Shelby County 4-H Youth Development

What We Do

4-H began over 100 years ago, and has since grown into the largest youth development program in the nation. 4-H prepares young people to be leaders in their community and around the world through hands-on experiences alongside their peers and caring adults. Backed by a network of more than 6 million youth, 540,000 adult volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 60 million alumni; 4-H delivers research-based programming around positive youth development. 4-H is delivered through America's 109 land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension Service reaching every corner of our nation.

In Indiana, 4-H can be found in all 92 counties as delivered through 
Purdue Extension. Community clubs, aftershock programs, school enrichment, camps/workshops, and special interest programs are all ways youth across Indiana can be involved with the 4-H program.
 

LEARN MORE

 

Upcoming Events

INDIANA STATE FAIR- AUGUST 7-23, 2026

4-H General Projects ISF

4-H LIVESTOCK PROJECTS ISF

State Fair Terms and Conditions

FairEntry

FAIRs CARE Program

2025 Shelby County 4-H Events at the Fair

Contact Us

Office Location

20 W Polk Street, Suite 201
Shelbyville, IN 46176
(317) 392-6460

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on County Holidays

 4-H Staff

 erin padgett headshot

Erin Padgett, 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator

emenchho@purdue.edu 

 blank image

Cindy Kuhn, 4-H Program Assistant
cmkuhn@purdue.edu

 

Natalie Russell, 4-H Secretary photo 

Natalie Werner, 4-H Secretary
russe238@purdue.edu

shelby-county-fair-2025.png

Map of Shelby County Fairgrounds 2025-2026

Enroll Now in 4-H!

4-H enrollment for the 2025-2026 program year opens October 1, 2025. We encourage families to register for 4-H by January 15th, enrollments made after January may limit participation options. 4-H Members, Mini 4-H Members, and Adult Volunteers must enroll each year to participate in the program.

4-H Online

Mini 4-H

Mini 4-H is a program designed to encourage positive development of children, Kindergarten through second grade. The goal of Mini 4-H is to help young children explore friendships outside the family; explore the way in which things work; practice both small and large muscle control; and think about the ways people work together on projects.

Learn More About Mini 4-H

Enroll your Projects

All projects must be entered in 4-H Online and membership fee paid before registering projects in Fair Entry. Log into your v2.4honline.com account to verify projects. Add or delete projects to be exhibited.  You can find the Fair Entry site below. Feel free to call the Shelby County Purdue Extension Office at 317-392-6460. Fair Entry will open May 1, 2025 and close May 21, 2025!

Fair Entry

Handbook

The Shelby County 4-H and Mini 4-H handbooks are NOW available for digital use here or for a hard copy, pickup at the Extension Office.

Printed handbooks have a retraction on page 180, 4-H Livestock/ Animal General Information #5. The correct policy has been put in the handbook via label. Please remove/disregard the bullet point under #5. The digital version of the handbook has been updated. 

Printed handbooks have a correction on page 104, Creative Writing. The correct page number for requirements is page 59. 

Download the 4-H Handbook here. 

2025 4-H HANDBOOK

Download Shelby County's Mini 4-H Handbook here. 

2025 Mini 4-H Handbook

Shelby County 4-H Forms

The following are important forms for Shelby County 4-H members. Please note, these forms are subject to change and update.

Green Record Books

What is a Green Record Book?

A Green Record Book is a tool for 4-H members to document their work and achievements. Members should complete their record books neatly, either by hand or typed. To ensure your record book is complete, keep the following criteria in mind:

  • Completion: All questions on the "My Record of Achievement" form should be answered appropriately.
  • Logical Order: Records should be organized by dates and times.
  • Achievement: Records reflect project development and demonstrate that instructions were followed, showcasing the experience gained.
  • Neatness: Records must be legible, whether handwritten or typed.
  • Project Requirements: Ensure that all project requirements have been met.

What Goes in the Green Record Book?

Each Green Record Book comes with one ‘My Record of Achievement’ paper. If you run out of space, you can get another copy at the Extension Office. Each individual project also requires a ‘Record Sheet,’ which should be placed in the Green Record Book behind the ‘My Record of Achievement’ section.

