Join the club!

4-H is open to youth in grades 3-12. Our Mini 4-H program is available to youth in grades K-2.

Members have the opportunity to learn more about a subject matter that they choose to study through completing hands on activities. 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.

We provide adult volunteers and staff who are knowledgeable on that particular subject who will often times provide workshops to allow th​e youth to learn about that topic in a social environment. Each project has a beginner, intermediate, and advanced level-this allows 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 times, youth will exhibit and display their project at a local county​ fair in order to show the community what they have learned.

The Elkhart County 4-H program offers more than 70 projects for area youth! Check out all the projects in the "Resources for Current 4-H Members" section below.

Enrollment in 4-H (grades 3-12) is $20 per youth. If a family has more than three youth enrolled in 4-H, the maximum program fee is $60 per family. Our Mini 4-H program (grades K-2) is free!

Each year open enrollment opens on October 1st. (NOTE: For 2026-27, 4-H enrollment will begin on November 1st.)

Enroll online at https://v2.4honline.com

You can enroll online or use a paper enrollment form.

Paper forms will be turned in to the Purdue Extension Elkhart County Office. (Paper forms are available in the Extension Office or by request at 574-533-0554.) Enrollment forms can be dropped off or mailed to:
Purdue Extension Elkhart County
17746 County Road 34 Ste E
Goshen, IN 46528

Need help or have additional questions while enrolling? Give our office a call at 574-533-0554. We look forward to helping you!

Elkhart County 4-H has over 55 clubs! Check out our Elkhart County 4-H Clubs page to learn about the clubs we offer as well as the club leader's information, meeting information, and more!

The Purdue Extension Elkhart County office is located on the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds at 17746 County Road 34, Goshen, IN 46528. The office is the first red brick building when you pull into the Gate 2 drive off Monroe St./CR 34. We are open Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. (We do not close for lunch.) We are closed during County Government holidays. You can also give our office a call at 574-533-0554 with questions or email us at elkhartces@purdue.edu

The Friday 4-H Nugget provides the latest 4-H news every first and third Friday of the month and is emailed to all 4-H families. 

For poster projects, view the general poster construction guidelines in the next section below.

Have project rule change suggestions? Contact the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 or email elkhartces@purdue.edu for a form to submit your suggestion.

Projects marked with an asterisk (*) require participation in a Subject-Specific Elkhart County 4-H Club.

STATE PROJECTS

Below are a list of State Projects. Click on a project to view more information. If you have questions or need additional information, contact the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 or email elkhartces@purdue.edu 

• Aerospace: Rockets
• Animal Education
• *ATV Safety and Operator Skills
• *Bicycle
• *Beef
• Beekeeping
• Cake Decorating
• *Cat
• Child Development
• Communications (Public Speaking/Demonstrations/Informative 4-H Presentation/Professional Persuasive Presentation)
• Computer
• Construction & Architectural Replica (Arts & Crafts)
• Consumer Clothing
• Creative Writing - Communications
• *Dairy
• *Dog
• Electric
• Entomology
• Fashion Revue
  • Event Registration Link
• Fine Arts (Arts & Crafts)
• Floriculture
• Foods (Baked or Preserved)
• Forestry
• Garden
• Genealogy
• Geology
• *Goat (Dairy, Meat, Pygmy)
• Health
• Home Environment 
• *Horse & Pony
• *Lamb (Sheep)
•  *Lawn and Garden Tractor Operator Skills
• Model Craft (Arts & Crafts)
• Needle Craft (Arts & Crafts)
• Photography
•  *Poultry
•  *Rabbit
• Sewing (Wearable and Non-Wearable)
• *Shooting Sports
• Small Engine
• Soil and Water Science
• *Sportfishing
• *Swine
• *Tractor Operator Skills
• Veterinary Science
• Weather and Climate Sciences
• Wildlife
• Woodworking
• Zero-Turn Mower Safety & Operator Skills

COUNTY PROJECTS

Manuals for County Projects are available for pickup at the Extension Office. Order your project manuals with the Elkhart County 4-H Manual and Project Materials Request Form. Some manuals are available for digital download - be sure to choose the email option when completing the request form above. If you need assistance, please contact the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 or email elkhartces@purdue.edu 

