LAKE COUNTY 4-H PROGRAM

Tuesday July 14^th – Building Setup

 July 20th to July 23th

Project Drop-Off for all projects dropped off in the 4-H Building. Monday and Wednesday from 9:00am-12:00pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-7:00pm.

 You will simply grab your tags and drop all your projects off at the table where it will be judged. If you are staying to talk to the judge you will highlight your entry number. All projects must be turned in prior to judging times except foods, garden, and construction/architectural replica

Friday July 24^th

*Superintenendents welcome to come early to set up/organize projects

Judges 12:00-2:00 pm, Kids 2:00-3:00pm

Aerospace, Creative Writing, Computer Science, Electric, Floriculture, Sewing, Small Engine, Woodworking, Wearable Art, Soil and Water Science, Garden Education, Foods (schedule as follows)

3:00 - 4:00 pm         Foods Project Drop Off Time

4:00                         Foods: Baked - Levels A & C

4:00                         Foods: Preserved - ALL

5:00                         Foods: Baked - Levels B & D  

Judges 4:00 - 6:00 pm, Kids 6:00-7:00pm

Photography, Basic Craft Other, Animal Education, Needle Craft/Other, Geology, Entomology, Sports, Music

Saturday, July 25^th

Judges 9:00 - 11:00am, Kids 11:00-12:00pm

Exploring Through Books and Movies, Jewelry Making, Reclaimed Treasures, Table-setting, History For Fun, Leathercraft,, Giftwrapping, Wreaths, Collections, Ceramics, Cake Decorating

*12:00-1:00pm Construction and Architectural Replica Project Dropoff*

Judges 1:00- 3:00pm, Kids 3:00-4:00pm

Child Development, Forestry, Health, Sportfishing, Vet Science, Weather and Climate Science, Wildlife, Construction and Architectural Replica, Fine Arts

Monday July 27th 6:00 - 7:15pm

Mini Project Drop Off and Judging

Tuesday August 4th 9:00-10:00am

Garden Judging

Monday - August 10

7:30 – 10 a.m. Clean Stall & Check-in

9:00 a.m. Arena Open, once Stalls are cleaned

10:00 a.m. Meet the Judge, and Check Patterns

11:00 a.m. Showmanship Project Class

#1 Level 3(11^th/12^th- 9^th/10^th Grade), #2 Level 2(8^th – 7^th – 6^th Grade), #3 Level 1(5^th – 4^th – 3^rd Grade)

 Project Classes:

5 Minute Warm up for Reinsmanship

#4 Reinsmanship Project Class

5 Minute Warm up for All Walk/Trot (WTP)

**Project classes will possibly have Rail Work**

#5 Senior Walk Trot Project Class (WTP) (Grades 8-12)

#6 Junior Walk Trot Project Class (WTP) (Grades 3-7)

5 Minute Warm up-(All Senior riders warm up)

5 Minute Warm up-(All Junior riders warm up)

**warm up excludes Walk/Trot Participants**

**Project classes will possibly have Rail Work**

#7 Senior Western Horsemanship Project Class(Grades 8-12), #8 Junior Western Horsemanship Project Class(Grades 3-7), #9 Senior English Equitation Project Class(Grades 8-12), #10 Junior English Equitation Project Class(Grades 3-7), #11 Senior Ranch Riding(Pattern Class)(Grades 8-12), #12 Junior Ranch Riding(Pattern Class)(Grades 3-7)      

*Dinner Break*

5:00 p.m. Horse and Pony is invited to dinner by the Cattle Barn

5:45 p.m. Color Guard/Drill Team

6:15 p.m. - Mini Project Classes

#13 Mini 4-H Stick Horse (K-2)

#14 Mini Lead line Showmanship (K-2)

#15 Mini 4-H Lead line Walk (K-2)

 **5 Minute Warm up for Gymkhana**

#16 Gymkhana Project Class

 #17 Versatility (English, Western, Barrels)

 Tuesday- August 11

8:00-8:45 AM - Arena Open

**Set up for Trail**

 9:00 AM Project class

 #18 In Hand Trail Project Class

COMPETITIVE DAY CLASSES:

 These class times are subject to change. They will run if time and weather permits. Some of the pleasure classes may need to move to Wednesday, please pay close attention to announcements and have fun!