Consequences of Not Completing the Green Record Book

Shelby County 4-H members are expected to complete and submit their Green Record Book annually, by the Wednesday before Fair Week. If a member fails to turn in their Green Record Book by the designated due date, they will forfeit the opportunity to collect premium money. Late submissions will be accepted until 4:00 PM on July 31st for completion only.

Enrollment Guide to 4-H Online

Please view the following guides to enroll in 4-H. Please contact the Shelby County Purdue Extension Office at 317-392-6460 with any questions you have. 

*See bottom of page under '4-H Volunteers' for enrollment guides on new and returning adult volunteers. 

4-H Clubs & Leaders

What is a 4-H Club? 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.

What is the purpose of a 4-H Club? 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 generositythe Essential Elementsand to foster educational opportunities tied to the Land Grant University knowledge base.

Blue Ribbon 4-H Club meets at Fountaintown Fire Department (141 E Brookeville Rd, Fountaintown, IN 46130). 4-H members of all ages are welcome to attend. Club leader, Dean Tyner was a ten year 4-H member himself and looks forward to assisting the next generation of 4-H members. 

Our scheduled meetings for 2025 will begin at 7:00 p.m. on the following dates:

  • November 14, 2024
  • February 13, 2025
  • March 13, 2025
  • April 10, 2025
  • May 8, 2025

Club Leader

  • Dean Tyner

Brandywine Cloverleaf 4-H Club is an active club with strong growing roots that have grown through Shelby County for over 57 years. Our club has always been active in leadership, project skills, demonstrations, judging contest, parties, activities, parliamentary procedure meetings, officer training, community services and charity deeds. Our main goals are to build leadership skills, confidence, trust, respect, honesty, self esteem, and to establish life long friendship. We all spur each other on to “Make the Best Better”. 

Our scheduled meetings for 2026 will begin at 6:00 PM at the Fairland Fire Station (400 W 400 N, Fairland, IN 46126) on the following dates:

  • September 9, 2025 
  • October 14, 2025
  • November 11, 2025
  • December 3, 2025 (5:00 PM)
  • December 9, 2025
  • April 7, 2026
  • April 14, 2026
  • May 5, 2026
  • May 19, 206
  • May 26, 2026
  • September 8, 2026
  • September 22, 2026
  • October 13, 2026
  • November 17, 2026
  • Decemeber 8, 2026

Club Leaders

  • Pam Robinson
  • Danyy Robinson
  • Laura Bridges
  • Andy Bridges

Shelby County 4-H Junior Leaders is a club as well as a project open to all youth is grades 7-12. They participate in various leadership and community service projects throughout the year. There is no additional charge for 4-H Junior Leader membership, but you must re-enroll in it every year.

Our scheduled meetings for 2025-2026 will begin at 6:30 PM in the Extension Office Education Room on the following dates:

  • October 8, 2025
  • November 12, 2025
  • December 10, 2025
  • January 14, 2026
  • February 11, 2026
  • April 8, 2026
  • May 13, 2026

Club Leaders

  • Erin Padgett, 4-H Youth Educator
  • Tatem Hodge

The Noble Happy Harvesters Club is almost 100 years old. We are a club with roots in Noble Township, but invite members from any part of Shelby County to join us. The meetings will be held at the Cassidy Farms' Shop, 2539 E 700 S, Waldron, IN 46182. It is only 10 minutes from Waldron. At each meeting we will follow Parliamentary procedure and have demonstrations to highlight different projects. Our club promotes membership, club activities, and encourages county and state fair participation. Our goal is to facilitate future leaders of our community through 4-H activities.

Our scheduled meetings for 2026 will begin at 6:30 PM on the following dates:

  • January 6, 2026
  • February 3, 2026
  • March 3, 2026
  • April 7, 2026
  • May 5, 2026

Club Leaders

  • Olivia Cassidy
  • Peggy Cassidy

The Shelby Gradatim 4-H Club welcomes members of any age and area of Shelby County. This is a community based 4-H club following parliamentary procedure. 