• 4-H Achievement Record Book
• Animal Education - Pet Animal (Other Animal)
• ATV Rodeo
• Auto Mechanics
• Bicycle Rodeo
• Blacksmithing
• Candlemaking (Arts & Crafts)
• Ceramics: Greenware and Handbuilding (Arts & Crafts)
• Collections
• *Dairy Feeder Calf (Dairy Beef)
• Decorated Wall Hanging (Arts & Crafts)
• Fabric Craft (Arts & Crafts)
• Gift Wrapping (Arts & Crafts)
• Jewelry (Arts & Crafts)
• *Junior Leaders
• Latch Hook (Arts & Crafts)
• *Media
• Microwave Cooking
• Miscellaneous Craft (Arts & Crafts)
• Performing Arts
• Recycling (Arts & Crafts)
• Remote Control
• Scrapbooking (Arts & Crafts)
• Scrapbooking (Digital) (Arts & Crafts)
• Sports
• Wearable Art (Arts & Crafts)

This list is an overview and does not include every change to project guidelines. Please be sure to read the exhibit guidelines for each project before starting. Complete State Fair guidelines are available on the State 4-H Projects website. For questions, call the Purdue Extension Elkhart County Office at 574-533-0554.

2026-27 State Exhibit Guidelines Revisions

Coming soon!

Elkhart County Exhibit Guidelines Revisions

Coming soon!

Poster Board - Use white when required; Experiment with other colors when not required. Example: Use earthy colors (light brown, natural, greens, rust) for wildlife or photography. All posters must be 22 inches by 28 inches unless otherwise specified (NOTE: Mini 4-H posters are 11 inches by 14 inches. See Mini 4-H information for details). See diagram for proper horizontal position.

Mounting Adhesives - The best is rubber cement as it leaves no marks and will not wrinkle paper. Double stick tape works best for leaves. White glue should be used only in cases where wrinkling or damage will not occur.

Colored Pencils - The best are soft leaded as they are easy to color and blend easily. Strokes will not show if handled properly. Hard leaded pencils are less expensive, but are more difficult to use.  

Labels - Leave a space in the lower right-hand corner (when facing poster) that is 2 inches wide by 5 inches high for the exhibit tag.

Stiff Backing - Any material that will keep the poster from bending forward will work. The backing must be the same size as poster board. Foam board is available for purchase in the Extension Office while supplies last. Posters must measure 22 inches by 28 inches.

Acetate or Clear Plastic Covering - This is required for all posters to keep them clean before judging and during fair. It comes in various sizes and in rolls or sheets. Poster sleeves are available for purchase in the Extension Office while supplies last.

Lettering – Lettering can be purchased at discount and art stores as stencils, self-adhesive, press type, etc.

Reference List — Posters must include a reference list indicating where information was obtained, giving credit to the original author, to complete the 4-H member’s exhibit. This reference list should/might include website links, people and professionals interviewed, books, magazines, etc. It is recommended this reference list be attached to the back of a poster. A judge is not to discredit an exhibit for the manner in which references are listed.

Note: Copyrighted characters or material is prohibited.

You can order project manuals with the Elkhart County 4-H Manual and Project Materials Request Form. 4-H members will have the option to pick up their manuals at the Extension Office or request that the 4-H Leader pick up their project manuals and bring them to a 4-H club meeting.

For questions, please call the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 or email elkhartces@purdue.edu 

• Scholarships
  • For a copy of the Elkhart County 4-H Scholarship Packet and Help Book, email pconove@purdue.edu or call 574-533-0554.
  • Instructions on how to submit State 4-H Scholarships can be found at the State 4-H Scholarship webpage under "Submitting 4-H Scholarship Applications".
  • Scholarship & College Search Workshop
    • More information coming soon!

• Awards (Click title below to apply or learn more)
  • Youth Awards
  • Millie Christofeno Perseverance Award

• Livestock Skillathon

  • Ready to test your livestock knowledge? Join the 2027 Outstanding Livestock Exhibitor & Skillathon Contests—open to youth in grades 3–12! Whether you’re experienced or just curious, you can compete in one or multiple species…no animal project required. 
    
    Species include beef cattle, dairy cattle, dairy feeder cattle, dog, goats, horses, lambs, poultry, rabbits, swine, and all around (combination of all species)
    
    Divisions: Beginner (3–5), Intermediate (6–8), Senior (9–12)
    
    More information coming soon!
    

• Dairy Foods/Milk Quality & Products
  
  • Join the 2027 4-H Dairy Foods Team! Calling all youth in grades 3–12! Learn about milk quality, cheese evaluation, careers in dairy, and how your favorite dairy products are made! More information coming soon!

• Be sure to submit your 5 Year Pass/Senior Spotlight Registration by June 1st. Link coming soon!

