy Club Meeting
• Tue, April 28 @ 7:00 PM — Swine Club Meeting
• Mon, May 18 @ 7:00 PM — Goat Club Meeting

✅ Reminder: You can attend any session—even if it’s not your usual club meeting.
🕊️ Fancy Flyers Pigeon Club members: you won’t have a separate class this year, so please pick any date above.

If you need to request accommodations, please contact the Extension Office.

Thanks for taking this step to show the public we’re serious about excellent animal care and responsible livestock leadership. See you at QLC!

2026 4-H State & National Opportunities

National 4-H Congress - November 27-December 1, 2026 – Apply by May 1st, 2026: National 4-H Congress is one of the premier experiences for 4-H members across the country. For more than ninety years, 4-H members have been gathering to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of 4-H at this event. National 4-H Congress provides a life-changing experience for youth to meet other 4-H members from across America, as they participate in educational workshops focusing on diversity, cultural experiences, leadership, team development, and of course having fun! 4-H members in grades 9-11 may apply. Eight to ten selected applicants will comprise Indiana's delegation. Location – Atlanta, GA

*Monroe County 4-H may be able to secure sponsorship for the $700 fee/deposit if you are selected!

Apply at: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/national-programs/national-4-h-congress.html

4-H Roundup – June 10-12,2026 – Registration begins March 15th in 4Honline: Round-Up is a three-day educational experience designed especially for young teens. In Grades 7-9. The atmosphere provides an opportunity for youth to learn about their own uniqueness, career options, and being positive role models in an enjoyable, fun manner. Youth will meet peers from all over the state, experience life on a Big 10 University campus, socialize at the dance or movie, be exposed to college life in an organized group event and attend leadership sessions. You may attend this trip one time.

Location - Purdue University. Learn more and register: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/state-programs/index.html

4-H Academy @ Purdue – June 10-12, 2026 – Registration begins March 15th in 4Honline:: 4-H Academy @ Purdue is a program held at Purdue University specifically designed to offer hands-on, exciting opportunities to learn about a diverse selection of subjects and careers. During this conference previously known as 4-H Science Workshops, participants will meet and learn from professors, graduate students and other experts in their respective fields and participate in interactive activities and experiential learning. Participants stay in a Purdue University Residence Hall for two nights while exploring the Purdue University campus and meeting 4-H members from across Indiana. 4-H Academy @ Purdue is open to all youth grades 9-12. You may attend 4-H Academy @ Purdue multiple times, but must choose a different workshop each time. Learn more and register at: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/state-programs/index.html

State Fair Exhibit Hall Workers -August 7-23, 2026 – Apply by April 15th in 4Honline: Earn money. Live at the State Fair. Make lifelong friends and memories. Experience the many additional leadership experiences, including but not limited to: setting up, monitoring, tearing down and helping with judging of 4-H projects exhibited at the Indiana State Fair. An additional application must be completed by the 4-H member and submitted online. Location - Indiana State Fairgrounds. Must provide own transportation. https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/state-programs/index.html

Indiana 4-H Ambassador Program – Apply by April 15 at purdue.ag/ambassadors4h: Indiana 4-H offers an incredible leadership opportunity for 4-H members in grades 9-11 through the Indiana 4-H Ambassador Program. The mission of the Indiana 4-H Ambassador program is to empower teen 4-H leaders with the knowledge, skills, and aspirations necessary to be effective advocates for Indiana 4-H Youth Development. We will strengthen and expand the 4-H Ambassadors’ current leadership abilities so they can serve as positive role models for younger youth; build meaningful partnerships with other 4-H teens, adults, and professionals, as well as community partners and sponsors; and promote the 4-H mission in Indiana.

What does being an Indiana 4-H Ambassador entail?

