
Monroe County 4-H News
Opportunity For All - Making the Best Better
Welcome to your source for everything happening in Monroe County 4-H!
Welcome to the virtual Monroe County 4-H Newsletter, your primary source of local 4-H news! We have some incredible opportunities, club meetings, and reminders you do not want to miss, so keep scrolling down! :)
As always, remind your friends that they can join 4-H at any time, but early enrollment is always best practice so you don't miss deadlines or communication. This is the year for spreading the good news of 4-H to everyone we care about. Try sharing this newsletter with your friends and allow 4-H to transform their lives too!
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Kip Harmon, Clint Deck
4-H Youth Development Educators, Purdue Extension Monroe County
Important 2025 4-H Dates
Mandatory Livestock Tag-In Dates:
Beef: February 23
Swine: April 26
Sheep: April 28
Goat: May 3
4-H Camp at Timber Ridge Camp, Spencer, IN
June 1 - 4, 2025
Grades 3-8
2025 Monroe County Fair
June 28 - July 6th for 4-H Events
Official Fair Dates are June 30 - July 6
Pre-Fair Fireworks @ the Fairgrounds: June 27th
Monroe County Fair - June 30 - July 6th
Save the Dates! 4-H Events begin approximately two weeks before fair, but really begin to pick up steam on Friday, June 27th!
4-H Enrollment is Going on Now!
Monroe County 4-H Enrollment Season is here! Join ASAP to make sure you're in the loop!
Step 1: The best time to enroll in 4-H is is NOW! It’s super easy!
Check out our Monroe County 4-H Family Guide for 3rd-12th Graders at bit.ly/4hguide
and for K-2nd Graders, view the Mini 4-H Guide at bit.ly/mini4hguide
See 4-H Club Leader and Volunteer Contact Info Here: bit.ly/moco4hcontacts
Step 2: Create an account at in.4honline.com
Follow the steps to enter your info, sign up for clubs, add projects, agree to behavior guidelines, and pay the enrollment fee. A tutorial can be found at bit.ly/new4her
($5 for Mini 4-H, $20 for traditional 4-H, never more than $60 per family. Contact us if you need financial assistance.)
Step 3: Start attending 4-H club meetings, workshops, and events!
More info:
• Purdue Extension - Monroe Co Website: extension.purdue.edu/monroe
• Facebook Page: facebook.com/mocoin4h
• 4-H Calendar: bit.ly/mococalendar
More 4-H Links and Resources
Enrollment is $5 for Mini's (K-2) and $20 for Traditional 4-H
Enrollment Instructions: click here!
2025 4-H Project Guidelines Handbook: bit.ly/moco4h
4-H and Fair App: bit.ly/mocoapp
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, afterschool programs, school enrichment, camps/workshops, and special interest programs are all ways youth across Indiana can be involved with the 4-H program.
Other Monroe County Fair Resources
- 2025 Project Guidelines (handbook): https://bit.ly/moco4h
- 2025 4-H Schedule of Events at Fair: https://bit.ly/moco4hfair
- FairEntry (begins in May): https://monroecountyindiana.fairentry.com/
- 2024 Livestock Sale Packets for 4-H Members to invite new buyers: https://bit.ly/4hsale
- 2024 Open Class Exhibition Requirements for ALL Ages: https://bit.ly/fairopenclass
- Monroe County Fair Website: https://www.monroecountyfairgrounds.in/
- Monroe County Fair App: https://bit.ly/mocoapp
The Spring 2025 4-H CloverPrint Newlsletter is on its Way to Your Mailbox!
Monroe County 4-H has SO much news to share, we mailed a newsletter to all active 4-H members. Check it out before it reaches your mailbox by visiting bit.ly/4hmail,
It contains:
4-H Camp Registration Details
Outstanding 4-Her Award Application Info
Performing Arts Contest Entry Forms
Geranium Sale Order Forms
State/National 4-H Trip Info
Livestock Reminders and Tag-In Details
.... and much more!
And for a dose of 4-H news that couldn't be squeezed into the mailer, our online newsletter is always up to date! bit.ly/4hnews
4-H Camp Registration Runs from March 3rd - May 5th
3rd-8th Graders may register from ~March 3rd - May 5th~, or until camp is full. Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience open to any 3rd-8th grade youth, regardless of whether they are currently enrolled in 4-H. For the first time, registration and payment will be done completely online at moco4hcamp.4honline.com
Return to this website on March 3rd to register and pay!