Fundraising

• Fundraising for the 4-H program supports club activities in achieving their educational and community service goals. However, fundraising should not be our primary focus and must comply with federal guidelines. A new form must be completed for each fundraiser, and every club must obtain approval before the fundraiser can take place. To receive a fundraiser application, email pconove@purdue.edu or call the Extension Office at 574-533-0554.
• Geranium Sales
  • Geranium Flyer - Stay tuned for next year's sale!
  • Geranium & Hanging Basket Order Form - Contact Extension Office for form
  • 4-H Club Leader Order Form - Stay tuned for next year's sale!

Contests

• Public Speaking & Demonstrations Contest

  • All 3rd-12th grade Elkhart County 4-H'ers are invited to participate in the Public Speaking & Demonstrations Contest! This is an excellent way to practice your public speaking and communication skills! There are four categories to choose from. You can find those categories, exhibit guidelines and resources at the Indiana 4-H Communications website.

    Elkhart County 4-H will be offering a workshop prior to the contest to help with preparation. 

    Public Speaking & Demonstrations Workshop - More information coming soon!

    Public Speaking & Demonstrations Contest - More information coming soon!

    Contact Sthele Greybar at 574-533-0554 or sgreybar@purdue.edu with any questions. 

Grill Masters

• Time to fire up the grill and learn more about food safety, outdoor cooking appliances, grilling skills, meat selection, and more! Open to grades 6-12th. More information coming soon!

Mini 4-H is a free program that introduces kindergarten, first, and second graders to 4-H! Mini 4-Hers are not required to attend meetings but are encouraged to attend special activities planned for Mini 4-Hers. There is no competition in the Mini 4-H program. Mini 4-Hers can choose up to two different projects to complete and enter into the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. Check out the Mini 4-H Project section below to learn all of the projects the program offers!

Make sure to check out the information below for important dates, upcoming events, workshops, and more! 

Important Dates

• Mini 4-H Welcome Dates
  • Coming soon!
• Night with Santa
  • Coming soon!
• Mini 4-H Workshop #1
  • Coming soon!
• Mini 4-H Workshop #2
  • Coming soon!
• Mini 4-H Day Camp
  • Coming soon!
• Mini 4-H Livestock Day Camp 
  • Coming soon!
• Mini 4-H Project Check-in and Check-out
  • Check-in: Coming soon!
  • Check-out (Day 1): Coming soon!
  • Check-out (Day 2): Coming soon!

Organizational and Building Superintendent: Mary Kay Longacre (574-536-2406)

Assistants: Jill Garris (574-612-1337); Taylar Clanton (574-333-9105); and Brittany Leazenby (574-333-6613)

Arts & Crafts: Denise Rush (574-612-3753) and Morgan Rush (574-356-6693)

Beef: Pam Vander Wey (574-320-5277) and Taylor Thwaits (574-903-1565)

Bicycle: David Snyder (574-971-1456)

Nature Projects - (Bugs/Forestry/Wildlife): Britt Calentine (574-214-2770)

Cake Decorating: Abby Dewees (574-334-9316)

Collections: Jan Nunemaker (574-202-9046)

Dinosaurs: Taylar Clanton (574-333-9105)

Farm Animals: Kandy Walter (574-202-0987) and Cheryl Gall (574-535-3234)

Flowers & Garden: Darlene Byland (574-862-3995)

Foods: Holly Helbling (574-312-1096)

Models: Brent Mitchell (574-304-0037)

Pets: Pat McKinley (574-575-8449) and Brittany Leazenby (574-333-6613)

Sewing: Lauren Whalen (574-386-1557)

Tractor: Emili Zahner (574-633-4873) and Tiara Lechlitner (574-807-1996)

Photography: Regina Goodman (574-536-9288)

Extension Office Contact: Purdue Extension Elkhart County - 574-533-0554, elkhartces@purdue.edu 

Project manuals can be ordered using the Elkhart County 4-H Manual and Project Materials Request Form.

Mini 4-H members have two options for receiving their project manuals:

• Printed Copies: Pick up manuals at the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office, located on the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds (17746 County Road 34, Goshen). The office is the first brick building on the right when entering Gate 2 and is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

• Digital Copies: Have manuals emailed directly to you by selecting the email option on the request form.

