Without missing a beat, the Indiana 4-H program is starting off another great year. 4-H is year-round program that annually starts Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30. In Montgomery County, we are kicking off our 4-H program year with our eighth annual Spooky Science program from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday in the beef barn.
We already have 4-H clubs that have started meeting, including our Junior Leader Club. So what is Junior Leaders and how are they different from our other community and project-based clubs? Junior Leaders is for youth currently in grades 7-12 that are seeking additional leadership opportunities. These youth serve in variety of leadership roles, serve as mentors, and participate in different community service projects throughout the year. The club is organized and led by the youth officer team, with each meeting having a different theme, activity or community service aspect.
The Montgomery County Junior Leader officer team this year is Miranda Crowe (president), Kylee Reeves (vice president), Cole Rhoads (secretary), Rachel Rhoads (treasurer), Grace Simpson (social media coordinator) and Natalie Rhoads, Lennon Woods, Kale Vaught and Savannah Crowe (council members). For the club’s kick-off event, the officer team planned pumpkin painting and an ice cream social. This year there were 37 members in attendance for their first meeting. Thank you to Oak Hill Tree Farm for your generous donation of the pumpkins. If your child is looking for a unique way to be more involved in the community and enhance their leadership skills, I would highly encourage them to consider joining 4-H and the Junior Leader program. The next Junior Leader meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Exhibit Hall at the Montgomery County 4-H Fairgrounds.
To enroll in Montgomery County 4-H, visit https://v2.4honline.com or visit the Montgomery County Extension office at 400 Parke Ave., Crawfordsville. The program fee for enrolling in 4-H is $15 per child and mini 4-H (grades K-2) is free. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Extension office at 765-364-6363.
Abby Morgan is the Montgomery County Extension Education, 4-H Youth Development Educator. The office is at 400 Parke Ave., Crawfordsville; 765-364-6363. She may be reached by email at asweet@purdue.edu.