If you aren't enrolled in 4-H yet, create an account at in.4honline.com or message us for assistance. We have a tutorial at bit.ly/new4her
Check out our camp video from 2023 at https://youtu.be/-wB_0Y57p1M?feature=shared
Check out our 2024 Adult Staff Video: https://youtu.be/mi2vsYw5hpE
Our 2024 4-H Camp Counselor Video: https://youtu.be/KfK4E1F2zr4
2024 4-H Camp Photo Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/wbW8WfVwcHcnicKm9
#4hcamp #4HGrowsHere #learnbydoing
Purdue EEO statement: https://www.purdue.edu/purdue/ea_eou_statement.php
Mini 4-H Day Camp - May 30th - K-2nd Grade!
Join us for the 2025 Monroe County Mini 4-H Day Camp!
Register now at mocominidaycamp.4honline.com
Date: Friday, May 30th, 2025
Time:
· Camp Drop Off Time: 8:00am - 8:45am
· Core Camp Hours: 9am - 2pm
· Pick-Up Time: 2p-3pm All participants MUST be picked up BY 3pm!
Location: Monroe County 4-H Fairgrounds
Cost: $10.00
During camp, members will be provided with breakfast, lunch, and a snack.
Activity Stations will include completing a Forestry project and more fun STEM and forestry adventures/activities!
Before camp starts, parents will receive a detailed schedule of the day as well as a planned menu for the meals.
Questions? Email Stephanie at rober717@purdue.edu
Register now at mocominidaycamp.4honline.com
(OR log into 4-H online, select “view” by child’s name, select “events” on left side. Click on Monroe County Mini 4-H Camp.) Please be sure you select mini camp and not 4-H camp!
Don't miss out on this magical forest adventure!
Apply to be a Monroe Co. 4-H Junior Superintendent! 7th-12th Grade!
Hey Monroe County 4-H’ers!
Are you ready to step up, lead the way, and make this year’s fair your best one yet? We’re thrilled to announce the Jr. Superintendent Program—a fun, hands-on leadership opportunity for Monroe County 4-H members who have completed grades 7–12!
This isn’t just about helping out—it’s about gaining real experience, building your leadership resume, and having a blast with your friends while making a huge impact.
Apply at https://bit.ly/JRSUP
________________________________________
Why You’ll Want In:
Build Leadership & Life Skills
You’ll learn how to manage events, work with adults and peers, communicate clearly, and solve problems on the fly. These are skills that colleges and employers LOVE to see.
Be Part of the Best Week of the Year
You’ll be right in the middle of fair action—helping make it all happen behind the scenes.
Earn Recognition & Awards
Top-performing Jr. Superintendents can be recognized for their leadership and dedication!
Gain Experience That Matters
From logistics to public interaction, this is real-world leadership training you can use forever.
Serve With Friends & Make New Ones
You won’t do it alone! Work with fellow teens while making new memories and having fun.
Get the Shirt. Be the Leader.
Every Jr. Superintendent gets a cool shirt to wear during their shifts—your badge of honor!
Get Service Hours
Perfect for honor society, college apps, and personal growth.
________________________________________
What You’ll Do as a Jr. Superintendent:
You’ll work alongside adult volunteers, project superintendents, 4-H Educators, and staff to help organize, run, and support fair events.
Duties may include:
• Assisting with set-up, clean-up, and take-down of exhibit areas
• Helping during check-in and check-out for projects and animals
• Serving as ring/gate stewards in show areas
• Distributing ribbons and awards
• Running errands across the fairgrounds
• Clerking and recording information for judges
• Assisting judges with materials and results
• Supporting Mini 4-H activities and Show Day
• Interacting with 4-H families and the public in a professional way
• Representing 4-H by being a positive, respectful role model
• Wearing your official Jr. Superintendent shirt while on duty
________________________________________
Eligibility:
You must be a Monroe County 4-H member who has completed grades 7–12. You can’t serve in a project area where you’re also exhibiting—but that means you get to try something new!
Time Commitment:
About 3 hours of training, plus your time helping out during fair season. Totally worth it for all the experience you’ll gain!
Apply at https://bit.ly/JRSUP
Due Friday May 9
Interviews Wednesday May 21
Take the lead. Gain confidence. Have fun. We’re excited to see YOU shine this year as a Jr. Superintendent!
–Your Monroe County 4-H Team
Spring 2025 Shooting Sports Workshop - Sign up for 1, 2, or ALL Sessions!
Attention Monroe and Lawrence Co. 3rd-12th Graders!