Questions? Contact the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office at 574-533-0554 or elkhartces@purdue.edu

Project Descriptions

• Arts & Crafts - Experiment with crafts to make an art project of your choice!
• Beef - Complete a poster project and participate in a non-competitive show with an older 4-Her's animal.
• Bicycle - Learn how to care for your bicycle and ride it safely. Display a bicycle poster.
• Bugs - Explore different kinds of bugs and insects. Make a poster about your favorite bug.
• Collections - Do you save rocks, buttons, butterflies, or anything else? Learn how to organize your collection!
• Construction and Architectural Replica - Construct and recreate a replica using any small building material.
• Cake Decorating - Learn the basics of cake decorating. Display a frosted cake or styrofoam form.
• Dinosaurs - Learn about how dinosaurs lived long ago. Make a poster about your favorite dino or a dino diorama.
• Farm Animals - Select a farm animal and make a poster about it. Choose a dairy cow, beef cattle, goat, sheep, rabbit, poultry, horse, or swine.
• Flower & Garden - Learn how to care for your garden. Exhibit a vegetable from your garden, a poster with photos of your garden, or flowers cut from your garden.
• Foods - Learn about food groups and how to mix and measure ingredients. Make two no-bake cookies to display.
• Forestry - Learn about different trees and how trees help people and animals. Make an art collage or poster about trees.
• Models - Learn how to build and follow directions. Complete a snap together model smaller than 12 inches.
• Pets - Learn how to have fun and care for a pet. Use pictures to make a poster about your pet or a pet you would like to have.
• Photography - Learn the basics of photography by capturing everyday moments using a simple camera or smartphone.
• Sewing - Begin to collect tools to start sewing. Exhibit a sewing box with a pin cushion, a simple placemat, or a completed stitching guide.
• Tractor - Learn about tractors, how they are used, and safety. Make a poster with pictures and a story about your favorite tractor.
• Wildlife - Learn what animals need to survive. Make a poster or diorama about a wild animal in Indiana.

Note: Mini 4-Hers do not need to own an animal to participate in a project. They also will not be driving a tractor in the 'Tractor' project.

Check out our Livestock Update webpage for animal/livestock information on 4-H livestock club contacts, Animal ID, Quality Assurance Program requirements, Premises ID, FairEntry, health and lease forms, club specific information, Outstanding Livestock Exhibitor Program, Skillathon, and showing 4-H livestock projects at the Indiana State Fair.

Fair Entry is a program used to assist us in tracking 4-H results, knowing what 4-H projects are coming to the fair, creating show programs, and much more! 

All 4-H members (including Mini 4-H members) are required to enter information into Fair Entry. The Fair Entry system will be open from May 21, 2027 through June 25, 2027. Instructions for Fair Entry will be mailed and emailed to all 4-H families. If you need assistance, please contact the Extension Office at 574-533-0554.

Interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer? We offer a variety of ways to get involved and support youth development in our community. All volunteers must complete a background check and training through Purdue Extension. To get started, contact the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 to speak with a 4-H Extension Educator.

New and returning volunteers must enroll each year on 4-H Online. If you need assistance, please call the Extension Office at 574-533-0554 or email poej@purdue.edu

For digital copies of documents including the Financial Activity Report, Fundraiser Application Form, Non-Purdue Guest Speaker Form & Agreement, and Permission to Use Clover Form, call Jennifer Poe at 574-533-0554 or email poej@purdue.edu

To request manuals, visit the 2026–2027 Elkhart County 4-H Manual and Project Materials Request Form.

February 1, 2027

• All Adult Volunteers- 4HOnline Enrollment and Training Requirements Due for 2027, or before if meeting with 4-H’ers & making club decisions
• 2026 Financial Reports Due

• Project Add/Drop Final Change Date
• EIN/IRS 990 Form for 2026 Deadline
• 4-H Academy Registration Form Due
• 4-H Camp Registration Form Due
• 4-H Animal ID Deadline
• YQCA/Quality Livestock Care due June 15, 2027

• Friends of 4-H Scholarship Awards Due
• Millie Christofeno Award Nominations Due
• Youth Awards Due
• 2027 Club Photo emailed to Jennifer Poe for ECCC Display Due

• Wednesday, November 4, 2026 – 4-H Livestock Leader Meeting at Extension Office
• Thursday, November 19, 2026 – 4-H Leader’s Banquet, Doors open at 6:00, dinner at 6:30 at ECCC
• Tuesday, January 26, 2027 – 4-H Leaders and Livestock Leaders meeting, location TBD
  • 4-H Online Face to Face support for volunteer enrollment at 6:00pm
• Thursday, March 25, 2027 – 4-H Livestock Leader Meeting at Extension Office
• Thursday, May 27, 2027 – 4-H Leader/Livestock Leader Training at Ag Hall
• Thursday, June 24, 2027 – 4-H Livestock Leader Meeting at Extension Office
• Thursday, September 2, 2027 - 4-H Livestock Leader Meeting at Extension Office
• Thursday, October 7, 2027 – 4-H Leader/Livestock Leader Training location TBD