*SR Rider is 8,9,10,11,12

*JR Rider is 3,4,5,6,7

 **Member may only compete in ONE competitive day Trail Class

#1 **In Hand Trail Class

#2 **Walk Trot Trail Class (WTP)

#3 **Trail Class

#4 Reining

#5 Walk/Trot Pleasure (WTP) - Any discipline

#6 Walk Trot – SR Rider - Any discipline

#7 Walk Trot – JR Rider - Any discipline

**Break**

#8 Western Pleasure SR Rider, #9 Western Pleasure Jr Rider, #10 Pony Pleasure (under 54”),         #11 English Pleasure SR Rider, #12 English Pleasure JR Rider, #13 Pleasure Driving , #14 Bareback (WTP), #15 Bareback, #16 Double bareback

 ***********************************Dinner Break***********************************

Tuesday Evening - August 11

 5:00 PM - Color Guard/Drill Team

                 Tenure Awards

***Members may only compete in ONE competitive day Costume Class ***

#17 Costume Class – Individual

#18 Costume class - Group (Mini’s may work with a horse group)                                                      

5 Minute Warm up

#19 Open Ground Poles (WTP can enter this class with option of having a lead line)

        *If you enter ground poles you CANNOT enter into classes 20, 21, 22)

#20 Hunter Hack

#21 Cross rail equitation

#22 Hunter Equitation Over Fence Cross rails (Pattern)

#23 Pairs Pleasure

#24 Ranch Pleasure (no pattern)

#25 FreeStyle Performance - UNDER SADDLE ONLY (See Handbook for details)

• Members can only show one time
• (WTP is permitted to show in this class, they can only do Walk/trot)
• No more than 1 song with a maximum of 4 and theme

#26 Team Tournament - To be held in the main arena

Wednesday August 12

8:00 AM - Stall Cleaning - OUT OF BARN by NOON

 8:30 - 9:00 AM - Arena Open

 9:00 AM - Start time

#27 Apple under chin (WTP), #28 Apple under chin, #29 Egg & Spoon (WTP), #30 Egg & Spoon SR, #31 Egg & Spoon JR, #32 Pass the Egg

**************11:00-11:30 AM Break to set up Poles and finish cleaning out stalls**************

 ****Members will not be allowed to show after 11:30 break until stalls are cleaned and checked by the Superintendent or an appointee.****

#33 Pole Bending (WTP), #34 SR Pole Bending, #35 JR Pole Bending, #36 Barrels (WTP), #37 SR Barrels, #38 JR Barrels, #39 Kart Barrels, #40 Flag Race, #41 Catalog Race, #42 Water-Bucket Race, #43 Dizzy stick (no horse) and Possibly more…

July 29 (Wednesday)   4-H Building, Lake County Fairgrounds

                                      Set up Club Corner displays.

August 2 (Sunday)

5:00pm                 4-H Achievement Night, Livestock Arena

August 4 (Tuesday)  4-H Building, Lake County Fairgrounds

9:00-10:00 am      Garden Judging Day

Check in 9:00-10:00 am    Urban Agriculture (check in only)

August 6 (Thursday)

8:30 am - 6:00 pm Check in 4-H Poultry

August 7 (Friday)

9:00 am                4-H Poultry Show, Poultry/Rabbit Barn

TBA                        Poultry (The Roles are Reversed) Showmanship Activity

                                Poultry/Rabbit Barn

August 8 (Saturday)

12:30 pm             Check in Urban Agriculture Expo, 4-H Building

1:00 pm                Urban Agriculture Expo

August 9 (Sunday)

12:30 pm             Check in Invention Convention, 4-H Building

1:00 pm                Invention Convention

August 10 (Monday) 

9:00 am – 12:00 noon      Check in 4-H Rabbit

8:00 am – 10:00 am          Check in 4-H Swine

8:00 am - 12:00 noon       Check in 4-H Beef, Goats, Sheep

8:30 am - 9:30 am  Check in 4-H Horse & Pony

11:00 am              Horse & Pony Exhibitors Meeting

12:00 noon          4-H Horse & Pony Show, Horse Arena

12:00 noon - 8:00 pm       Check in 4-H Dairy Cattle

3:00 pm                4-H Sheep & Swine Carcass  Shows (on hoof), Livestock Show Pavilion