Our scheduled meetings for 2025-2026 will begin at 6:30 PM in the Extension Office Education Room on the following dates:

  • October 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM 
  • November 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM 
  • December 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM 
  • January 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM
  • February 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM 
  • April 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM
  • May 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Club Leaders

  • Julia Hamblen
  • Madison Evans
  • Frances Jackson

Southwestern Shamrocks 4-H Club is located in the southwestern portion of Shelby County. We welcome and encourage attendance at our monthly meetings for all 4-H’ers, Mini 4-H’ers and parents. The leaders work to help elected 4-H’ers to follow parliamentary procedure at each meeting. Club meetings will be held at the Kissell Barn (3445 W 300 S, Shelbyville, IN 46176).

Our scheduled meetings for 2025-2026 will begin at 6:30 PM at the Flat Rock Fire Station (2785 Old State Rd 252, Flat Rock, IN 47234) on the following dates:

  • November 18, 2025
  • December 16, 2025
  • January 20, 2026
  • February 17, 2026
  • April 21, 2026
  • May 19, 2026
  • June 2, 2026

Club Leaders

  • Michelle Tobias
  • Hayley Clark
  • Jill Zaring
  • Kristin Schoettmer
  • Becca Miller
  • Amber Fiesbeck

The Survivors do community service projects, work at the 4-H Café during the fair and work on 4-H projects. The 2025 meetings will be announced soon, please call the leader for times and locations for each of these meetings.

Club Leader

  • Deana Thurston 

Triton Lucky Leaf 4-H Club is a small club with big goals! The kids and leaders work together to make sure all members are informed and get the most from their 4-H experience. Club meeting dated for 2025 will be announced soon. 

Club Leader

  • Christa Weaver

The Union Ags 4-H Club is over 75 years old. Club meetings are open to everyone, including Min 4-H members. Like our Facbook page to stay in touch!

Our scheduled meetings for 2026 will begin at 6:30 PM at the Little Blue River Baptist Church (3515 N 500 E, Shelbyville, IN 46176) on the following dates:

  • January 14, 2026
  • February 11, 2026
  • March 11, 2026
  • April 8, 2026
  • May 13, 2026

Club Leaders

  • Ashley Pine
  • Jerry Pine

The Hoosier Horseman 4-H Club welcomes all 4-H members in grades 3-12. We meet on Wednesdays at the Shelby County Fairgrounds at 6:00 PM. Members of the club take turns giving demonstrations, as well as participating in community service and fundraisers. Topics covered at our meetings include ride safety, equipment, tack, and more. Club members also enjoy participating in ride nights, which are hosted by the horse and pony superintendent. These ride nights help members prepare, build confidence, and practice for the county fair show. Our club members come from various backgrounds; some own their horses, while others lease them. At the conclusion of the year in August, we hold an awards program to recognize members' hard work and present prizes.

Our scheduled meetings for 2026 will begin at 6:00 PM in the Brinson Building (500 Frank Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176) on the following dates:

  • February 4, 2026
  • March 4, 2026
  • April 1, 2026
  • May 6, 2026
  • May 20, 2026

*If riding practice is canceled on the night of a club meeting, we will meet in the Brinson Building. 

Club Leaders
  • Jennifer Wright
  • Patricia Weddle

The Sunset Llama 4-H Club is open to all 4-H members in grades 3-12 who are interested in showing llamas or alpacas. Members can either show their own animals or lease one, depending on availability. The purpose of our club meetings and workshops is to teach proper showmanship techniques, as well as to provide knowledge about confirmation, anatomy, and general care of the animals. We will also cover the correct procedures for completing obstacle courses, public relations, and pack classes. Most of the obstacles that will be featured at the 4-H show will be brought to at least one meeting, allowing everyone to practice before the fair show. We encourage good fellowship and sportsmanship among all members.

Our scheduled meetings for 2026 will begin at 6:00 PM in the Livestock Arena (Shelby County Fairgrounds, 500 Frank Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176) on the following dates:

  • April 3, 2026
  • April 17, 2026
  • May 1, 2026
  • May 8, 2026
  • May 15, 2026
  • May 22, 2026
  • May 29, 2026

Club Leaders

  • Vanessa Benagh
  • Tatem Hodge
  • Sara Schaefer

Shelby County 4-H Shooting Sports is a club with the goal of teaching the safe use, understanding and handling of archery equipment as well as firearms. This is taught interactively by 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinators and instructors at a private range in Shelby County. The 4-H member will be expected to be familiar with the range rules, the parts of the equipment they are using as well as how all those parts work together. Four disciplines are offered: Archery, Pistol (22 caliber), Rifle (22 caliber) and Shotgun (20/12 gauge) Firearms/Bows, Ammo/Arrows and targets/clays are provided, however there may be a nominal fee charged per student per discipline. 

