Kosciusko County 4-H

Enrollment Website

4-H Online and Fair Entry Project Decoding chart

• Use this to help you navigate how 4-H Online has projects named compared to how Fair Entry has projects named. Confused about what projects fall under what categories within 4-H Online? Use this link.

Poultry Paper Enrollment Form

You can choose any club you like! 4-H members are able to choose a primary and a secondary club, though you are not required to have a secondary. You could join a club that a friend or family member is in or one that fits your schedule. Of course, you can always call the 4-HEducator or the Club Leaders with questions about choosing your new club. We highly encourage "shopping around" for the club that best fits you and your lifestyle. Club meeting dates and locations subject to change. Please find the most current and up-to-date information in the monthly Clover Close-Up Newsletter.

Kosciusko County 4-H Clubs List:

Beaver Dam Better 4-H'ers Club
Leaders: Jason Rich 574.265.4837 heatmisers@yahoo.com
               Anna Rich 574.265.4838 annarichrn@yahoo.com
Meetings: Beaver Dam Community Church on the first Monday of each month at 7:00pm

Claypool Classics Club
Leader: Kayla Leininger 574.253.1302 kaylaleininger@gmail.com
Meetings: Claypool Lions Club on the first Monday of each month at 6:00pm

Horse & Pony Club
Leader: Charity Trump 574.551.5113 crtrump21@yahoo.com
Meeting: Kosciusko County Fairground on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm

Kosciusko County Goat Club
Leader: Christina Nieto 574.377.1497 christinanieto006@gmail.com
Meetings: Extension Office on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm

Leesburg Mighty Farmers Club
Leader: Valerie Sausaman 574.551.9917 leesburgmightyfarmers@gmail.com
Meetings: Leesburg Methodist Church on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm

Mentone United Club
Leader: Tory Samardzic 574.453.8125 torysamardzic@gmail.com
Meetings: Mentone First Baptist Church on the first Monday of each month at 7:00pm

Milford Helping Hands Club
Leader: Karena Wilkinson 574.529.1022 karenawilkinson40@gmail.com
Meetings: Wawasee Community Bible Church on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30pm

Pierceton Hayseeds Club
Leader: Casey Pequignot 574.551.3404 case.pequignot@medtronic.com
Meetings: Harvest Community Church on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00pm

Sidney Triple S Club
Leaders: Jeff Brubaker 574.551.5487
               Rhonda Wood 260.578.7497 brkwood@live.com
Meetings: Sidney Fire Station on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm

Silver Lake Rambling Farmers Club
Leader: Lexis Montel 574.527.5809 farmgirlfitness95@gmail.com
Meetings: Silver Lake Lions Club on the first Monday of each month at 6:30pm

Syracuse Community Hands Club
Leader: Mariah Roberts 574.328.0108 1robertsfamily2007@gmail.com
Meetings: Wawasee Hight School Ag Department on the first or second Sunday of each month at 2:00pm

Did You Know?

A 4-H Club usually elects youth members for the following officers:

President - conducts meetings and appoints committees
Vice President - is in charge of the program plans
Secretary - keeps minutes and attendance records
Treasurer - pays club bills and deposits funds received
Recreation Leader - helps plan parties and leads games
Reporter - writes newspaper article about club events
Historian - keeps a lasting record of the club's yearly story

Project Entry Website

4-H Online and Fair Entry Project Decoding chart

• Use the above link if you are confused about where to register your 4HOnline project within the FairEntry system.

Fair Entry Project Entry- "How to Quick Guide w/pictures"

Fair Entry Project Entry- "How to Quick Guide w/out pictures"

All 4-H youth enrolled in a Livestock Project (Beef, Dairy, DCFS/Dairy Beef, Goat, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep, and Swine) are required to be certified in the Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Program or to complete the YQCA online certification.

If you choose to complete the YQCA online course please register online at the YQCA Program Registration. The cost for the online course is $12. After completing the course, email your certificate to Tami at graff8@purdue.edu to receive credit.

Alternatively, you can take the in-person Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Program for $3 per member (exact change,please). If you prefer, you may also attend the QLC workshop at other counties, but you must still provide a copy of the certificate to our office.

Please note, in order to exhibit your Livestock Project at the 2025 Kosciusko County 4-H Fair, you must complete either the Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Program workshop or the YQCA online course. If you have any questions about the certification, please contact Tami at the Extension Office or email graff8@purdue.edu.

Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Program dates for KosciuskoCounty:

• Tuesday, March 25th at 6:00PM at the Extension Office
• Monday, April 28th at 6:00PM at the Extension Office
• Thursday, May 22nd at 6:00PM at the Extension OfficeIndiana

4-H Quality Livestock Care dates for Whitley County:

• Saturday, March 15 at 10:00AM at the 4-H Center
• Wednesday, April 30 at 5:00PM at the 4-H Center
• Tuesday, May 13 at 6:00PM at the 4-H Center Indiana

4-H Quality Livestock Care dates for Noble County:

• Monday, February 24th at 7:00PM at the 4-H Park, Albion
• Wednesday, March 19th at 3:30PM at the Central Noble HighSchool Cafeteria
• Saturday, April 26th at 3:30PM at the Noble County FairGrounds, Kendallville
• Wednesday, May 21st at 7:00PM at the 4-H Park, Albion

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Website (online training)

What is Mini 4-H?

Mini 4-H is a noncompetitive 4-H program for youth in grades K-2. Mini 4-H is designed to introduce you and your child to the 4-H Program and is an excellent way for children to learn by doing and to exhibit projects at the county fair. Mini 4-H members also have the opportunity to attend club meeting and workshops.

The noncompetitive learning environment for Mini 4-H includes:

1. Planned learning activities in which children are invited to be active and explore materials and ideas without the pressure of completing a specific product or exhibit.
2. Low adult/leader to child ratio that allows time for adults/leaders to provide individual positive encouragement and assistance.
3. Simple, interesting activities that are fun.
4. Encouragement of children to participate in a group activity by sharing and/or displaying their projects.
5. Rewards are identical ribbons of the same color for everyone.

Mini 4-H Project List:

Animals
Arts & Crafts
Collections
Cookie Decorating
Farm Toy Scene
Foods
Lego
Photography
Sewing

Mini 4-H Animal Project List:

Animal projects are optional for any Mini 4-H'er interested in learning about and showing an animal. The main objectives of all Mini 4-H Animal Project are to introduce Mini 4-H members to the responsibilities of 4-H animal care, the importance of keeping records, the activities involved in entering a 4-H animal at the fair and the skills to show an animal. Mini 4-H'ers can enroll in any of the following animal projects. Mini 4-H'ers will work on and complete their animal project with each individual species 4-H Committee.

Eligible Animals:
Alpaca
Beef
Cat
Dairy
Dairy Calf Feeder Steer
Goat
Horse & Pony
Llama
Poultry
Rabbit
Sheep
Swine

2025 MINI 4-H MANUAL

Please be sure to check out the Mini 4-H Manual for the most up-to-date project information which include project guidelines, recipes and meeting dates and times.

Indiana State Fair Livestock Shows Registration Website

Indiana State Fair Animal Affidavit 

Hello!

Welcome to the Kosciusko County 4-H Program!  Thank you for your interest and for choosing to make 4-H a part of your family’s life.  4-H has something to offer you – regardless of what your interests are; if you are in elementary or high school, like to do things by yourself or with others, have lots of hobbies or just one, or live in town or out in the country; there is something for everyone!  We hope that you like to try new things, meet new people, and learn new skills. And by doing so, you will have a great time in the 4-H Program.

This guide is designed with YOU in mind; to help you learn more about 4-H as a whole, about the program in Kosciusko County, what we offer and what you can expect.  With the information provided here, we hope will be helpful and give you the tools necessary to have a positive start in your 4-H career.  Please take the time to go over the information in this guide so you can learn what to expect in the coming 4-H year.  If you have further questions or need something clarified, do not hesitate to contact your local club leader or the Extension Office! Our goal is to support you throughout your 4-H career!

We are excited to have you as a part of the 4-H Program and want to do all we can to help support you as you begin this journey.  The Indiana 4-H Youth Development mission is “to provide real-life educational opportunities that develop young people who will have a positive impact in their community and the world.”

Let us all work together to help make this happen for the youth in our community!

Thank you!

Emily Kresca & Shannon Shepherd
Interim 4-H Youth Development Educator
Purdue Extension-Kosciusko County

Emily Kresca & Shannon Shepherd manages the county 4-H program on a daily basis. Feel free to contact one of them and use any of the means listed below to contact the Extension Office with any questions that may arise throughout the year.

Tami Graff
4-H Administrative Assistant
Office Manager
graff8@purdue.edu

What else does Purdue Extension Kosciusko County Offer?
4-H is not the only thing Purdue Extension is known for. Purdue Extension also focuses on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Community Development, and Health and Human Sciences. We offer trusted educational resources for the community. The Cooperative Extension Service is one of the nation's largest providers of scientific research-based information and education. It's a network of colleges, universities, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, serving communities and counties across America. Our educators are here to help you find answers and understanding related to these program areas! In Kosciusko County, Extension Staff receive program direction and support from the Extension
Board that is comprised of a cross-section of people throughout the county.