7:00 pm                4-H Livestock Costume Activity, Livestock Show Pavilion

7:30 pm                Old Timer class, Livestock Show Pavilion

August 11 (Tuesday)

8:00 am                4-H Horse & Pony Show, Horse Arena

9:00 am                4-H Rabbit Show, Poultry/Rabbit Barn

5:00 pm                4-H Sheep Show, Livestock Show Pavilion

August 12 (Wednesday)

8:00 am                4-H Horse & Pony Show cont.

8:00 am - 12:00 noon       Check out 4-H Horse & Pony

9:00 am                  4-H Meat & Specialty Goat Show, Livestock Show Pavilion

5:00 pm                4-H Swine Show, Livestock Show Pavilion

August 13 (Thursday)      

9:00 am                4-H Dairy Goat Show, Livestock Show Pavilion

1:00 pm                4-H Poultry & Egg Judging Contest, Poultry/Rabbit Barn

5:00 pm                4-H Dairy Show, Livestock Show Pavilion

6:00 pm                 4-H Beef Show, Livestock Show Pavilion

August 14 (Friday)

11:00 am               4-H Sheep/Swine Carcass Results at Hanford Packing

11:00 am               Mini 4-H: Rabbit Activity, Poultry/Rabbit Barn

12:00 noon          Mini 4-H: Poultry Activity, Poultry/Rabbit Barn

2:30 pm                 4-H Rooster Crowing Activity, Poultry/Rabbit Barn

3:00 pm                 Mini 4-H: Sheep Activity, Livestock Show Pavilion

4:00 pm                 Mini 4-H: Goat Activity, Livestock Show Pavilion

6:00 pm                 Supreme Showman Contest, Livestock Show Pavilion

August 15 (Saturday)       

10:00 am               Livestock Judging Activity,  Livestock Show Pavilion   

5:00 pm                 Lake County 4-H Animal Auction, Livestock Show Pavilion

August 16 (Sunday) 

10:00 am               4-H Livestock Barn Battle Activity, Livestock Show Pavilion

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Check out Beef, Dairy, Goats, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep, & Swine including show boxes and equipment

6:00 pm                 4-H Building closes.

August 17 (Monday)        

4:30 pm — 6:00 pm          All 4-H exhibits must be picked up from

the 4-H Building by designated club representatives. See your club leader for instructions.  

5:30 pm                 4-H Building Tear-Down.

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 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 the Lake County Fair in order to show the community what they have learned. 

Resources for State 4-H projects are available at: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/index.html

2026 Sponsor Form

Check Request County Committee 

Youth Protection Letter for Non-Purdue Guests

Record of Achievement Fill in Results

The 2026 Lake County 4-H Handbooks are here at the Extension Office and available for pick-up. If you are a current 4-H club member, please get the handbook from your club leader. One book per family please. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 755-3240.

Looking for a 4-H Club to join?  Our clubs are open to all young people in grades K-12. Contact the Extension Office at 219-755-3240 for more information about these clubs or to learn how you can start a new club in your community!

Brunswick Beavers Thursday, 7:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Zion United Church of Christ, Dyer              
Club Leaders: Rose Kleine(kfarmrose@airbaud.net) 219-755-7370 and Janet Neitzel (the2lefty2@yahoo.com) 219-775-4001 

 
Eagle Creek Up + At’em Sunday, 4:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Rangeline Presbyterian Church, Hebron                                                                     Club Leader: Tracy Bult(tracybult31@yahoo.com) 219-742-9740


Griffith Grinners  Sunday, 3:00pm(monthly)     Meetings: Griffith First Christian Church, Griffith
Club Leader: Lisa Bubala(lisa6000@yahoo.com) 219-718-2181

  
Happy Wranglers Tuesday, 6:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Stone Ridge Training Center, Hebron                                                                              Club Leader: Barb DeWell(bdewell.bd@gmail.com) 219-789-0255

Hammond Explorers Saturday,time(TBA) Meetings: Hammond Public Library, Hammond                                                                                      Club Leader: Barbara Hinton  219-801-1201 