Register for some (or all) of these workshop dates at https://2025ShootingSports.4honline.com
We will be offering instruction, practice, and skill-building activities in the disciplines of rifle (.22 with possibilities of air rifle) and archery. 4-H Members will learn basic safety and shooting technique for both disciplines, and then move between each discipline for the remainder of the time according to their interest level. Our state-trained and Indiana DNR-certified instructors will be with the 4-Her every step of the way, making this the perfect event for a first timer or an experienced shooter!
Reach out if you have any questions. monroeces@purdue.edu 812-349-2575
State 4-H Trip Applications Due May 9
State 4-H Trip Registration is Due May 9th! Registration must be initiated by the Monroe County Extension Office before completing registration in 4Honline. The Monroe County 4-H Board of Directors will sponsor 50% of the advertised $250 cost for any state 4-H trip!
More Trip Info: https://extension.purdue.edu/.../state-programs/index.html
The main trips to consider applying for:
4-H Academy @ Purdue (with many options for different tracks): June 11-13
4-H Round-Up: June 23-25
State 4-H Band: June 21-23
State 4-H Chorus: June 21-24
4-H Round-Up at Purdue - for 7-9 Graders Enrolled in 4-H (or brand new 4-H'ers who would like to make this their first 4-H experience!)
Are you ready for an unforgettable summer experience? Indiana 4-H Round-Up is just around the corner, and we want YOU to be part of it!
What is the Indiana 4-H Round-Up?
4-H Round-Up is a three-day event (June 23-25, 2025) at Purdue University, designed for youth who have just completed grades 7, 8, or 9.
- Explore Careers: Participate in exciting classes led by Purdue professors and industry experts.
- Experience College Life: Stay in Purdue residence halls. Dine on campus. Explore the campus of Purdue University.
- Develop as a Leader: Build confidence and leadership skills through engaging activities and by hearing from an amazing keynote speaker.
- Have Fun & Make Friends: Enjoy lawn games outside of McCutcheon Hall and an evening in Purdue’s Recreational Sports Center, including a dance, movie, basketball, and volleyball. Meet new friends from across Indiana.
Registration Details
- Fee: $250 if registered by May 9; $275 (May 10-16); $300 (May 17-23).
- Deadline: Registration closes on May 23, 2025.
- How to Register: Contact your local Purdue Extension Office for assistance with registration.
For more information, visit the http://bit.ly/in4hroundup
We are excited to see you at Indiana 4-H Round-Up!
4-H Academy at Purdue - For 9-12 Graders!
Registration Details
• Fee: $250 if registered by May 9; $275 (May 10-16); $300 (May 17-23).
• Financial Assistance is Available! Contact cjdeck@purdue.edu for details.
• Deadline: Registration closes on May 23, 2025.
• How to Register: Contact your local Purdue Extension Office for assistance with registration. monroeces@purdue.edu 812-349-2575
4-H Band Workshop at Purdue - For 9th-12th Graders!
The State 4-H Band workshop, June 21-23, is an immersive, three day opportunity to learn about instrumental performance alongside new friends from across Indiana guided by Purdue University’s Assistant Professor of Bands, Matthew Conaway. This workshop is open to all high school age youth; 4-H membership is not required. Selection is made by the State 4-H Band Director and Coordinator.
The State 4-H Band workshop culminates in a concert band performance during 4-H Round-Up. This audience of over 500 4-H'ers, 4-H staff, and volunteers will be amazed by the skills learned in a short time by the State 4-H Band.
More info at: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/state-programs/band.html
Contact Clint Deck at 812-349-2575 or cjdeck@purdue.edu to register.
4-H Chorus Workshop- For 9th -12th Graders!
During the four days of the State 4-H Chorus workshop, June 21-24, youth improve their vocal and choreography skills alongside new friends from across Indiana as they prepare for a show choir performance during 4-H Round-Up. This workshop is open to all high school age youth; 4-H membership is not required. Selection is made by the State 4-H Chorus Director and Coordinator.
The State 4-H Chorus workshop culminates in a show choir performance during 4-H Round-Up. This audience of over 500 4-H'ers, 4-H staff, and volunteers will be amazed by the skills learned in a short time by the State 4-H Chorus.
More info at: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/state-programs/chorus.html
Contact Clint Deck at 812-349-2575 or cjdeck@purdue.edu to register
Please Consider Donating to Monroe County 4-H's Giving Campaign to Fund Experiences Outside Our County Borders
Thank you for considering this amazing, worthwhile cause!
Bridges to Adventure Statewide 4-H SPARK CLUB - TWO of the four learning adventures will be in Monroe County!