Extension Educators Contact Information:
Shannon Shepherd:
Health and Human Sciences
shephe52@purdue.edu

Emily Kresca
Agriculture and Natural Resources
eluc@purdue.edu

Caroline Arnett:
Community Wellness Coordinator
arnettc@purdue.edu

• There are many emails sent out through 4HOnline with information for all 4-H'ers or specific to your child's club(s).
• If you don't normally check your email often, it may be a good idea to check it more often as the information in those emails may be crucial. Also, check you spam/junk folder to be sure our emails are not going there.
• When communicating with the Extension Office via email, be sure to send your message to the Educator you wish to communicate with along with their Administrative Assistant to ensure we can assist you quickly.

• Extension staff are continuously posting new and updated information and resources for everyone in the county, including 4-H.
• You can search our Facebook page as "Purdue Extension Kosciusko County" or you can simply use this link:https://www.facebook.com/KosciuskoCounty4H

• The monthly newsletter sent to every 4-H family via Facebook, Email and/or postal mail in Kosciusko County is called the Clover Close-Up.
• Read your Clover Close-Up newsletter to find out about club meetings, project workshops, events, and other timely 4-H news!
• This is one of the most valuable tools for the Extension Office to reach members directly, please advise if you prefer to receive your Clover Close-Up Newsletter via email or postal mail by emailing your preference to graff8@purdue.edu.

• Anyone is more than welcome to come to the Extension Office with any questions or information for us. We typically have flyers and
• extra newsletters available. Flyers could include upcoming workshops, deadlines, reminders, and 4-H achievements.

• As a new family in 4-H, there is a lot of information that is crucial to every 4-H member's year. As you learn to navigate through your first year, you are always more than welcome to call the Extension Office to go over any questions you may have or any information you are looking for.

What is 4-H and the Cooperative Extension Service?
4-H is a non-formal educational program provided by the United States Department of Agriculture and is delivered through its CooperativeExtension Service. 4-H provides youth in grades 3-12 educational programs through their participation in project and club-related activities.Kosciusko County 4-H offers programming through many different projects and has several 4-H clubs. 4-H project workshops provide members with technical training each member needs to be successful not only in discipline, but also with life-long technical skills. 4-H club work provides members with life-long leadership and social skills that will be of benefit to every member in career preparation.

Equal Opportunity/Equal Access
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.

4-H Mission and Vision
4-H Mission: The Indiana 4-H Youth Development mission is to provide real-life educational opportunities that develop young people who will have a positive impact on their communities and world.

4-H Vision: Indiana 4-H Youth Development strives to be the premier, community-based program empowering young people to reach their full potential.

Weather Policy
All Extension meetings, including 4-H meetings, are canceled if school is dismissed or canceled due to the weather. This applies if only one or more Kosciusko County School Corporations cancel classes due to the weather.

Open Enrollment Begins October 1
The 4-H Program Year starts on October 1st! Enroll to join us for a great program year by going to v2.4HOnline.com. Traditional 4-H Members, Mini 4-H Members, and Adult Volunteers must enroll each year to participate in the program. Start the year off right by getting your enrollment done early. Step by step instructions are included in this new member guide.

Enrollment Eligibility/Membership/Residence
Enrollment in Indiana 4-H is open to any youth enrolled in grades 3-12. Grade is defined as the school grade the child is enrolled on January 1 of the 4-H year. A child may enroll in only one 4-H program in Indiana, regardless of their place of residence. In other words, youth are not required to participate in their own county’s program and may participate in a different county program provided they have properly enrolled. The only exception to this is if their county of primary 4-H enrollment does not offer a
project or statewide activity they want to participate in, then the child can enroll in a second county provided they meet Indiana 4-H policy requirements.

Annual 4-H Enrollment/Re-Enrollment
Enrollment is an annual process attained by completing the appropriate county 4-H enrollment process. 4-H Online enrollment is October 1 through May 15 at v2.4honline.com. 4-H enrollment is open to youth in grades 3-12 for a maximum of 10 consecutive years. 4-H members may drop or add projects through 4-H Online, through May 15. There is a $15 4-H program fee with Mini 4-H costing $5, payable at the time of enrollment.

Adding a New Family Member
Enter the member's information. Click the Next button. Complete the "About You" form with requested information. Click the Next button. Select your method of participation. Click the Finish button. If you have selected that you will be participating as New or Returning Club Member, continue to Youth and Mini 4-H Member Enrollment. If you are participating as an Adult Volunteer, continue to the Adult Volunteer Enrollment instructions.

Logging in to an Existing Account
Go to v2.4HOnline.com Enter your email address and password. Click Sign-In Continue to Youth and Mini 4-H Member Enrollment to re-enroll youth members, to Adult Enrollment to re-enroll adult members or to Adding New Members to add new Family Members. If you have forgotten your password, contact the Extension Office to receive a temporary password to access your account.