Shooting Sports Workshops will be held at Jim Fischers (4048 S 515 E, Waldron, IN 46182) are scheduled for:

  • January 17 ,2026
  • January 31, 2026
  • February 14, 2026
  • February 28, 2026
  • March 14, 2026
  • March 28, 2026
  • April 11, 2026
  • April 25, 2026
  • May 9, 2026
  • May 16, 2026

Pistol & Shotgun - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Rifle & Archery - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Club Leader

  • Bill Claytor
  • Donny Chambers

2025 State 4-H Shooting Sports Events

The Sheep & Goat 4-H Club has been active for three years. Although we are a relatively new club, we offer many hands-on activities for 4-H members to participate in and learn from. We strive to invite guest speakers and organize showmanship clinics. These clinics help 4-H members understand the importance of animal selection and health, while also providing them with the basics of showmanship skills. Additionally, we hold meetings and workshops where 4-H members can bring their animals.

Our scheduled meetings for 2026 will begin at 6:30 PM at the Family Arts Building (500 Frank Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176) on the following dates:

  • January 22, 2026
  • February 19, 2026
  • March 26, 2026
  • April 23, 2026
  • May 14, 2026

Club Leaders

  • Trey Davidson
  • Chastity Davidson
  • Joel Parker

Projects

Members have the opportunity to learn more about a subject matter that they choose to study through completing hands on activities. In 4-H, 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. Adult volunteers and staff who are knowledgeable on that particular subject often host workshops to allow the youth to learn about that topic in a social environment. Each project has a beginner, intermediate, and advanced level to allow 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, youth will exhibit and display their project at a local county fair in order to show the community what they have learned. There is no limit to the number of projects youth can sign up for, however, we suggest starting out with one or two your first year.

  • AEROSPACE
  • ARTS & CRAFTS - GENERAL
  • BARBECUE
  • BEEKEEPING
  • BICYCLE POSTER
  • CAKE DECORATING
  • CAT POSTER
  • CERAMICS
  • CHILD DEVELOPMENT
  • COLLECTIONS
  • COMPUTERS
  • CONSTRUCTION & ARCHITECTURAL REPLICA
  • CONSUMER CLOTHING
  • CONSTRUCTION SETS
  • CONSUMER LIVESTOCK
  • COOKIE DECORATING
  • CREATING WITH A MIX
  • CROPS
  • CUPCAKE DECORATING
  • DO YOUR OWN THING
  • DOG POSTER
  • ELECTRIC
  • ENTOMOLOGY
  • FAMILY PROJECT
  • FINE ARTS
  • FLORICULTURE
  • FOODS, BAKED - LEVEL A
  • FOODS, BAKED - LEVEL B
  • FOODS, BAKED - LEVEL C
  • FOODS, BAKED - LEVEL D
  • FOODS, PRESERVED - ALL LEVELS
  • FORESTRY
  • GARDEN
  • GENEALOGY
  • GEOLOGY
  • GIFT WRAPPING
  • H.E.L.P.
  • HEALTH
  • HOME ENVIRONMENT
  • HORSELESS HORSEMAN
  • INDIANA HERITAGE
  • LLAMA/ALPACA FLEECE
  • LLAMA/ALPACA FIBER CRAFTS
  • LLAMA/ALPACA POSTER
  • MICROWAVE
  • MODELS
  • NEEDLECRAFT'S
  • PHOTOGRAPHY - BEGINNER
  • PHOTOGRAPHY - INTERMEDIATE
  • PHOTOGRAPHY - ADVANCED
  • POULTRY POSTER
  • RABBIT POSTER
  • READING
  • RECYCLING
  • ROBOTICS
  • SCRAPBOOK
  • SEWING CONSTRUCTION - GRADES 3-7
  • SEWING CONSTRUCTION - GRADES 8-12
  • SEWING FOR FUN
  • SHOOTING SPORTS
  • SMALL ANIMALS
  • SMALL ENGINES
  • SOIL & WATER SCIENCE
  • SPORTFISHING
  • SPORTS
  • TRACTOR
  • VETERINARY SCIENCE
  • WEARABLE ART
  • WEATHER AND CLIMATE SCIENCE
  • WEED IDENTIFICATION
  • WELDING
  • WILDFLOWERS
  • WILDLIFE
  • WOODWORKING

Livestock & Animals

For more detailed information on the Livestock Auction, please refer to the Shelby County Handbook.

