Mini 4-H

What is Exploring 4-H (also known as Mini 4-H in 4honline)?

Exploring 4-H is a program for children who are not yet old enough for 4-H. Through the Exploring 4-H program, children have the opportunity to make new friends, share new experiences, and learn about 4-H and the many things it has to offer.

Who Can Join Exploring 4-H?

Any child who lives or attends school in Putnam County and will be in second grade as of January 1^st, 2026 is eligible to join Exploring 4-H.

What About Meetings?

There will be Four meetings in which the kids will meet new friends and have fun with various activities.  With help from the Junior Leaders, the meetings include an introduction to the 4-H program, individual project instruction, recreation, and refreshments.                

What About the Fair Parade?

Thanks to our volunteers, we frequently have been able to have an Exploring 4-H float in the fair parade. Under Staff & Junior Leader supervision, the Exploring 4-Her’s are allowed the opportunity to ride and experience the Putnam County Fair parade. We will be able to continue this tradition with your help. If you would like to donate a trailer and volunteer to drive it during the parade, please call the Extension office at (765) 653-8411.

How Do You Join?

     Complete the “Exploring 4-H/Mini 4-H” enrollment on 4-H online, v2.4honline.com or complete form that is provided by the Putnam County/Purdue Extension staff.  The enrollment needs to be completed online or to the Extension office by February 20th.  There is a $10.00 project cost for the summer program. If writing a check, please make payable to “Purdue University”. 

If you forgot or found your form after the deadline, please feel free to come to the first meeting with your form filled out.  We won’t turn anyone away.  We ask that when you sign up, you choose one to two projects which can be changed at a later date if you child chooses.

When are the Meetings?

Exploring 4-H meetings will be held once a month with the first meeting being held on February 26^th from 6:00-7:00 pm, in the York Automotive Group Community Building at the fairgrounds.  The annual field day will be June 9^th from 1:00 – 3:30 pm at the fairgrounds. On field day, we will meet in the York Automotive Group Community Building at the Putnam County Fairgrounds and have activities at different locations on the fairgrounds.  Please reference shaded box on following paper for complete listing of dates and times. 

It is the policy of the Purdue 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.

What projects are offered?

Exploring 4-H is divided into eight different project areas covering a wide variety of interests. 

You may choose ONE or TWO of the following projects to exhibit at the fair.

Collections -- You will exhibit a 22” x 28” poster that displays an 81/2” x 11” sheet of paper that you will write a summary about your collection on and one or two photographs of some of the items in your collection.

Crafts -- You will exhibit any craft smaller than 5 inches, in any direction. It can hang or stand

Drawing -- You will exhibit one framed and ready to hang 8 ½” x 11” drawing that you have created.

Entomology-You will exhibit a labeled model of an ant.  The kit will be $1 and can be purchased at the Extension Office.  You will also need to include a 4”x6” index card with 3 interesting facts you learned about insects

Farm Animals -- You will exhibit a diorama, no bigger than a 10” by 16” shoebox.  Highlighting the farm animal of your choice, including its shelter, food and environment.  You will also include an 8 ½” by 11” sheet of paper, with a summary written by you about your animal, its care and what purpose it is raised.

Foods -- You will exhibit six no-bake cookies of any variety on a paper plate and wrap it with plastic wrap. You need also bring a copy of your recipe on a 5" x 8" card. A recipe card will be given during one of the Exploring 4-H meetings. Be sure to include all ingredients, directions, and your name. Wrap the card in plastic or place it in a plastic bag.

Photography -- Your exhibit will include a 22” x 28” poster that includes 5 color pictures. To add your personal touch, you may add captions to your pictures.

Wildlife -- Your exhibit will be a 22” x 28” poster with 2 or 3 pictures on it.  One picture will be the Indiana State bird and the other(s) will be your choice of a rabbit, squirrel, OR raccoon. These animal pictures will be provided for you at one of the Exploring 4-H meetings or be available at the Purdue Extension Office. Share information about each animal by adding a caption under the picture.

Exhibiting Information:

 Exploring 4-H posters are to be exhibited horizontally, and the overall size, including any frame or backing, must be 22” x 28”, mounted on material that provides a stiff backing and covered with clear plastic or other transparent material.  Poster boards and slipcovers for the posters can be purchased at the Purdue Extension office for $4 and $1, respectively.

Attach the official Putnam County 3” x 4” label to the project.  The label will be available through the Extension Office at no charge.  The label is to be placed in the lower right hand corner of your poster or drawing. For the foods project please put your label with your recipe card.

Important Dates:

February 26^th ……….1^st Meeting………..6:00-7:00 pm……..……York Auto Community Building at Fairgrounds

March 19^th ………….2^nd Meeting ………6:00-7:00p.m…….…….York Auto Community Building at Fairgrounds

April 29^th……………3^rd Meeting……….6:00-7:00p.m…………...York Auto Community Building at Fairgrounds

June 9^th ……………..Field Day….……...1:00-3:30p.m…………...Putnam County Fairgrounds

July 14^th ……………Fair Project Check-in……4 pm -- 7pm …….York Auto Community Building at Fairgrounds

July 22^nd.………......”Fun at the Fair”…...5:30pm – 6:30pm …….Meet in the York Auto Community Bldg near the stage

July 24^th (9:30pm-11pm) or July 25^th (9am-11am)………………..Project Pick Up...York Auto Community Building