Creating A New Account:

1. Go to v2.4honline.com
2. Click "Don't have an account?" if you have never enrolled in 4-H before using 4HOnline.
3. Select Indiana from the drop-down menu.
4. Choose Kosciusko County from the drop-down menu.
5. Complete your family's information.
6. Click the Create Account button.
7. Enter your family's address information.
8. Click the Verify button.
9. If you create a new account and an existing account is found, click the Confirm button and continue to Login with an existing 4HOnline account. 

Returning 4-H Members

If you are returning to 4-H, your member record will be listed on the Family Member List. Click "Enroll Now" under 4-H. If you are a new member and your name is not yet listed, click "Add Member" and follow the steps for "Adding a New Family Member", then continue to Step 1 below:

1. Select the Member's Grade and click Next.
2. Select to Confirm that you would like to enroll as a Club Member.
3. Select the Select Club button.
4. Select the County in which your Club is located.
5. Click Add next to the Club you would like to join.
6. Repeat steps 1-3 to add all the Clubs in which you would like to participate.
7. If you enrolled in more than one Club, be sure the Primary Club is marked correctly. If not, click the Change to Primary button to mark a different Club as your Primary Club.
8. Click the trash cn icon to remove a Club from your list.
9. Once all of your Clubs are added, click Next at the bottom of the screen.
10. Click Select Projects.
11. Select the Club with which you want your project to be associated.
12. Click the Add button next to the project you want to add to the member's enrollment.
13. Repeat steps 10-12 for each project in which you would like to participate.
14. Click the trash can icon to remove any projects.
15. Click the Next button once all the member's projects have been added.
16. Click Show Questions.
17. Complete the enrollment questions. Some of the questions will be completed for you based on what you entered when you created your record.
18. Complete the Health Form Fields and Consents.
19. Click the Next button at the bottom of the screen when you are done.
20. Complete the Consents.
21. Click the Next button at the bottom of the page when you are finished.
22. If applicable, review the fees for the member.
23. Review the enrollment information.
24. Once you have verified that the Clubs and Projects are listed correctly, click the Submit button.

You will receive an email to let you know your enrollment has been submitted. You will receive another email when the Extension Office has approved your enrollment. You may view the enrollment status on the Member List. Any enrollments that have fees to be paid by credit card will process when the Extension Office approves the enrollment. Should the transaction be declined, you will receive an email notification, at which time you will  need to log back into your account and either correct the credit card information or add a new credit card. If you chose to pay by check, please drop a check off to the Extension Office as soon as you can. Enrollment will not be approved until payment has been made.

What Happens Now?
Now that your child is enrolled in 4-H or Mini 4-H, they can officially begin taking part in activities, workshops, and club meetings. They will also start to receive important emails and the monthly Clover Close-Up Newsletter! There are other important documents (see below) they'll need to start their 4-H year, so stop by the office to pick those up and ask any questions!

Activities:
After enrolling in 4HOnline, a 4-H member (and family) attends monthly club meetings. At these meetings, members plan club events, vote on items, swap ideas and information on project areas and do fun and educational activities. Beyond local club participation, 4-H families can participate in a variety of county sponsored events, such as project workshops, camps, county fair and more!

Clover Close-Up Newsletter:
A 4-H newsletter is emailed/mail every month to alert families of upcoming events. Be sure to read it!

Emails:
You will start to receive emails from 4HOnline and our office regarding various important dates, events, and club updates. It is important to check your email often to avoid missing any important information that may apply to the 4-H member. 

Guidebook:
The 4-H Guidebook is handed out every year to all 4-H families. The handbook includes instructions, rules, and resources to ALL projects (including livestock and other animals) that can be entered in the annual 4-H Fair. This is a super important handbook to have as every 4-H member will refer to it for all of their fair entries. We get a limited supply of hard copies, so be sure to watch the Clover Close-Up Newsletter as to when they are available, otherwise, you can find a digital copy on this website.

Project Manuals:
Project manuals are specific to the projects you choose to enter into the fair. They offer guidelines and possible ideas for your projects that you choose. Not all projects will have a project manual. We do have a small supply project manual for purchase at the Extension Office. They can also be purchased online from shop4-h.org. Project manuals are not required in order to complete a project.

Record of Achievement:
Your Record of Achievement is a paper that you fill out each year to track what you have done throughout the 4-H year. It is recommended that you keep this sheet in a 3 ring binder. It is not a requirement in order to complete your project. 

