Join the club!

4-H is an extracurricular, volunteer led, family-oriented program that helps young people develop life skills and learn by doing. The basic life skills are building self-confidence, developing an inquiring mind and making decisions, setting and meeting goals, relating to other people, developing a concern for the community, and developing leadership skills.

Regular 4-H offers membership for youth grades 3 through 12. Mini 4-H is a free county program that offers youth in grades Kindergarten, 1, and 2 a chance to participate.

View our 4-H Welcome Guide for more information!

CONTACT US

Purdue Extension Elkhart County 
17746 County Road 34 Ste E
Goshen, IN 46528
(574) 533-0554
elkhartces@purdue.edu

4-h-enroll-now.png

 

  

4-H Enrollment Questions

4-H is open to youth in grades 3-12. Our Mini 4-H program is available to youth in grades K-2. View our 4-H Welcome Guide for more information.

Members have the opportunity to learn more about a subject matter that they choose to study through completing hands on activities. We refer to these as projects. In order to enroll in a project, members must sign up for them at the time of enrolling in 4-H. Each project has a manual that guides the youth through the learning process as well as a set of guidelines that helps them meet the project requirements.

We provide adult volunteers and staff who are knowledgeable on that particular subject who will often times provide workshops to allow th​e youth to learn about that topic in a social environment. Each project has a beginner, intermediate, and advanced level-this allows youth to build on their knowledge each year and continue to challenge their skills. Projects are meant to be worked on over time, providing an educational opportunity for youth outside of the classroom setting. Often times, youth will exhibit and display their project at a local county​ fair in order to show the community what they have learned.

 

The Elkhart County 4-H program offers more than 70 projects for area youth! Check out all the projects in the "Resources for Current 4-H Members" section below.

Enrollment in 4-H (grades 3-12) is $20 per youth. If a family has more than three youth enrolled in 4-H, the maximum program fee is $60 per family. Our Mini 4-H program (grades K-2) is free!

Each year open enrollment opens on October 1st. 

Enroll online at https://v2.4honline.com

You can enroll online or use a paper enrollment form.

Paper forms will be turned in to the Purdue Extension Elkhart County Office. (Paper forms are available in the Extension Office or by request at 574-533-0554.) Enrollment forms can be dropped off or mailed to:
Purdue Extension Elkhart County
17746 County Road 34 Ste E
Goshen, IN 46528

Need help or have additional questions while enrolling? Give our office a call at 574-533-0554. We look forward to helping you!

Elkhart County 4-H has over 55 clubs! Check out our Elkhart County 4-H Clubs page to learn about the clubs we offer as well as the club leader's information, meeting information, and more!

The Purdue Extension Elkhart County office is located on the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds at 17746 County Road 34, Goshen, IN 46528. The office is the first red brick building when you pull into the Gate 2 drive off Monroe St./CR 34. We are open Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. (We do not close for lunch.) We are closed during County Government holidays. You can also give our office a call at 574-533-0554 with questions or email us at elkhartces@purdue.edu

elkhartextensionofficebldg

Resources for Current 4-H Members

The Friday 4-H Nugget provides the latest 4-H news every first and third Friday of the month and is emailed to all 4-H families. 

For poster projects, view or download the general Poster Construction Guidelines.

Elkhart County 4-H Policy & Procedures

Summary of 2025-2026 4-H Project Updates

Project Change Form Request  - Contact the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 or email elkhartces@purdue.edu for a fillable form

Projects marked with an asterisk (*) require participation in a Subject-Specific Elkhart County 4-H Club.

STATE PROJECTS

Below are a list of State Projects. Click on a project to view more information. If you have questions or need additional information, contact the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 or email elkhartces@purdue.edu 

COUNTY PROJECTS

Manuals for County Projects are available for pickup at the Extension Office. Order your project manuals with the Elkhart County 4-H Manual and Project Materials Request Form. Some manuals are available for digital download below. If you need assistance, please contact the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 or email elkhartces@purdue.edu 

You can order project manuals with the Elkhart County 4-H Manual and Project Materials Request Form. 4-H members will have the option to pick up their manuals at the Extension Office or request that the 4-H Leader pick up their project manuals and bring them to a 4-H club meeting.