• Promote 4-H with potential members, parents, and the general public
• Help conduct statewide 4-H events
• Organize 4-H promotional activities
• Represent 4-H in a public relations role with community partners and sponsors
• Develop leadership skills and self-confidence

• Develop and/or enhance skills related to leadership, such as conflict resolution, facilitation, teamwork, decision-making, respect, and communication
• Accept and incorporate constructive criticism
• Explore and apply diverse concepts of civic engagement
• Teach others and speak in public

*Eligible youth are in grades 9-11 and have been 4-H members for at least 2 years. Application details in flyer:

Mandatory Livestock Tag-In Dates:

Beef: March 1

Swine: April 26

Sheep: April 26

Goat: April 26

4-H Camp at Timber Ridge Camp, Spencer, IN

May 31 - June 3, 2026

Grades 3-8

2026 Monroe County Fair

June 27 - July 5th

Pre-Fair Fireworks @ the Fairgrounds: June 26th

Monroe County 4-H Enrollment Season is here! Join ASAP to make sure you're in the loop!

Step 1: The best time to enroll in 4-H is is NOW! It’s super easy!

Check out our Monroe County 4-H Family Guide for 3rd-12th Graders at bit.ly/4hguide

and for K-2nd Graders, view the Mini 4-H Guide at bit.ly/mini4hguide

Step 2: Create an account at in.4honline.com

Follow the steps to enter your info, sign up for clubs, add projects, agree to behavior guidelines, and pay the enrollment fee. A tutorial can be found at bit.ly/new4her

($5 for Mini 4-H, $20 for traditional 4-H, never more than $60 per family. Contact us if you need financial assistance.)

Step 3: Start attending 4-H club meetings, workshops, and events!

More info:

• Purdue Extension - Monroe Co Website: extension.purdue.edu/monroe

• Facebook Page: facebook.com/mocoin4h

• 4-H Calendar: bit.ly/mococalendar

Enrollment is $5 for Mini's (K-2) and $20 for Traditional 4-H

Enrollment Instructions: click here!

2026 4-H Project Guidelines Handbook: bit.ly/moco4h

4-H and Fair App: bit.ly/mocoapp

4-H began over 100 years ago, and has since grown into the largest youth development program in the nation. 4-H prepares young people to be leaders in their community and around the world through hands-on experiences alongside their peers and caring adults. Backed by a network of more than 6 million youth, 540,000 adult volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 60 million alumni; 4-H delivers research-based programming around positive youth development. 4-H is delivered through America's 109 land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension Service reaching every corner of our nation.

In Indiana, 4-H can be found in all 92 counties as delivered through Purdue Extension. Community clubs, afterschool programs, school enrichment, camps/workshops, and special interest programs are all ways youth across Indiana can be involved with the 4-H program.

Other Monroe County Fair Resources

• 2026 Project Guidelines (handbook): https://bit.ly/moco4h
• last year's 2025 4-H Schedule of Events at Fair: https://bit.ly/moco4hfair
• FairEntry (begins in May): https://monroecountyindiana.fairentry.com/
• last year's 2025 Livestock Sale Packets for 4-H Members to invite new buyers: https://bit.ly/4hsale

• last year's 2025 Open Class Exhibition Requirements for ALL Ages: https://bit.ly/fairopenclass
• Monroe County Fair Website: https://www.monroecountyfairgrounds.in/
• Monroe County Fair App: https://bit.ly/mocoapp

We absolutely love our Mini 4-Her's (all 200+ of them!) We are excited for another great year of fun and exploration. Our Mini 4-H Guide can be found at bit.ly/mini4hguide , but for a quick understanding of Mini 4-H, read this post.

🍀 Many K-2nd grade Mini's "do 4-H" by attending community clubs and livestock clubs, all of which accept Mini's.

🍀 Other Mini's choose to simply enter projects at the fair and show off their creations to a judge

🍀 Some Mini's take part in special events at the fair offered by livestock and animal clubs. There are county fair opportunities for every animal club in 4-H (beef, dairy, dog, cat, goat, horse/pony, pigeon, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and swine). Be sure to add the corresponding club(s) in 4Honline and connect with club leaders to learn more about their requirements for being a part of fair festivities.