FairEntry works in cooperation with 4HOnline, so you will use the same username and password. Families will use this data management system to pre-enter specific projects for the fair. FairEntry will be used to create project labels, check in sheets, judging sheets, show programs, media reports, ribbon placing's, award placing's and more. For projects by grade level you will use the grade you were in as of January 1st. All 4-H Members in grade K - 12 must enroll their projects in FairEntry in order to show at the 4-H County Fair. Follow the instructions below to guide you through the FairEntry process.

• Go to FairEntry.com.
• Select "Find Your Fair" and find the current year Kosciusko County 4-H Fair.
• Select the GREEN box to sign in with your 4HOnline login & password.
• Choose that you would like to register as as individual.
• Choose the dot next to the name of the member you are registering and click continue.
• Answer any required questions and review the exhibitor registration info, making any necessary corrections. DO NOT transfer to your 4HOnline account.
• Click  "Continue to Entries".
• Click "Add an Entry" box to the right of he exhibitor's name.
• Select the Department, Division, and Class you would like to enter.
• To correct errors, click the "Change" button. Once reviewed click "Continue".
• Select the 4-H Club you are in and click "Continue".
• Enter the description of your exhibit (if required) and click "Continue".
• Answer any additional questions required for that entry and click "Continue".
• Decide if you'd like to add another entry, register another exhibitor, or continue to payment. Payment is not required to enroll a project in FairEntry.
• To register an animal entry from you 4HOnline account, select "Add an Animal".
• Click "Choose an Existing Animal Record" box to enter an animal that was identified in 4HOnline.
• Select the animal you would like to enter.
• If you want to switch to a different animal, click "Remove From Entry" box. If correct, click "Continue".
• Review your invoice, either in summary format or detail format. If correct, click "Continue".
• Select the green "Continue" box.
• Confirm your entries one last time. You can see a summary of exhibitors in your family, or their entries in detail. Make sure all entries for each exhibitor in your family are listed before you submit the entries. Once you submit, you CANNOT edit your entries or submit another exhibitors projects.
• Click "Continue" to confirm and submit your entries by clicking the green "Submit" button.
• You will receive a confirmation email once you have submitted your entries.

4-H Online is the program enrollment website. This is where you register for the 4-H program year as well as the projects, project animals, and events you will be participating in throughout the year.

FairEntry is the fair entry database. This is where you submit the projects or animals you specifically intend to exhibit or show at the county fair. FairEntry does not open until later in the year, and you must have your projects registered on 4HOnline before submitting them on the FairEntry database.

4-H: The youth development program of Extension designed for young people Grades 3-12; members participate in clubs, activities, and events and complete project work with a group or on their own.

4-H Camp: This three day, two night camp takes place each summer and is open to 4-H members in grades 3-8. The 4-H members participate in many outdoor activities as they learn by doing. Those in grades nine and above may apply to be Camp Counselors.

4-H Council: Assists Extension staff to determine program priorities and policies for ocal 4-H and Extension Programs; the council is made up of local volunteers with a variety of backgrounds and expertise.

4-H Indiana State Fair DNA Samples: Beef and Dairy Cattle, Meat Goats, Sheep and Swine must submit DNA hair samples to the Extension Office by May 15 to be eligible for the Indiana State 4-H Fair. DNA are available for pick up at the Extension Office.

4HOnline/Deadline: The 4-H database that manages 4-H enrollment of youth, animal identification,and trip participation. Deadline for enrolling in 4HOnline is May 15.

Add/Drop Deadline: To be eligible to complete an exhibit at the fair, a member must be enrolled in that project category through 4HOnline by May 15.

Adult Volunteer: A screened 4-H Adult Volunteer can play many roles in the 4-H Youth Development program, including Club Leader and Committee Members. Volunteer can help young people developed new skills, understand their community, and experience belonging, mastery, generosity and independence. Contact the Extension Office if you would like more information regarding becoming an Adult Volunteer.

Animal Identification: This is the process by which members ensure their animal has the correct identification (tag, tattoo, etc) and report this in the 4HOnline database.

Clubs: A club is a group of young people led by screened volunteers  who participate in 4-H learning experiences, educational activities and events. See "Which Club is Best For Me?" for a list of clubs and their meeting dates and times on our website.

Club Leaders: Adult screened volunteers who support youth as they learn by doing by providing guidance and opportunities for meaningful leadership roles in there 4-H Club and community.

County 4-H Fair: The county fair provides an opportunity for 4-H members to exhibit and display the items that demonstrate what they have learned through their project meetings and experiences over the enrollment year. This is a major event where many people see what 4-H members accomplish. Showing at the county fair is not required as part of project completion.

County Extension Educators: An Extension Staff member with subject matter expertise;youth development or 4-H educators oversee the 4-H program.

