Mini 4-H

What is mini 4-h?

The Mini 4-H program is geared toward activity-based learning. Curriculum is based on age-appropriate research and involves cooperative, experiential, and non-competitive activities. Mini 4-H'ers have the opportunity to attend club meetings with other youth their age.

Who can be in mini 4-h?

Youth in grades K-2 are eligible for Mini 4-H. A Mini 4-H'er must be in Kindergarten, grade 1, or grade 2 for the enrollment period that starts October 1st of the current 4-H program year.

How do I join mini 4-H?

Visit our 4-H enrollment page for information about how to join. The enrollment period for Mini 4-H begins October 1 each year. There is a $5 enrollment fee for Mini 4-H.

When do mini 4-H'ers meet?

Some clubs around the county host meetings specifically for Mini 4-H, and some welcome Mini's to join their regular club meetings. See our LaPorte County 4-H clubs page to find out more information about clubs near you. Please note that Mini 4-Her's are not required to attend meetings, however there are numerous LaPorte County 4-H Clubs that welcome Minis. There are also Mini Mondays workshops they can attend!

Can Mini 4-H'ers exhibit at the fair?

Yes, Mini 4-H'ers are encouraged to exhibit their projects at the LaPorte County Fair. However, Mini projects are for exhibition only (not judged). Mini 4-H'ers can bring 3 projects and participate in as many activities as they would like, including showing livestock. 

Mini Project Ideas

Mini 4-H'ers can participate in any LaPorte County 4-H project except shooting sports and Horse & Pony. All project guidelines found on our website have a special section for Mini 4-H. Some of the most popular Mini project activities are:

• Aerospace: Learn about planets, asteroids, comets, stars and constellations.
• Animal Education: Create an educational poster, notebook or display about animal species related topics of choice. We request that if you are showing livestock you complete this on the animal you are exhibiting. 
• Arts & Crafts: Learn how to make different types of arts and crafts and exhibit a craft you made.
• Collections: Learn about collecting items and how to display them.
• Foods: Learn kitchen basics and prepare simple foods.
• Forestry: Learn tree identifications, native Indiana trees, how trees change during the seasons or plant a tree and create a scrapbook on the steps you took.
• Gardening: Learn how to care for your flower garden. Exhibit a poster with photos of your garden or flowers cut from your garden.
• Models: Learn about models and the different ways to make them.
• My Pet & Me: Exhibit a poster or scrapbook about your pet or create a poster explaining the responsibilities of caring for your pet.
• Photography: Capture some of your favorites and share your best pictures with us.
• Sewing: Learn sewing concepts and practice sewing skills. Exhibit a scrapbook, group quilt, or activity.
• Wearable Art: Learn techniques like painting, tie dying, applique, or others that decorates the finished project. Decorate an article of clothing, accessory or tote bag.
• Wildlife: Learn about the different wildlife groups.

MINI Livestock Projects

Mini 4-H'ers must borrow an animal owned by another 4-H member (excludes poultry and rabbits). The animal must be registered and entered by a currently enrolled 4-H member in current year's fair. You will be allowed to exhibit one animal per species, Advance fair entries are required for ALL Mini livestock shows in FairEntry by June 14.

• Mini Dairy
• Mini Goats
• Mini Miniature Equine
• Mini Poultry
• Mini Rabbit
• Mini Sheep
• Mini Swine

Mini 4-H Activities

• Mini Mondays: Once a month, minis get together to make projects and meet new friends.
• Mini 4-H Day Camp: A day full of adventure
• Bike Rodeo: Come learn about Bike Safety and ride your bike through our safety course. Usually takes place in June.
• Pedal Tractor Pull: A fun activity that takes place during the fair in the Livestock Arena. Advance fair entries are required to participate.
• Pet Parade: Usually takes place the night of Mini 4-H project check-in.