Hobart Hurricanes Monday, 6:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Joan Martin Elementary School, Hobart
Club Leader: Laura Clemons(laurazato@gmail.com) 219-669-5692

Juntos 4-H Meeting time(TBA)              Meetings: River Forest High School, Hobart
Club Leaders: Noemi Lozano and Allison Gnezda

Lake Co. 4-H Color Guard & Drill Team Meeting time(TBA)  Meetings: Lowell
Club Leader: Jennifer Bisig 219-942-0804

 
Prairie Pioneers,Sunday, 4:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Lowell VFW 6841, Lowell
Cub Leader: Lynette DuBord(lynette.dubord01@gmail.com) 219-746-3105
 

Prime Beefmakers,Sunday, 2:00pm(monthly)  Meetings: Schneider Community Center, Schneider
Club Leader: Heidi Laub(heidi.laub@yahoo.com) 219-776-9786

 
Robinson Prairie Fantasy Farmers (RPFF) Sunday, 5:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Bulldog Park, Crown Point
Club Leaders : Elaine Hein(echein@yahoo.com) 219-742-2687 and Sandi Gleason(srsg96@att.net)
 

Rockin’ Clovers  Friday, 6:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Community Baptist Church, St. John
Club Leader: Steven Shareef(rockinclovers@gmail.com) 219-351-0412 

 
Saddle + Spurs Wednesday, 6:00pm(monthly)    Meetings: Crown Point Public Library, Crown Point
 Club Leaders: Kristen Donaldson 219-306-1851 and Jill Bruhn 219-384-8641

 
Shelby Ag Tuesday, 6:00pm(monthly)  Meetings: Buckley Homestead, Lowell
Club Leader: Amber Miller(rarlpmiller06@gmail.com) 219-671-8695

 
St. John Spitfires Friday, 6:00pm(monthly)         Meetings: Crown Point
Club Leader: Stephanie Neal(tsneal2002@gmail.com) 219-308-5897
 

Tails and Trails  Tuesday, 6:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Lowell Public Library, Lowell
Club Leader: Anastasia Szostek 219-798-0723


The Lone Rangers Monday, 7:00pm(monthly)  Meetings: Four Seasons Equestrian Center, Crown Point
Club Leader: Kristina Shupryt(kristina.shupryt@gmail.com) 219-718-9776

 
The Seekers Friday,4:00pm(monthly)  Meetings: Faith Church, Cedar Lake
Club Leader: Angie Davids(adavids1121@gmail.com) 219-775-0835

 

4-H CLUB DEFINITION:  

A 4-H Club is an organized group of at least five youth from three different families who meet regularly with adult volunteers or staff for a long-term, progressive series of educational experiences.

4-H CLUB PURPOSE:

The purpose of a 4-H club is to provide positive youth development opportunities to meet the needs of young people to experience belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity—the Essential Elements—and to foster educational opportunities tied to the Land Grant University knowledge base.  

4-H CLUB RESOURCES

                                         Lake County 4-H Clover Connections

                                                                 May 2026

                                                  A Note from the Extension Office

Hello, Lake County 4-H Families, 

May is here, and fair season is just around the corner! This is a crucial time for 4-H members as projects near completion and important deadlines approach. Be sure to stay on track, double-check requirements, and take advantage of any last opportunities to practice and prepare.

Whether you're wrapping up a project book, working with your animals, or putting final touches on exhibits, your hard work is about to pay off. Keep asking questions, stay organized, and don’t forget to enjoy the process along the way!

Let’s finish strong and make May a month full of progress, confidence, and 4-H pride! 💚

                                                       News & Announcements

4-H Senior Spotlights:

• We want to celebrate YOU! As you prepare for your next adventure, we’d love to spotlight your achievements, favorite 4-H memories, and future plans for our Senior Spotlight. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey so we can showcase your hard work and dedication. Fill out the survey here; https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9S6ndsHu7tqsTMq. We can’t wait to celebrate our Lake County 4-H Class of 2026!

Publication Sale:

• We have a limited number of 4-H publications remaining in our office and are offering them for just $3 each. If you’d like to find out what’s still available, please contact the Extension Office.