Enrollment: A 4-H member enrollment must be completed annually for each 4-H member. This is the process of updating information in 4HOnline and paying the enrollment fee.

Exhibits: A completed project, trained animal, or presentation prepared for evaluation or display at the county fair, contest, or competition

FairEntry: The 4-H database that manages exhibit entries for the county fair. FairEntry deadline is June 15.

Guidebook: This book contains all of the project guidelines, exhibit requirements, and 4-H policies. It is updated annually and is posted on the Purdue Extension-Kosciusko County website.

Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Training (QLC): Youth in grades 3-12 showing Cattle, Poultry, Sheep, Goats, Swine or Rabbits at the County Fair or the Indiana State Fair are required to complete this in-person training for exhibition. QLC Training Dates will be listed in the Clover Close-Up Newsletter. QLC Training must be completed by June 15.

Junior Leader: A 4-H member in grades 7-12 who attends Junior Leader meetings to learn leadership skills. Junior Leaders also participate in social activities, community service, and help their 4-H clubs and leaders.

Life Skills: Abilities youth learn to help them live successful, productive lives; 4-H youth programs provide learning opportunities for young people to gain life skills, practice them, and use them through out their lives.

Mini 4-H: A noncompetitive 4-H program for youth in grades K-2. Mini 4-H is designed to introduce you and your child to the 4-H program and is an excellent way for children to learn by doing and to exhibit projects at the fair. Mini 4-H members also have the opportunity to attend club meetings and workshops.

Poster: Many exhibits involve creating a poster. Posters must follow the guidelines listed in the Kosciusko County 4-H Guidebook. The Extension Office sells the clear sleeves that meet the requirements.

Projects: A 4-H project is an area you want to learn more about during the year. There are projects on just about any topic you would like to study and explore, from art to woodworking,from computers to rabbits, and from clothing to small engines. 4-H members should take at least one project each year. A member is encouraged to exhibit at the fair when their project is complete.

Project Committee: A group of adult screened volunteers that meet on a regular basis to help guide a specific project (ie: Blacksmith and Livestock projects) by helping youth members develop a sense of teamwork and meet their educational and developmental needs.

Project Manual: Most projects have manuals which provide educational material and/or learning activities for members. These are available from the Extension Office or at shop4h.org. Project Manuals are not required to complete the project.

Record of Achievement: A form where members record their activities and projects through out the 4-H year to help them keep track of their 4-H involvement. The Record of Achievement encourages organization and is a good reference tool for when they complete trip and scholarship applications.

Ten Year Member: A member who has completed 10 consecutive years of regular 4-H, which is the longest amount of time a member can participate.

Weigh-In/Tag-In Day: Any Market Beef (Beef Steers, Beef Market Heifers, Dairy Market Steers) must attend a weigh-in day. All other livestock (Beef Feeders, Dairy Feeders, Market Goats, Market Sheep and any other breeding animal) will need to be tagged and/or tattooed. These dates will be published in the Clover Close-Up Newsletter.

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA): YQCA is an online training that can be completed instead of the in-person QLC Training. If you choose to complete the YQCA option, you will register for the course at https://yqcaprogram.org/. The cost of the online YQCA course in $12 per person. After completing the course, you must email your certification to the 4-H Educator to receive credit. This also must be completed by June 15.

The variety of Animal Science projects develop both subject specific skills and life skills. As students raise and care for an animal they learn about the nutrition and management of specific species, while fostering decision-making, nurturing, self-motivation,and resiliency life skills. Project based activities encourage 4-H members to participate in research and develop relationships with veterinarians, nutritionists, animal managers, and researchers allowing them to learn through their own experiences.

Animal Identification
4-H Members (Grades 3-12) must identify all Beef and Dairy Cattle, Goats, Horses, Sheep, and Swine in the 4-HOnline system to be eligible for exhibition. Complete the following steps to identify your livestock in v2.4HOnline.com. Please contact your species superintendent with questions.

1. Login to your family profile at v2.4honline.com
   1. If you've forgotten your login or password, please contact the Extension Office.
2. Click "View" next to the Member's record for whom you would like to add an animal.
3. Click "Animals" in the navigation pane.
4. Click the blue "Add an Animal" button.
5. Click on "Add New Animal" to start adding a new animal.
6. Select the appropriate animal type from the drop down menu.
7. Enter the required Tag, Tattoo, Photos and/or Animal Name and click "Save".
8. Read the instructions for Animal ID requirements for County Fair and Indiana State Fair Exhibition.
9. Click "Show Questions" after reading the instructions.
10. Required fields are indicated, but be sure to complete all other visible fields as applicable.
11. Click "Next" once completed.
12. Upload any files necessary for the particular Animal type.
13. Click "Next" once completed.
14. Once the entered information is correct and reviewed, click the "Submit" button.
15. The animal info will display on the screen with the status, created, modified and submitted date and time stamp (local time). You will also receive a confirmation upon submission.