• All volunteers need to be up-to-date on paperwork and training before they can work with youth.
• Seek approval from the Extension Office when using the 4-H Clover and/or 4-H Name.
• Provide at least 2 business days to process copies in the Extension Office
• Share with club members communications about upcoming events from the Extension Office.
• BCC Sthele Greybar on communications when sending your notifications to 4-H families (i.e., meeting reminders, newsletters).
• Regularly turn in club guest speaker names and forms so that we can complete paperwork prior to them coming to your event.
• Turn in club fundraiser form one month prior to a fundraiser for Educator approval

Help build a lasting legacy for Elkhart County 4-H by investing in an endowment that empowers future generations through hands-on learning in agriculture, STEM, outdoor living, leadership, and community service. 

Your donation to the Elkhart County 4-H Endowment helps provide local youth with life skill development opportunities through trips, scholarships, workshops, clubs, and camps.

Donate today and invest in the future of Elkhart County 4-H at the Elkhart County 4-H Endowment page.

• 1:00pm – Building Set-Up

• 12:00pm-3:00pm – Open Judging – Consumer Clothing
• 12:00pm-6:00pm – Open Judging – Foods, Sewing, & Microwave Cooking
• 12:00pm-6:00pm – Notebook Projects Due at ECCC see list:
  • Achievement Record Book
  • Collections
  • Creative Writing
  • Genealogy
  • Performing Arts
  • Sports

Wednesday, July 14, 2027

• 4:00pm – Building Set-Up (Help needed – anyone willing and able can help – heavy materials and dangerous work site)

Thursday, July 15, 2027

• 12:00pm-6:00pm – Mini 4-H Project Check-In

Saturday, July 17, 2027

• 9:00am-3:00pm – Open Judging – Fashion Revue
• 7:00pm – Public Show @ Greencroft Goshen

Monday, July 19, 2027

• 11:00am-7:00pm – Project Check-In (except Cake Decorating, Floriculture, & Garden)

 Wednesday, July 21, 2027

• 8:30am-11:30am & 12:30pm-2:30pm – Open Judging – Cake Decorating

Thursday, July 22, 2027

• 9:00am-11:00am – Open Judging – Floriculture & Garden

 Friday, July 23, 2027

• Fair Opens!
• 5:30pm-6:30pm – 10 Year Recognition Awards & Scholarships at Grandstand

Sunday, July 25, 2027

• 8:00pm – 4-H Youth Showcase at Heritage Park

Wednesday, July 28, 2027

• 5:30pm – Youth Awards at Heritage Park Stage

Friday, July 30, 2027

• Livestock Auction

Saturday, July 31, 2027

• 9:30am – Rocket Launch at Gate 6 (weather permitting)
• ECCC Closes at 8:00pm

 Sunday, August 1, 2027

• 12:00pm-3:00pm – Project Check-Out, State Fair Project Drop-Off

 Monday, August 2, 2027

• 12:00pm-5:00pm – Project Check-Out

Monday, August 9, 2027

• 7:30am - State Fair Drop-Off for Foods & Garden

Tuesday, August 24, 2027

• State Fair Project Pick Up at Clover Hill

State Fair (Purple): This is the best overall exhibit in a division, section, or category and has been selected for exhibit at the Indiana State Fair.

Champion (Purple): This is the best overall exhibit in a division, section, or category where a State Fair entry does not exist, and it is awarded when merited. Example: A champion ribbon is awarded to Microwave Cooking because it is a county project and not available on the state level.

Reserve Champion (Lavender): This is the second-best overall exhibit in a division, section, or category and is awarded when merited.

Honor Group (Purple): This ribbon is given to first place group recipients that have done an outstanding job. State Fair winners and Champions are selected from this group.

Group A (Blue): First place group. Meets all requirements and project work is very good.

Group B (Red): Second place group. Project work is good but does not meet requirements in some way and/or is missing an important element.

Group C (White): Third place group. Does not meet requirements and is missing two or more important elements.

Participation (Green): Given to a late entry project that arrives after judging is finished. All projects are to be checked in at the designated times.

Mini 4-H (Light Green): Given to Mini 4-H youth in grades K-2 that complete a project.

Special Activity (Yellow): Given for special activities participated in during the year, such as Performing Arts. 

Ribbons and judges’ comments are available for pick up during the fair in the ECCC (4-H Exhibit Building) kitchen during building hours.