2025 Shelby County Livestock Auction Form

All county 4-H Exhibitors must also complete a Shelby County Pen Reservation Form, and return to the Shelby County Extension Office. Forms are due by May 15. There will be NO entries accepted after May 15th. 

2025 SHELBY COUNTY LIVESTOCK PEN RESERVATION FORM

DOGS, CATS, FERRETS, AND EQUINE ARE ALL REQUIRED TO HAVE A COMPLETED 2025 VACCINATION FORM PRIOR TO THE ANIMAL ARRIVING ON THE PREMISES FOR ANY 4-H EVENT. 

Horse and Pony Vaccination Form 2025

Cat Vaccination Form 2025

Dog Vaccination Form 2025

Ferret Vaccination Form 2025

Overview
Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care training was developed with Indiana 4-Hers in mind. This
program is a grassroots initiative formulated and facilitated by Purdue Extension, the Purdue
Animal Science Department, and industry affiliates.
The Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care program is a comprehensive training expectation for all
4-H youth participating in beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, meat goats, dairy goats, poultry
and rabbit projects.
The goal of the Indiana 4-H Quality Assurance Training program is to help youth understand
their responsibility in increasing consumer confidence, animal stewardship, and overall gaining
and applying pertinent information and credibility, relating to food systems. The curriculum is
relevant and timely with an emphasis on assisting youth in making their best livestock practices
even better.
Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Training core components and program goals and
expectations will emphasize the importance of care, safety, and youth as industry ambassadors.
The cornerstone beliefs of the training are as follows:
  • Animals from youth livestock programs are treated with the utmost care.
  • Youth livestock exhibitors are contributing to a safe, wholesome food supply.
  • Youth livestock exhibitors are prepared to be ambassadors for animal agriculture.

Policy

To exhibit beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, meat goats, dairy goats, poultry and rabbits at
the county fair and Indiana State Fair, 4-H members must be certified through the Indiana 4-H
Livestock Quality Care training or the online Youth for the Quality Care of Animals program.
Quality Assurance training must be completed by 4-H members annually. For more information
about in-person training in your county, please contact your County Extension Office

4-H Livestock Auction

On behalf of the Shelby County 4-H Livestock Auction Committee and the 4-H Advisory Council, we invite you to join us for the 61st annual 4-H Livestock Auction and Bidder Hospitality Hour!

Join us in supporting the amazing efforts of our 4-H youth! By participating in the auction, you're not just bidding—you’re helping them learn the true value of hard work, dedication, and responsibility. Your support makes a difference!

Hospitality Hour- Enjoy a tasty selection of food and drinks at 5:30 PM on Thursday, June 12, 2025, during Hospitality Hour!

Auction Information-
  • The Livestock Auction Sale Committee will send a check to the 4-H member for the amount of the appraisal price of sheep, meat goats and swine. Beef members will take their animal home to feed out until it is ready to go to market.
  • As a buyer, you can bid any amount. Send the final closing bid amount directly to the 4-H member. For example, if the final bid is $150, you send $150 directly to the 4-H member. The address of the 4-H member will be listed on the sales ticket that you may pick up at the auction window after the auction.
  • If you want to add on a bid above the winner bid, please fill out an add on card provided at the check-in table. Then hand that card to the ring man.

The livestock auction will start promptly at 6:30 PM on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in the Livestock Arena on the Shelby County Fairgrounds. 

Order of the 2025 Livestock Auction will be beef, dairy cow, dairy goat, sheep, goat wether, barrows, rabbit, then poultry. 