The 4-H Program encourages parents, grandparents, guardians and family members to help the 4-H'er with his/her projects. Here are some suggestions:

• Help youth select projects that relate to their interest/hobbies
• Attend club meetings with your child
• Give encouragement and supervision, but allow 4-H'er to do their own work
• Help youth develop a record keeping system for their project work. (This may mean finding a special place for records and 4-H materials in the home and reviewing that information periodically with them.)
• Read the Clover Close-Up Newsletter and all 4-H related emails and postal mailings. Help them stay on top of dates, deadlines, rules, etc.
• Be willing to help whenever possible for the club as extra adult hands, hostess, driver, chaperone, etc. as the need arises
• Be positive. Praise them when they succeed & be there to help when they struggle. Let them learn!
• Seek help from Extension Staff, Club Leaders, fellow 4-H'ers, as well as people with specific expertise in project areas.
• HAVE FUN!

2025 4-H Guidebook

2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

2025 GENERAL PROJECTS JUDGING SCHEDULE

2025 4-H LIVESTOCK AUCTION

2025 SUPREME SHOWMAN CONTEST

Required Animal ID Per Species

Projects

• Aerospace
• Alpaca
• American Heritage
• Animal Education Posters
• Arts & Crafts, General
  • Craft Card
• ATV Safety & Operator Skills
• Beef
• Beekeeping
• Bicycle
• Blacksmith
• Cake Decorating
  • Indiana 4-H Cake Decorating Skills & Techniques
  • Cake Decorating Exhibit Skills Sheet
• Cat Care
• Child Development
• Christmas Tree Ornament 
• Collections & Hobbies
• Communications
• Computer
• Construction & Architectural Replica
  • Craft Card
• Consumer Clothing
• Consumer Grilling
• Consumer Meats
• Crops
• Dairy Foods
• Dairy
• Dairy Steer & DCFS
• Dog Training
• Electric
  • Electric and Electronic Skills and Knowledge Chart
  • Electric Skills and Knowledge Sheet
• Entomology
• Fashion Revue Consumer Clothing
• Fashion Revue Sewing
• Fine Arts
  • Craft Card
• Fire Education
• Floriculture
• Foods, Baked
  • Recipe Card
• Foods, Preserved
  • Recipe Card
• Forestry
• Garden
• Genealogy
• Geology
• Goats
• Health
• History in Indiana
• Home Environment
• Homemade Ice Cream
• Horse & Pony
  • Horse & Pony Fair Events
• Joy of Reading
• Junior Leader
• Lawn & Garden Tractor Safety & Operator Skills
• Llama
• Microwave Cooking
• Model Craft
  • Craft Card
• Needle Craft
  • Craft Card
• Photography
• Pocket Caged Critters
• Poultry
• Rabbit
• Scrapbooking, Digital
• Scrapbooking, Traditional
• Sewing, Non-Wearable
  • Indiana 4-H Sewing Skills & Techniques
  • 4-H Sewing Skills and Information Exhibit Card
• Sewing, Wearable
  • Indiana 4-H Sewing Skills & Techniques
  • 4-H Sewing Skills and Information Exhibit Card
• Sheep
• Shooting Sports
• Small Engine
• Soil & Water Science
• Sportfishing
• Swine
• Tractor Safety & Operator Skills
• Veterinary Science
• Weather & Climate Science
• Welding
• Wildlife
• Woodworking
  • Indiana 4-H Woodworking Tools, Skills & Techniques
  • Woodworking Exhibit Skills Sheet
• Zero Turn Mower Safety & Operator Skills

4-H Projects

4-H Project Descriptions

Philosophy for 4-H Record Keeping

The purpose of 4-H record keeping is to teach how to keep records, which is an important life skill. Record keeping is an ongoing process that does not end when the 4-H year ends.

 Objectives for 4-H Record Keeping

• To learn how to set goals, how to make plans for action, and how to decide how well you did (evaluation).
• To learn the skills of record keeping and organization to use now and in the future.
• To learn to communicate and summarize.
• To learn responsibility by completing a task.
• To evaluate information that will market personal skills through future resumes and application forms.

Records can be Used for the Following:

• Scholarships
• Kosciusko County Royalty Contest

Tips for Keeping 4-H Records:

• Start Early
• Use a Binder
• Be Neat
• 4-H Year is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025

Record of Achievements can be dropped off at the 4-H Office on the Fairgrounds anytime during fair week. The last date to turn in your Record of Achievement is Monday, July 14, 2025 by 4:30pm at the Extension Office.