Fairground Updates:

• Lake County Fairgrounds would like to inform you that several construction projects have begun and will continue through July. While construction is in certain areas, including the Industrial Building and along the midway, their team and the contractors that are completing the work will make every effort to minimize any disruptions to scheduled events.

                                             Upcoming May 4-H Workshops

Sewing Workshop

• All Sewing project members welcome. May 6th workshop, you will be finishing up your aprons and for the May 20th workshop, you could make a casserole dish cover or project of choice. If you decide to make the casserole dish cover, please bring $2 for supplies. Please let us know if you have your own sewing machine when you register. Workshops are held at Extension Office from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Questions, please call Linda Dillon at 219-313-5633. Register here at https://sewingws-5-6-2026.4honline.com for the May 6th workshop. Register here at https://sewingws5-20-2026.4honline.com for the May 20th workshop.

Model Bridges Club/Project Workshop

• Join us on May 9th and May 30th for an exciting workshop where students will explore engineering by designing, building, and testing their own model bridges. This opportunity is open to students in grades 3–12. The workshops will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Indiana University Northwest, 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN. We will meet at Marram Hall, Room 144, located at the southeast corner of campus. The room is the first on the left when entering through the south door. Register by May 7th at https://modelbridge5-9-2026.4honline.com for the May 9th workshop. Register by Register by May 27th at https://modelbridge5-30-2026.4honline.com for the May 30th workshop. Questions, please contact Kasey Wilhoit at 755-3240 or email kwilhoi@purdue.edu.

Poster Making 101 Workshop

• Join us on May 14th at the Extension Office starting at 6:00pm for an interactive, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to create fun, colorful, and educational posters! This is a workshop you won’t want to miss—perfect for 4-H members looking to level up their project displays. You’ll learn valuable tips on poster matting, arrangement, and other design techniques that will help your posters stand out. Questions? Please call Lynette DuBord at 219-746-3105. Register at https://postermaking5-14-2026.4honline.com.

 Mock Horse & Pony Practice Show

• Come have fun and practice for the Lake County fair. Sunday, May 17th, starting at 9 am at Navajo Saddle Club, 84 W 900 S, Kouts, IN. Questions? Please call Barb Dewell at 219-789-0255. Register at https://practicemock5-17-2026.4honline.com

Jumping Clinic

• This clinic will help members who would like to have extra practice and to improve horse’s skills in jumping. All members are encouraged to participate, to see if their horse is a good fit for jumping. Ground poles and cross rails will be offered. Beginners are welcome. This event will be held at the Navajo Saddle Club, 84 W 900 S, Kouts, IN starting at 3:00pm. Questions? Call Jennifer Bisig at 260-385-1987.Register at https://jumpingclinic5-17-2026.4honline.com

Mini 4-H Barnyard Shenanigans and Sheep Shearing Workshop

• Mini 4-H Barnyard Shenanigans and Sheep Shearing will be on Sunday, May 17th, from 1pm - 4 pm at Buckley Homestead, 3606 Belshaw Rd, Lowell ,IN 46356. Meet up at the white farmhouse at 1:00 pm. There will be different fun options with all the animals and at the schoolhouse. We will focus on a different animal each year. Register by Wednesday, May 13th at https://barnyard5-17-2026.4honline.com so we have enough supplies! Questions, please contact Lynette Dubord at 219-746-3105. The cost is $5.00 to attend.

                                              Upcoming June 4-H Workshops

Invention Convention Workshops

• Join us for our Invention Convention Workshops on every Monday in June starting June 1st from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Extension Office. This is an opportunity for inventors in grades 3-12 to a world in which you will research, design, build, and pitch an original invention to solve a relevant problem that has been identified in your life or community while having the chance to present your project at the Lake county Fair. You can register at https://Invention6-130-2026.4honline.com.