Club Leaders

4-H Community Club Leader – provides organization to a 4-H Cub based in a local community, typically representing a certain geographic area.
4-H Project Club Leader – offers educational opportunities to 4-H members based on a certain project or subject area in a club setting.

Club leaders are asked to complete these forms annually. If you have questions on any of them, please contact our office. 

Information on Forms

Name of Form

When the form/ letter is sent to you

Due Back to the Extension Office

4-H Club Information Form

Aug-Sept

Oct 1

4-H Unit/ Club Financial Report

Nov

Feb 1

4-H Unit/Club Activity Report Form

Nov

Feb 1

Volunteer Hours Chart

Nov

Dec 15

4-H Unit/Club Financial Review- Audit Information

Jan

Feb 1

990 Postcard (IRS)

March

May 15

As an Extension Office under the guidance of Purdue University, there are annual forms and paperwork that each unit (club) must complete to remain in compliance.

The following forms are typically mailed, emailed, and often available on the Extension website. These forms are designed specifically for club leaders to complete on an annual basis.

If you are apart of a brand new club, you may have a few additional forms to complete.

 Club Information Form

4-H Unit/ Club Financial Report

4-H Club Financial Checklist

4-H Unit Activity Report Form

Volunteer Hours Chart

Club leaders, below is a guide to help you navigate your role. 

Club Leader Resouce Guide

This handout guide is the second part to the Resource Guide. Handouts included in this guide include: mock meeting agenda, secretary report, treasurer report, and much more. 

Resource Guide Handouts 2024

4-H Volunteers

4-H Volunteers include Club Leaders, Project Leaders as well as 4-H Council and Fair Board Members. 

Initial Volunteer Onboarding

All new volunteer applicants and returning volunteers after a lapse in service (more than one year without an approved enrollment in 4-H Online) must complete a the 4-H Volunteer Process including an volunteer application, volunteer screening and training before the county 4-H Educator can decide whether to accept and appoint them to a volunteer role.

 

Steps to become a 4-H Volunteer

Enrollment process for new volunteers.
Step Specifics/Resources Additional Information 
Volunteer Application  Online application in 4-H Online
  • Select New Volunteer Applicant Role
  • Complete enrollment fields and consents
  • Complete screening fields (application questions)
Joint enrollment and application steps includes:
  • Adult Behavior Expectation consent
  • Sex offender registry check consent
  • Personal liability release (consent)
  • Photo Release (Consent)
  • ID submission (Screening upload)
  • New Volunteer Applicant acknowledgement (consent)
  • Vehicle Use Policy (Consent)
  • Application Questions (Screening)
  • References (Screening)

Paper Process (4-H 784)

If the paper process is used,

  • all 4-H Online consents need to be physically signed (Educator to assist)
  • 4-H Online enrollment needs to be started, can be at the same time as the application is received.
Training

In 4-H Online

Individual will have access to the training after application is submitted.  

Required Trainings must be completed before Enrollment can be approved, but all Trainings must be completed before a volunteer role can be assigned.
  • Youth Protection Program Director Training (required)
  • Youth Protection Staff Training (required)
  • 4-H Volunteer Orientation (required)

Educator led

Trainings may be offered during or after screening steps.

Trainings must be documented in 4-H Online before Enrollment can be approved, but all Trainings must be completed before a volunteer role can be assigned.

If Trainings are provided by the 4-H Educator, completion surveys are required to track training in 4-H Online:

  • Youth Protection Program Director Training (required)
  • Youth Protection Staff Training (required)
  • 4-H Volunteer Orientation (required)
Educator Conversation or Interview See information in the Extension Educator Screening Steps below
Additional Paperwork  See information in the Extension Educator Screening Steps below

 

How to become a volunteer. 

Opportunities for Volunteers.

 

Annual Re-Enrollment Process

The 4-H Extension Educator will annually determine if a current 4-H Volunteer should be renewed for the coming year.  Each adult 4-H Volunteer who will have their assignment renewed by the Extension Educator will re-enroll annually in 4-H Online to reconfirm their commitment to the program and to provide updated contact information.  Annually, the Extension Educator* will share instructions with all approved 4-H Volunteers on how to re-enroll in the 4-H Online data management system 

To better thank and recognize all that our volunteers do throughout the entire year, we will host a Volunteer Recognition Night. This event will take place on October 25, 2025, at the Family Arts Building on the Shelby County Fairgrounds. More information about this event will be shared soon! We look forward to seeing each of you, sharing a meal, and giving you the recognition, you deserve.