 DUE DATE:

MONDAY, JULY 14, 2025 BY 4:30PM
EXTENSION OFFICE

2025 Record of Achievement

4-H Academy

• 2025 Event: June 11-13, 2025
• Registration: 4HOnline

4-H Round-Up

• 2025 Event: June 23-25, 2025
• Registration: 4HOnline

4-H Camp

• We will NOT be participating in camp for 2025.

State 4-H Band

• 2025 Event: June 21-23, 2025
• Registration application: Contact County 4-H Educator

State 4-H Chorus

• 2025 Event: June 21-24, 2025
• Registration application: Contact County 4-H Educator

Creating Opportunities for Everyone!

Did you know that 4-H offers an inclusive program designed to ensure that all youth, regardless of ability, can participate and thrive? The 4-H Poss-ABILITIES program provides a welcoming environment for youth with disabilities, helping them explore their interests, develop new skills, and connect with their community.

 What Is 4-H Poss-ABILITIES?

The 4-H Poss-ABILITIES program is tailored to meet the unique needs of youth with disabilities. It focuses on creating opportunities for personal growth and success in a way that aligns with the core values of 4-H: building confidence, fostering leadership, and encouraging lifelong learning.

 How Does It Work?

The program adapts traditional 4-H activities and projects to suit individual abilities, ensuring every participant has a fulfilling experience. Whether it’s through hands-on projects, club meetings, or community service activities, the 4-H Poss-ABILITIES program ensures everyone feels included and empowered to succeed.

 Why It Matters

4-H Poss-ABILITIES goes beyond providing accommodations. It promotes a culture of understanding, acceptance, and collaboration. By fostering relationships between youth of all abilities, it helps create a stronger, more inclusive 4-H community where everyone can thrive.

 How Can You Get Involved?

If you or someone you know could benefit from the 4-H Poss-ABILITIES program, reach out to your local 4-H office to learn more. Volunteers are also welcome to help support the program through mentorship, adaptive project guidance, or assisting with events.

 By participating in 4-H Poss-ABILITIES, youth and volunteers alike can discover new strengths, build lifelong friendships, and experience the true meaning of belonging.

 Together, we can make 4-H a place where everyone has the chance to shine!

Mentor Application

Participant Application

2025 Shooting Sports Handbook

2025 Beginners Calendar

2025 Shooting Sports Calendar

To apply: Click on each title below to access the application. Applications are due January 25th. Youth may complete their application through heir 4HOnline account. Instructions on how to submit your scholarship application are listed below.

Registration Instructions

Online 4-H Scholarship Workshop  Presented by Extension Educators Megan Hoffher, Carla Kidwell and Jennifer Mayo

Kosciusko County Scholarship Information

Kosciusko County Scholarship Flyer

• 2025 Kosciusko County Scholarship Application 

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

• Kosciusko County Extension Homemakers Scholarship Application
• Ruth B. Sayre Scholarship Application
• "Steps to Success" Scholarship & Voc or Technical Scholarship Application
• Career Advancement Scholarship

Senior Spotlight

Most Influential Volunteer

Do you have what it takes to wear the Crown?

Perks Include:

• A Crown & Sash for the Queen & Princess
• A Shirt & Sash for the King & Prince
• Lead Battle of the Barns
• VIP Fair Events
• Cash Awards & Free Food
• Parade, Livestock Shows & More!

Check the links below for information on how to apply!

Application are due to the Extension Office by 4:30pm on or before May, 12, 2025.

Be the face of 4-H this Fair Week. 
Represent. Lead. Shine.

4-H Royalty Contestant Letter

4-H Contestant Additional Information

4-H Royalty Demographics

4-H Royalty Application

4-H Royalty Code of Conduct

4-H Royalty Letter of Recommendation

We are always looking for adults interested in becoming a 4-H Volunteer. We rely so much on these adult volunteers, who care about the development of youth, to deliver positive experiences to our 4-H members. If you or someone you know is interested, please give the Extension Office a call at 574.372.2340. We would love to speak to you about how you can help. We have volunteer positions to meet almost any time commitment. Some of those include, but are not limited to:

• Club Leaders
• Committee Members
• Leading a workshop
• Helping with a project

Steps to Becoming a 4-H Volunteer

New Volunteer Enrollment Process

Returning Volunteer Enrollment Proces

Volunteer Roles and Qualifications

Club Leadership Form

Committee Members Form

New Volunteer Form

Committee Meeting & Workshop Dates Form

Club Meeting Dates Form

Rule Change Form

February 2025

March 2025

April 2025

January 2024

February 2024

March 2024

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June 2024

September 2024

February 2023

March 2023

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May 2023

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October 2023

November 2023