🍀 And lastly, some Mini's like to attend our special Fairgrounds Mini 4-H Club especially for K-2nd graders. No big kids allowed. Some special events for Mini's include monthly meetings each winter and spring and Mini 4-H Day Camp in June, where they get a taste of our 4-H Camp experience squeezed into one day! Follow the Mini 4-H Club Facebook Page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17zwPMDmoY/

Monroe County 4-H is always seeking to point the community towards our special giving campaign to increase youth "Experiences Outside Our County Borders". https://bit.ly/4hgiving

Thank you for considering this amazing, worthwhile cause!

SAVE THE DATE!

2026 Children’s Farm Festival

We are excited to announce the dates for next year’s festival!

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Preschool & Kindergarten Attendees

Friday, September 25, 2026

1st Grade Attendees

More information will be released soon!

Want to make sure you receive updates and registration details?

Join our mailing list here: https://bit.ly/CFFLIST

We can’t wait to welcome students back for another fun-filled, hands-on farm experience!

Show your clover pride by purchasing an Indiana 4‑H Foundation Specialty License Plate at your local BMV Branch! Plate fees support programs for young people state-wide and a portion of the money from each plate goes to the 4‑H in the county where the plate is purchased.

Do you have a 4-H License Plate? If not, check it out!

The license plates are $40 at the BMV. The Indiana 4-H Foundation receives $25 (this money comes back to youth) and Monroe County 4-H receives $10 (we use this money to help with camps, trips, etc.).

Show your 4-H pride with a 4-H License Plate!

More info can be found here: https://in4h.org/my-best-gift/specialty-license-plates/

Website: bit.ly/mococalendar

iCal Format: copy and paste this .ics calendar into your favorite app: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/mocoin4h%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics

We are looking for awesome new 4-H Volunteers to help facilitate dozens of exciting new opportunities for local youth. If you would like to learn more, send a quick email to Clint at Cjdeck@purdue.edu .

Then create a new volunteer account in 4Honline to begin the application process: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/_docs/enrolling-in-4-h-online-as-a-new-adult-volunteer.pdf

Past volunteers: You can re-enroll as a 4-H volunteer. Re-Enrollment in the current program year is required each and every year: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/_docs/enrolling-in-4-h-online-as-a-returning-adult-volunteer.pdf

Email Clint to Claim a Project and Volunteer as a Superintendent or Workshop Helper!

Purdue Fast Start — giving Indiana students a new pathway to Purdue through:

• Free courses

• Assured admission

• Purdue credit

• Big savings

Check it out today!

https://www.admissions.purdue.edu/purduefaststart/

To find a CLEP testing center near you, visit https://clep.collegeboard.org/test-center-search.

Testimonial from an Indiana parent:

Email Clint to Volunteer as a Project Superintendent or Workshop Helper!

Extension Homemakers offer continuing education to meet the needs of the family, home, and community in an ever changing world. By providing informal educational opportunities, the organization broadens members' horizons and provides in-depth information in specific interest areas.

Extension Homemaker Clubs

Domestic Engineers: Kathy Shaffer (kshaffer@indiana.edu)

Energetic Club: Gayle Morris (rgmorris@att.net)

Evening Glories: Nola Donley(donley.dn@comcast.net)

Good Neighbors: Loettea Rush (lrush@kiva.net)

High Hopes: Karen Hahn (kaehahn@gmail.com)

Highlanders: Tara Slaughter (tbslaugh@indiana.edu)

Musicmakers: Kay Strahm (toby121444@gmail.com)

Nine Patches: Sharon Masters (smasters1994@gmail.com)

Walk-A-Lot: Tammy Mezgar (tammymezger@yahoo.com)

or Contact Ody Ekwonwa for more information

Ody Ekwonwa

Extension Educator

Health and Human Science

County Extension Director

bekwonwa@purdue.edu

Clint Deck

Extension Educator

4-H Youth Development

cjdeck@purdue.edu

Kip Harmon

Extension Educator

4-H Youth Development

harmonke@purdue.edu

Position Vacant

Extension Educator

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Cindi Percifield

Office Manager

ckpercif@purdue.edu

Stephanie Roberts

Education Assistant

rober717@purdue.edu

Website: extension.purdue.edu/Monroe
Location: 3400 South Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN, USA
Phone: 812-349-2575
Facebook: facebook.com/MoCoIn4H