RSVP for Volunteer Recognition Night here

Flyer for Volunteer Recognition Night

Enrollment Guide for NEW Volunteers 2025

If you are interested in becoming an Adult Volunteer for Shelby County 4-H please reach to the Extension Office! 

All items must be prepaid and preordered. Orders must be placed by 4 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2025 (checks made payable to Shelby Co. 4-H Advisory Council) and plants will be ready for pick up on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Please note: pick up location is at the Family Arts Building, Shelby County Fairgrounds, 500 Frank Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176. All proceeds from this fundraiser will be used locally to support Shelby County 4-H programming.

AC Spring Flower Order Form 2025

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to youth recognizing their achievements and life skill development in 4-H experiences in both Indiana 4-H as well as Shelby County 4-H.

Indiana State Fair 2025

4-H Camp 2025

Who: 4-H members who have a current 4-H enrollment on file and are now enrolled in grades 3-6.  4-H members from Putnam, Morgan, Vermillion, and Parke Counties will be camping with Shelby County.

Where: Camp Shakamak at Shakamak State Park, Jasonville, IN

When: Wednesday, May 28– Saturday, May 31, 2025. Plans now are to leave the Shelby County Fairgrounds by Brinson Hall at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28 and return to the Shelby County Fairgrounds by Brinson Hall around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 31.

Cost: Camp fee is $125.00 for returning campers. The Shelby County 4-H Advisory Council will pay $50 toward any first-time camper registration. Camp fee includes a t-shirt, camp fees, camp insurance, park admission and transportation.  Craft classes and snack food items will require some additional spending money. Please make check payable to Shelby County 4-H Advisory Council.

NEW this year- all camp registrations are to be completed through the members’ 4-HOnline account. We are camping with a new camp group, so something will be a little different than years past (if you have attended camp previously).  Registrations must be submitted through https://4HCampShakamakMVPS.4honline.com and payment received by the Extension Office by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025. Shelby County is allotted 30 spots so we can only take the first 30 campers who submit paid registrations, so don’t delay! All others will be placed on a waiting list.

Junior Leaders

The Junior Leader project allows 4-H members in grades 7-12 the opportunity to provide their Adult 4-H Volunteers with additional assistance in their 4-H Clubs and related activities. Junior Leaders also serve as mentors and role models to the younger 4-H members by sharing their experiences with them. 

Shelby County 4-H Junior Leaders is a club as well as a project open to all youth is grades 7-12. They participate in various leadership and community service projects throughout the year. There is no additional charge for 4-H Junior Leader membership, but you must re-enroll in it every year.

*Make sure you mark “Junior Leaders” as a project when you re-enroll for 2025-2026 (just being enrolled in the club will not count as completion)

Stay tuned for the NEW Junior Leader record book for 2026.

SPARK Clubs​​​

SPARKS Clubs are open to youth grades 3-12 to “spark” new interest in the Indiana 4-H program.  SPARK Clubs are special interest groups designed to capture the attention of youth with single focus, “out of the box” interests that are likely differ​​rent from state-recognized 4-H projects. These clubs are led by volunteers bringing their subject mastery to the club.  SPARK Clubs include six hours of instructional time that can occur in one day or over a length of time. Most SPARK Clubs end their program with a culminating event or activity.

Stay tuned for SPARK club opportunities offered in 2025!

Workshops

Workshops are meant to supplement the time the youth spends working on a project and the activities or subject area they complete in the project manual. Typically, these are offered several times a year. We encourage family members to attend these workshops with the 4-H member for the best educational outcome. 

2025 State 4-H Shooting Sports Events

 

Cat Workshop (K-12): February 19, 2025 beginning at 6:30PM in the Brinson Building

Rabbit Meeting/ Workshop: February 27, 2025 beginning at 5PM in the Brinson Building

Communications Project Workshop: March 18, 2025 beginning at 2:30PM at the Extension Office

Cat Workshop (K-12): May 7, 2025 beginning at 6:30PM in the Brinson Building