For questions, please call the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 or email elkhartces@purdue.edu 

  • Scholarships - Due January 15, 2026
    • Scholarship Packet
    • Scholarship Help Packet
    • Instructions on how to submit State 4-H Scholarships can be found at the State 4-H Scholarship webpage under "Submitting 4-H Scholarship Applications".
    • Scholarship & College Search Workshop
      • January 7, 2026 from 6:30pm-8:00pm at the Purdue Extension Elkhart County Extension Office - Conference Room
      • This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to gain insights and strategies that can make a significant difference in your scholarship applications and financial planning for college.
      • What to Expect:
        • Expert Tips and Tricks: Learn how to effectively apply for local and state 4-H scholarships.
        • Explore More Opportunities: Discover additional scholarship options that you might not be aware of.
        • FAFSA and Financial Aid: Understand the importance of the FAFSA and how to utilize other financial aid resources, including cost comparison tools.
      • Register at https://scholarship2026.4honline.com
      • For more information, contact Corey Sharp, 4-H Youth Development Educator, at (574) 533-0554 or sharp22@purdue.edu 
  • Awards
    • Youth Awards - Coming soon
    • Millie Christofeno Perseverance Award - Coming Soon

Career Development Events

  • Livestock Skillathon

    • Flyer - Coming Soon
  • Dairy Foods/Milk Quality & Products
    • Join the 2026 4-H Dairy Foods Team! Calling all youth in grades 3–12! Learn about milk quality, cheese evaluation, careers in dairy, and how your favorite dairy products are made!
      Team Meeting Dates (7:00 PM | Extension Office):
      • Monday, January 12
      • Monday, January 19
      • Monday, January 26
      • Monday, February 2
      • Tuesday, February 10
      State Contest: Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Purdue University
      If you have questions, contact Robby Kelly at 574-533-0554 or kelly115@purdue.edu 
Trips
  • 4-H Law & Lunch

    • You are invited to our 4-H Law & Lunch program on (Th) December 11 at the new Elkhart County Judicial Center! (1905 Reliance Road, Goshen, IN 46526)

      Participants will meet at the Judicial Center at 9:00am. We will work our way through security and then enter Judge Michael A. Christofeno's courtroom. He will be hearing criminal cases that morning. We will be seated in the gallery and watch/listen. Around noon he will meet with our group and provide a brief tour. 

      This event is free for 4-H'ers. You will need to be enrolled in 4-H to be able to attend. Lunch will be provided from Buffalo Wild Wings. If you have any questions or would like to know more contact Sthele.

       Here is the link to register: https://lawlunch2025.4honline.com

  • Northern Indiana Animal Science Day Camp
    • Flyer - Coming soon
    • Register via 4-H Online - Coming soon
  • 4-H Academy 
    • Register - Coming soon
  • 4-H Camp - Register via 4-H Online - Coming Soon
    • SAVE THE DATE!

      4-H Camp will be June 2-5, 2026 at Camp Amigo in Sturgis, MI. 4-H Counselor Retreat will be the weekend of April 25-26 at Camp Amigo. Counselors will also need to arrive at Camp Amigo on June 1. Please add those dates to your calendar! 

      Some schools may be still in session in early June. Indiana residents may receive up to six excused absences now for 4-H events via House Bill 1660.

      Event registrations should be available by mid-December for campers and counselors. Stay tuned for the Friday 4-H Nugget in mid-December for all the details! The cost for campers and counselors is $130. That amount includes all food, lodging and activities. Register by May 16 at the Elkhart 4-H Camp Registration page.

      If you are interested or have questions, please email Sthele.

  • Indiana Statehouse Trip
    • Join 4-H members for a day at the Indiana Statehouse on February 10, 2026 to learn about legislative processes, meet with legislators, and experience Indiana history. Overnight options are available at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on February 9, 2026, but space is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Learn more at the Indiana 4-H Day Registration website.
Ten-Year 4-H Members
  • 5 Year Pass/Senior Spotlight - Coming in June!
  • Register for Ten-Year Senior Spotlight - Coming soon!

Fundraising

Contests

  • Public Speaking & Demonstrations Contest

    • All 3rd-12th grade Elkhart County 4-H'ers are invited to participate in the Public Speaking & Demonstrations Contest! This is an excellent way to practice your public speaking and communication skills! There are four categories to choose from. You can find those categories, exhibit guidelines and resources at the Indiana 4-H Communications website.

      Elkhart County 4-H will be offering a workshop prior to the contest to help with preparation. 

      The Public Speaking & Demonstrations Workshop will be on Friday, March 20th at Ag Hall from 6:30pm-7:30pm. Register at https://26psdemoworkshop.4honline.com

      The Public Speaking & Demonstrations Contest will be on Friday, April 17th at the ECCC at 6:00pm (check-in times TBA). The deadline is April 10th. You must sign up for each category to participate in each category. Register at  https://26publicspeakcontest.4honline.com

      Contact Sthele Greybar at 574-533-0554 or sgreybar@purdue.edu with any questions. 