Soil & Water Science Workshops

• Get ready to dig into discovery! Youth in grades 3–12 are invited to the Soil & Water Science Workshop on June 5 from 9–11:30 AM at the Lake County SWCD / Extension Office. Participants will explore how soil and water shape our environment through fun, hands-on activities. 4-H’ers are encouraged to bring a camera or cellphone to take photos of demonstrations to use in their 4-H projects. Space is limited, so be sure to register early! Register at https://soilwater6-5-2026.4honline.com

4-H Urban Agriculture-AGrowCulture Youth Culinary Course

• Learn foundational culinary skills as you create a simple, healthy dish from start to finish with AGrowCulture instructor Damon Bazziel. Maximum 12, open to all members in grades 3-12. This event will be held at the Extension Office on June 5th from 1:00 - 4:00pm. Register at https://agrow6-5-2026.4honline.com

Consumer Meats-Knife Selection Workshop

• This event will take place at the Extension Office on June 16th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm. Learn how to select knives for cutting and preparing meats. Questions, please call Heather Downs at 708-670-6663 or email her at spumoni821@yahoo.com. Register at https://knifews6-16-2026.4honline.com

4-H Urban Agriculture-Plant, Grow eat! Gardening & Food Fun Workshop

• Get your hands dirty with container gardening, plant your own herb to take home, and learn about nutrition, health, and where your food comes from! Led by Lake County Master Gardeners and Extension staff. Open to all members in grades 3-12. This event is held at the Extension Office on June 17th from 5:30 - 7:00pm. Register at https://plant6-17-2026.4honline.com

Model Bridges Club/Project Workshop

• Join us on June 20th for an exciting workshop where students will explore engineering by designing, building, and testing their own model bridges. This opportunity is open to students in grades 3–12. The workshop will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Indiana University Northwest, 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN. We will meet at Marram Hall, Room 144, located at the southeast corner of campus. The room is the first on the left when entering through the south door. Register by June 17th at https://modelbridge6-20-2026.4honline.com. Questions, please contact Kasey Wilhoit at 755-3240 or email kwilhoi@purdue.edu.

4-H Urban Agriculture-Urban Farm Visit: Oases Botanic Gardens

• Explore this unique educational and healing space, discover edible flowers, gourmet garlic, and wildlife habitats, and practice hands-on garden mapping with compasses. Open to all members in grades 3-12 This event will be held Oases Botanic Gardens, 3510 W 15th Ave, Gary, IN on June 24th from 5:30- 7:30pm. Register at https://oases6-24-2026.4honline.com

                                          Upcoming July 4-H Workshops

4-H Urban Agriculture-Urban Farm Visit: Hidden Acres Family Farm

• Visit a family-run farm, see how eggs, produce, and honey are raised for the local community, and learn about farm entrepreneurship in action. Open to all members in grades 3-12 . The event will be held at Hidden Acres Family Farm, 14505 Reeder Road, Crown Point, IN on July 18th from 1:00 - 3:00pm. Register at https://hidden7-18-2026.4honline.com

                                               Save The Dates: 4-H Opportunities

4-H Round Up and Academy Chaperones Needed:

• 4-H Volunteers, We're still looking for overnight chaperones for 4-H Round Up and 4-H Academy at Purdue University on June 10–12, 2026! These statewide events provide an incredible opportunity for youth to explore career pathways, connect with peers from across Indiana, and experience campus life. Chaperones play an important role in helping ensure a safe, positive, and supportive environment for our 4-H youth while they participate in workshops, activities, and campus experiences. Interested in serving as a chaperone? Register in 4-H Online through your Volunteer Profile. 4-H Round Up Adult Chaperone Registration: https://4-HRoundUp26.4honline.com. 4-H Academy Adult Chaperone Registration: https://4-HAcademy26.4honline.com. Questions about chaperoning? Reach out to Edwin Flores at flore167@purdue.edu.

4-H Academy is Officially Open!

• June 10-12, 2026
• Opportunity for 9th-12th grade 4-Hers!
• 4-H Academy, held at Purdue University, provides an immersive learning experience for 4-H members in grades 9-12. Participants engage in hands-on activities led by Purdue professors, graduate students, and industry experts.
• Youth wanting to participate will need to contact the Extension office at (219) 755-3240 to request that your 4-H Online registration be initiated. Participants will be provided further instructions to complete their registration after it has been initiated. Visit https://extension.purdue.edu/.../state-programs/academy.html for more information about Academy.

4-H Round-Up is Officially Open!