Attention 3rd-12th Graders! Check out this SPARK Club experience. Enjoy a ton of fun at Shakamak State Park May 17h, with a preview educational Zoom on May 14th at 7pm. Register whether you are an existing 4-H member or not -- just go to https://bridgestoadventure.4honline.com to sign up!
Bridges to Adventure SPARK Club
Learn fun, essential outdoor skills at amazing locations!
bridgestoadventure.4honline.com
Join us for hands-on outdoor experiences & virtual learning sessions from February through May!
Virtual Sessions (Wednesday) | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Eastern Standard Time
In-Person Sessions (Saturday) | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
Cost: $35
Virtual sessions recorded for flexible learning!
May 14 (Virtual) | May 17 (In-Person @ Shakamak State Park)
Topography & map reading, animal tracking, knot tying, and compass skills. Fishing techniques, fileting, and cooking your catch
Register now! bridgestoadventure.4honline.com
Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
#bridgestoadventure #outdoorskills #4h #survivaltraining #fishingfun #getoutside #BeyondReady #Indiana4H
Quality Livestock Care Classes Begin in March - Required for all 3rd-12th Grade 4-H Livestock Exhibitors
https://mocoqlc.4honline.com
Event registration is now open for the Monroe County 4-H IQLC trainings. All youth (grades 3-12) who plan to exhibit BEEF CATTLE, DAIRY CATTLE, SWINE, SHEEP, MEAT GOATS, DAIRY GOATS, POULTRY, or RABBITS at the county and/or state fair MUST have a valid certification before exhibition.
This certification is only good for one year. Register for a training on 4-H Online through the youth's profile events tab or at the link below. To register for a training the youth's enrollment must be in approved status for this year. (i.e., please enroll in 4-H ASAP) (tips can be found at bit.ly/new4her)
Mark your calendar and register for the training now! https://mocoqlc.4honline.com
The program is offered at no cost in our county, thanks to our Monroe County 4-H Board of Directors, Monroe County Farm Bureau, Inc., Smithville, and Premier Companies.
** Those planning to be certified through the YQCA program will
register at www.yqcaprogram.org and will present their completion
certificate to their 4-H Educators. Note, this option requires payment and considerably more time to complete. However, some national open youth shows still require it.
Mini 4-H Update for all K-2nd Graders!
We absolutely love our Mini 4-Her's (all 200+ of them!) We are excited for another great year of fun and exploration. Our Mini 4-H Guide can be found at bit.ly/mini4hguide , but for a quick understanding of Mini 4-H, read this post.
🍀 Many K-2nd grade Mini's "do 4-H" by attending community clubs and livestock clubs, all of which accept Mini's.
🍀 Other Mini's choose to simply enter projects at the fair and show off their creations to a judge
🍀 Some Mini's take part in special events at the fair offered by livestock and animal clubs. There are county fair opportunities for every animal club in 4-H (beef, dairy, dog, cat, goat, horse/pony, pigeon, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and swine). Be sure to add the corresponding club(s) in 4Honline and connect with club leaders to learn more about their requirements for being a part of fair festivities.
🍀 And lastly, some Mini's like to attend our special Fairgrounds Mini 4-H Club especially for K-2nd graders. No big kids allowed. Some special events for Mini's include monthly meetings each winter and spring, a special day at the Splash Pad, and Mini 4-H Day Camp in June, where they get a taste of our 4-H Camp experience squeezed into one day! Follow the Mini 4-H Club Facebook Page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17zwPMDmoY/
Show Your Clover Pride with a 4-H License Plate, and Help Monroe County 4-H
Show your clover pride by purchasing an Indiana 4‑H Foundation Specialty License Plate at your local BMV Branch! Plate fees support programs for young people state-wide and a portion of the money from each plate goes to the 4‑H in the county where the plate is purchased.
Do you have a 4-H License Plate? If not, check it out!
The license plates are $40 at the BMV. The Indiana 4-H Foundation receives $25 (this money comes back to youth) and Monroe County 4-H receives $10 (we use this money to help with camps, trips, etc.).
Show your 4-H pride with a 4-H License Plate!
More info can be found here: https://in4h.org/my-best-gift/specialty-license-plates/
Sign Up for this Exciting Adult Volunteer Opportunity, a Statewide Program Being Piloted HERE First!
Share your passion and make a lasting impact as a Monroe County 4-H Career Discovery Mentor! Help guide youth in your community on their career exploration journey while building the future workforce. Learn more and sign up here: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKSILgnH21a6tQa
We now have a 4-H Calendar for the entire program year! Try adding the calendar feed to your favorite calendar app on your phone!
iCal Format: copy and paste this .ics calendar into your favorite app: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/mocoin4h%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics
The 2025 Monroe County 4-H Guidelines Handbook is Available!