Grill Masters

  • Time to fire up the grill and learn more about food safety, outdoor cooking appliances, grilling skills, meat selection, and more! Open to grades 6-12th. Cost is $35 per 4-H'er. Meeting dates are Tuesdays, March 31, April 14, and April 21, 2026 from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Purdue Extension Elkhart County Office. The cook-off contest will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 8:00am-1:00pm in the ECCC. Space is limited. Register by March 24 at https://grillmasters2026.4honline.com 

 

Mini 4-H

Mini 4-H is a free program that introduces kindergarten, first, and second graders to 4-H! Mini 4-Hers are not required to attend meetings but are encouraged to attend special activities planned for Mini 4-Hers. There is no competition in the Mini 4-H program. Mini 4-Hers can choose up to two different projects to complete and enter into the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. Check out the Mini 4-H Project section below to learn all of the projects the program offers!

Make sure to check out the information below for important dates, upcoming events, workshops, and more! 

Important Dates
  • Mini 4-H Welcome Dates
    • Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 9:00am - Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds (Ag Hall)
    • Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 6:00pm - Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds (Sheep/Swine Arena)
  • Night with Santa
    • Friday, December 5, 2026 at 6:00pm - Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds (ECCC Building)
  • Mini 4-H Workshop #1
    • Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 9:00am - Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds (Sheep/Swine Arena) - Pre-registration required. Register at Mini 4-H Workshop #1 Registration
  • Mini 4-H Workshop #2
    • Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 9:00am - Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds (Sheep/Swine Arena) - Pre-registration required. Register at Mini 4-H Workshop #2 Registration
  • Mini 4-H Day Camp
  • Mini 4-H Livestock Day Camp 
    • Friday, June 19, 2026 at 9:00am - Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds - Pre-registration required. Register at Mini 4-H Livestock Day Camp
  • Project Check-in and Check-out
    • Dates/time coming soon!

Organizational and Building Superintendent: Mary Kay Longacre (574-536-2406)

Assistants: Jill Garris (574-612-1337); Taylar Clanton (574-333-9105); and Brittany Leazenby (574-333-6613)

Arts & Crafts: Denise Rush (574-612-3753) and Morgan Rush (574-356-6693)

Beef: Pam Vander Wey (574-320-5277) and Taylor Thwaits (574-903-1565)

Bicycle: David Snyder (574-971-1456)

Nature Projects - (Bugs/Forestry/Wildlife): Britt Calentine (574-214-2770)

Cake Decorating: Abby Dewees (574-334-9316)

Collections: Jan Nunemaker (574-202-9046)

Dinosaurs: Taylar Clanton (574-333-9105)

Farm Animals: Kandy Walter (574-202-0987) and Cheryl Gall (574-535-3234)

Flowers & Garden: Darlene Byland (574-862-3995)

Foods: Holly Helbling (574-312-1096)

Models: Brent Mitchell (574-304-0037)

Pets: Pat McKinley (574-575-8449) and Brittany Leazenby (574-333-6613)

Sewing: Lauren Whalen (574-386-1557)

Tractor: Emili Zahner (574-633-4873) and Tiara Lechlitner (574-807-1996)

Photography: Regina Goodman (574-536-9288)

Extension Office Contact: Corey Sharp, Extension Educator - 4-H Youth Development (574-533-0554 and sharp22@purdue.edu)

You can order project manuals with the Elkhart County 4-H Manual and Project Materials Request Form. Mini 4-H members can pick up their manuals at the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office located on the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds (17746 County Road 34, Goshen) - first brick building on the right inside Gate 2 from Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. Mini 4-H members also have the option to have digital copies of manuals emailed to them. Please choose the email option when ordering project manuals at the link above.

For questions, please call the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 or email elkhartces@purdue.edu 

Project Manuals & Descriptions

Click a project below to view the project's manual. If manual is not available online, please order a project manual through the Elkhart County 4-H Manual and Project Materials Request Form. 