• June 10-12, 2026
• Opportunity for 4-H members in grades 7-9
• 4-H Round-Up offers youth an opportunity to explore various career paths through hands-on learning sessions at Purdue University.
• Youth wanting to participate will need to contact the Extension office at (219) 755-3240 to request that your 4-H Online registration be initiated. Participants will be provided further instructions to complete their registration after it has been initiated. Visit https://bit.ly/in4hroundupfor more information about Round-Up.

 4-H Camp Registration is Open!

• Join us June 9–11, 2026 at Camp Tannadoonah in Vandalia, Michigan for a fun-filled camp experience. Register through 4-H Online by May 15. A $25 deposit (payable to Purdue University) is required and can be dropped off at the Extension Office.

                                            Livestock Program Updates

Sheep & Goat Identification Tagging Day:

• This will take place in the Annex Building on May 2nd at the fairgrounds from 9:00am - 11:00am. All your animals must be tagged and identified in 4-H Online by May 15th. This ensures smooth processing and compliance with program requirements. Register at https://sheeptagging5-2-2026.4honline.com

Swine Project Assignment/Tagging:

• Please contact Superintendent Nicole Kasparian at 219-313-4978 for your tag assignments and pick-up. All animals must be tagged and entered in 4-H Online by the May 15th deadline. 

Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care (QLC) Training:

• Join us for the last in person QLC on Wednesday May 13^th from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Extension Office. This training is required for 4-H members enrolled in Beef, Dairy, Goats, Sheep, Poultry, Rabbits, and Swine to be eligible to show at the Lake County 4-H Fair and/or Indiana State Fair. Register at https://QLC5-13-2026.4honline.com

                                                           Upcoming Updates

4-H Judging Update

• 4-H judging will be changing this year! Judging will be on July 24th, 25th, and 27th. Project drop-off will take place July 20–23 in the 4-H Building. Drop-off hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 am–12:00 pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30–7:00 pm. When dropping off your project, simply bring your tags and place your project on the designated judging table. Judges are not available during drop-off, please highlight your entry number if you want to speak to them during judging. All projects must be turned in prior to scheduled judging dates, except for foods, garden, and construction/architectural replica projects.
• Mini 4-H Exhibit Drop Off and Judging will be on Monday July 27th. Check in will be from 6:00 pm-7:15 pm.

                                                        Upcoming Events

Friday, 5/1 – Ambassador, Project and Middle School Achievement Resumes Due, Extension Office

Thursday, 5/7 – Horse & Pony Meeting, Extension Office, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Monday, 5/11 & Tuesday, 5/12 – Ambassador Interviews, Extension Office, Please sign-up for your interview at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4FA4AC28A7FF2-63035637-2026.

Friday, 5/15 – Animal Identification Due, 4-H Online

Thursday, 5/28 – County Committee Meeting, Extension Office, 6:00pm-7:30pm

                                                      PLEASE NOTE!

Make sure you have the dates above are on your calendar! The Extension Office will be closed on the following dates:

May 25^th – Memorial Day

If you have any club or project information that you’d like to share in the weekly email, please let 4-H Secretary Roz Adams rdcoleman@purdue.edu know by the 15th day of each month.

Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.

If you are in need of accommodations to attend a program, please contact or Jennifer Haynes or Kasey Wilhoit at least 2 weeks before the event at (219) 755-3240 and jhaynes7@purdue.edu or kwilhoi@purdue.edu.

For special dietary needs please contact Jennifer Haynes or Kasey Wilhoit at least 2 weeks before the event at (219) 755-3240 and jhaynes7@purdue.edu or kwilhoi@purdue.edu.

If you need an interpreter or translator, please contact Jennifer Haynes or Kasey Wilhoit at least 2 weeks before the event at (219) 755-3240 and jhaynes7@purdue.edu or kwilhoi@purdue.edu.

A 4-H volunteer is anyone that wants to be involved in our 4-H program. We have a variety of involvement opportunities available. The time commitment and area of interest vary for each individual. All volunteers must pass a background check and participate in training through Purdue Extension. For more information on becoming a volunteer, contact the Extension Office to speak with Jennifer Haynes at 219-755-3240 or jhaynes7@purdue.edu

Policies & Procedures are available: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/about/policies-and-procedures/index.html