The 2025 Monroe County 4-H Project Guidelines Handbook is Available!
Check it out at bit.ly/moco4h for project assistance, deadlines, schedules, guidance, support, and inspiration!
The schedule in the handbook is also found in its own file at bit.ly/moco4hfair
Become a 4-H Volunteer!
Then create a new volunteer account in 4Honline to begin the application process: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/_docs/enrolling-in-4-h-online-as-a-new-adult-volunteer.pdf
Past volunteers: You can re-enroll as a 4-H volunteer. Re-Enrollment in the current program year is required each and every year: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/_docs/enrolling-in-4-h-online-as-a-returning-adult-volunteer.pdf
4Honline Registration Due May 15th
In 4-H, we use two different websites to help us reach the finish line each year. In our quest to have a successful year of 4-H clubs, projects, and leadership experiences, we always start with in.4honline.com. This site helps with entering animal identification info, enrollment, choosing projects, registering for events, picking a club, etc --
For detailed instructions identifying animals before May 15th, read this: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/_docs/projects/animal-identification/animal-id-instructions.pdf
... and once we decide exactly what is coming to the county fair, we register each specific project class, category, and/or breed in FairEntry at https://monroecountyindiana.fairentry.com
V2.4honline.com closes May 15th, so be sure to enroll, ID animals, or drop/add projects before then.
FairEntry opens May 1st and closes June 5th.
It's pretty simple once you try it! As always, we are available to help at the Monroe County Extension Office, 812-349-2575, or monroeces@purdue.edu
Please reply if you have any questions about projects, 4-H Camp, 4Honline deadline (May 15th), or FairEntry requirements (due June 5th)!
FairEntry Registration Due June 5th
FairEntry Deadline - June 5th
Monroe County 4-H’s FairEntry deadline is June 5th.
All 4-H projects need to be entered into monroecountyindiana.fairentry.com between May 11st & June 5th. It’s pretty easy! Just log in and select the specific divisions and classes for the projects you are already enrolled in!
This requirement includes ALMOST ALL 4-H projects coming to the fair-- including static projects and animal projects.
THE ONLY EXCEPTIONS ARE HORSE & PONY, POULTRY, & RABBIT CLUBS, because you will register for those species’ fair events using other methods. (check for past emails from your leaders)
4Honline.com enrollment and animal ID should be completed by May 15th. FairEntry is your last step before Fair check-in! It is the website where you tell us what you are planning to exhibit in the building and what livestock classes you will be showing in. Log in using your 4Honline email and password at monroecountyindiana.fairentry.com
This requirement includes Mini 4-H projects and any Mini 4-H participation in livestock/animal clubs. Even if a Mini is not showing their own animal, we would appreciate them selecting the animal project under the corresponding species (Mini 4-H Swine is under Swine Project, Mini 4-H Cat is under Cat Project)
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Testimonial from an Indiana parent:
Extension Homemakers
Extension Homemakers offer continuing education to meet the needs of the family, home, and community in an ever changing world. By providing informal educational opportunities, the organization broadens members' horizons and provides in-depth information in specific interest areas.
Extension Homemaker Clubs
Domestic Engineers: Kathy Shaffer (kshaffer@indiana.edu)
Energetic Club: Gayle Morris (rgmorris@att.net)
Evening Glories: Nola Donley(donley.dn@comcast.net)
Good Neighbors: Loettea Rush (lrush@kiva.net)
High Hopes: Karen Hahn (kaehahn@gmail.com)
Highlanders: Tara Slaughter (tbslaugh@indiana.edu)
Musicmakers: Kay Strahm (toby121444@gmail.com)
Nine Patches: Sharon Masters (smasters1994@gmail.com)
Walk-A-Lot: Tammy Mezgar (tammymezger@yahoo.com)
or Contact Ody Ekwonwa for more information
About Purdue Extension Monroe County
Ody Ekwonwa
Extension Educator
Health and Human Science
County Extension Director
Clint Deck
Extension Educator
4-H Youth Development
Kip Harmon
Extension Educator
4-H Youth Development
Edward Oehlman
Extension Educator
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Annie Eakin
NEP Community Wellness Coordinator
Shelly Powell
Nutrition Education Program Advisor
Cindi Percifield
Office Manager
Stephanie Roberts
Education Assistant
Email: cjdeck@purdue.edu
Website: extension.purdue.edu/Monroe
Location: 3400 South Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN, USA
Phone: 812-349-2575
Facebook: facebook.com/MoCoIn4H