  • Arts & Crafts - Experiment with crafts to make an art project of your choice!
  • Beef - Complete a poster project and participate in a non-competitive show with an older 4-Her's animal.
  • Bicycle - Learn how to care for your bicycle and ride it safely. Display a bicycle poster.
  • Bugs - Explore different kinds of bugs and insects. Make a poster about your favorite bug.
  • Collections - Do you save rocks, buttons, butterflies, or anything else? Learn how to organize your collection!
  • Construction and Architectural Replica - Construct and recreate a replica using any small building material.
  • Cake Decorating - Learn the basics of cake decorating. Display a frosted cake or styrofoam form.
  • Dinosaurs - Learn about how dinosaurs lived long ago. Make a poster about your favorite dino or a dino diorama.
  • Farm Animals - Select a farm animal and make a poster about it. Choose a dairy cow, beef cattle, goat, sheep, rabbit, poultry, horse, or swine.
  • Flowers & Garden - Learn how to care for your garden. Exhibit a vegetable from your garden, a poster with photos of your garden, or flowers cut from your garden.
  • Foods - Learn about food groups and how to mix and measure ingredients. Make two no-bake cookies to display.
  • Forestry - Learn about different trees and how trees help people and animals. Make an art collage or poster about trees.
  • Models - Learn how to build and follow directions. Complete a snap together model smaller than 12 inches.
  • Pets - Learn how to have fun and care for a pet. Use pictures to make a poster about your pet or a pet you would like to have.
  • Photography - Learn the basics of photography by capturing everyday moments using a simple camera or smartphone.
  • Sewing - Begin to collect tools to start sewing. Exhibit a sewing box with a pin cushion, a simple placemat, or a completed stitching guide.
  • Tractor - Learn about tractors, how they are used, and safety. Make a poster with pictures and a story about your favorite tractor.
  • Wildlife - Learn what animals need to survive. Make a poster or diorama about a wild animal in Indiana.

Note: Mini 4-Hers do not need to own an animal to participate in a project. They also will not be driving a tractor in the 'Tractor' project.

Animals/Livestock

Check out our Livestock Update webpage for animal/livestock information on 4-H livestock club contacts, Animal ID, Quality Assurance Program requirements, Premises ID, FairEntry, health and lease forms, club specific information, Outstanding Livestock Exhibitor Program, Skillathon, and showing 4-H livestock projects at the Indiana State Fair.

Fair Entry

Fair Entry is a program used to assist us in tracking 4-H results, knowing what 4-H projects are coming to the fair, creating show programs, and much more! 

All 4-H members (including Mini 4-H members) are required to enter information into Fair Entry. The Fair Entry system will be open from May 22, 2026 through June 25, 2026. Instructions for Fair Entry will be mailed and emailed to all 4-H families. If you need assistance, please contact the Extension Office at 574-533-0554.

4-H Volunteer Information

Interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer? We offer a variety of ways to get involved and support youth development in our community. All volunteers must complete a background check and training through Purdue Extension. To get started, contact the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 to speak with a 4-H Extension Educator.

New and returning volunteers must enroll each year on 4-H Online. If you need assistance, please call the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 or email poej@purdue.edu

For digital copies of documents including the Financial Activity Report, Non-Purdue Guest Speaker Form & Agreement, Fundraiser Application Form, and Permission to Use Clover Form, call Jennifer Poe at 574-533-0554 or email poej@purdue.edu. To request manuals, visit the 2025–2026 Elkhart County 4-H Manual and Project Materials Request Form.

October 1, 2025
• 2026 Youth and Adult Volunteer Enrollment Period Opens in 4HOnline
• 2026 Club Information Sheets Due

January 15, 2026
• All Adult Volunteers- 4HOnline Enrollment and Training Requirements Due for 2026
• Youth 4-HOnline Enrollment Deadline
• 2025 Financial Reports Due
• State/County Scholarship Applications Due

May 15, 2026
• Project Add/Drop Final Change Date
• EIN/IRS 990 Form for 2025 Deadline
• 4-H Academy Registration Form Due
• 4-H Round Up Registration Form Due
• 4-H Camp Registration Form Due
• 4-H Animal ID Deadline

June 15, 2026
• YQCA/Quality Assurance Completion Deadline

July 1, 2026
• Friends of 4-H Scholarship Awards Due
• Millie Christofeno Award Nominations Due
• Youth Awards Due
• 2026 Club Photo emailed to Jennifer Poe for ECCC Display Due

2026 4-H Leader Trainings (All at 7pm)
Please know that the date, time, or location may change.
• Thursday, February 12, 2026 in Fair Board Room (4-H Online Face to Face Training at 6:00pm in Fair Board Room)
• Thursday, May 28, 2026 in Ag Hall

General Reminders
• All volunteers need to be up-to-date on paperwork and training before they can work with youth.
• Seek approval from the Extension Office when using the 4-H Clover and/or 4-H Name.
• Provide at least 2 business days to process copies in the Extension Office
• Share with club members communications about upcoming events from the Extension Office.
• BCC Sthele Greybar, Corey Sharp or Robert Kelly on communications when sending your
notifications to 4-H families (i.e., meeting reminders, newsletters).
• Regularly turn in club guest speaker names and forms so that we can complete paperwork prior to
them coming to your event.
• Turn in club fundraiser form one month prior to a fundraiser for Educator approval

FAIR TIME!

Check out the July/August 2026 schedule for project check-in and check out dates, judging schedules, building set-up and more!

View July/August 2026 4-H Schedule