LAKE COUNTY 4-H PROGRAM

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 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 the Lake County Fair in order to show the community what they have learned. 

Resources for State 4-H projects are available at: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/index.html

August 27 (Thurs.)  Fair/Program Evaluation (Business Meeting if needed)

 September 17 (Thurs.)   Business Meeting:

         *Nominations Committee presents slate of at-large directors (for vote in October)

          *Prepare requests for geranium bids

          *Schedule next year’s meetings

          *Review project completions and drop/add projects and activities

          *Clarify how next month’s elections will work

 October 22 (Thurs.)    Business Meeting:

            *Election of directors, superintendents, and activity coordinators; all enrolled volunteers may vote 

            *Review proposed changes to projects/activities

            *Review geranium bids received/update geranium forms to distribute to clubs

            *Budget proposals due to Finance Committee (=treasurers of Horse & Pony and  Auction Board   treasurer, Board president)

             *Appoint Audit Committee to complete internal audit by March 

November 19 (Thurs.)    Business Meeting:

                *Elect officers

                 *Finance Committee presents proposed budget (including sub-committee budgets)

                 *Update list of sub-committees and assign chairpersons           

                 *Banquet Committee updates invitations/program/script

2026 Sponsor Form

Check Request County Committee 

Youth Protection Letter for Non-Purdue Guests

Record of Achievement Fill in Results

The 2026 Lake County 4-H Handbooks are here at the Extension Office and available for pick-up. If you are a current 4-H club member, please get the handbook from your club leader. One book per family please. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 755-3240.

Looking for a 4-H Club to join?  Our clubs are open to all young people in grades K-12. Contact the Extension Office at 219-755-3240 for more information about these clubs or to learn how you can start a new club in your community!

Brunswick Beavers Thursday, 7:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Zion United Church of Christ, Dyer              
Club Leaders: Rose Kleine(kfarmrose@airbaud.net) 219-755-7370 and Janet Neitzel (the2lefty2@yahoo.com) 219-775-4001 

 
Eagle Creek Up + At’em Sunday, 4:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Rangeline Presbyterian Church, Hebron                                                                     Club Leader: Tracy Bult(tracybult31@yahoo.com) 219-742-9740


Griffith Grinners  Sunday, 3:00pm(monthly)     Meetings: Griffith First Christian Church, Griffith
Club Leader: Lisa Bubala(lisa6000@yahoo.com) 219-718-2181

  
Happy Wranglers Tuesday, 6:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Stone Ridge Training Center, Hebron                                                                              Club Leader: Barb DeWell(bdewell.bd@gmail.com) 219-789-0255

Hammond Explorers Saturday,time(TBA) Meetings: Hammond Public Library, Hammond                                                                                      Club Leader: Barbara Hinton  219-801-1201 

Hobart Hurricanes Monday, 6:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Joan Martin Elementary School, Hobart
Club Leader: Laura Clemons(laurazato@gmail.com) 219-669-5692

Juntos 4-H Meeting time(TBA)              Meetings: River Forest High School, Hobart
Club Leaders: Noemi Lozano and Allison Gnezda

Lake Co. 4-H Color Guard & Drill Team Meeting time(TBA)  Meetings: Lowell
Club Leader: Jennifer Bisig 219-942-0804

 
Prairie Pioneers,Sunday, 4:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Lowell VFW 6841, Lowell
Cub Leader: Lynette DuBord(lynette.dubord01@gmail.com) 219-746-3105
 

Prime Beefmakers,Sunday, 2:00pm(monthly)  Meetings: Schneider Community Center, Schneider
Club Leader: Heidi Laub(heidi.laub@yahoo.com) 219-776-9786

 
Robinson Prairie Fantasy Farmers (RPFF) Sunday, 5:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Bulldog Park, Crown Point
Club Leaders : Elaine Hein(echein@yahoo.com) 219-742-2687 and Sandi Gleason(srsg96@att.net)
 

Rockin’ Clovers  Friday, 6:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Community Baptist Church, St. John
Club Leader: Steven Shareef(rockinclovers@gmail.com) 219-351-0412 

 
Saddle + Spurs Wednesday, 6:00pm(monthly)    Meetings: Crown Point Public Library, Crown Point
 Club Leaders: Kristen Donaldson 219-306-1851 and Jill Bruhn 219-384-8641

 
Shelby Ag Tuesday, 6:00pm(monthly)  Meetings: Buckley Homestead, Lowell
Club Leader: Amber Miller(rarlpmiller06@gmail.com) 219-671-8695

 
St. John Spitfires Friday, 6:00pm(monthly)         Meetings: Crown Point
Club Leader: Stephanie Neal(tsneal2002@gmail.com) 219-308-5897
 

Tails and Trails  Tuesday, 6:00pm(monthly) Meetings: Lowell Public Library, Lowell
Club Leader: Anastasia Szostek 219-798-0723


The Lone Rangers Monday, 7:00pm(monthly)  Meetings: Four Seasons Equestrian Center, Crown Point
Club Leader: Kristina Shupryt(kristina.shupryt@gmail.com) 219-718-9776

 
The Seekers Friday,4:00pm(monthly)  Meetings: Faith Church, Cedar Lake
Club Leader: Angie Davids(adavids1121@gmail.com) 219-775-0835

 

4-H CLUB DEFINITION:  

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.

4-H CLUB PURPOSE:

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 generosity—the Essential Elements—and to foster educational opportunities tied to the Land Grant University knowledge base.  

4-H CLUB RESOURCES

                                               Lake County 4-H Clover Connections

                                                                July 2026

                                                A Note from the Extension Office

Hello, Lake County 4-H Families,

It’s July—and fair season is almost here! This is one of the most exciting times of the 4-H year, and we know our members are hard at work finishing projects, practicing their skills, and preparing for exhibition. Your dedication, creativity, and commitment are what make 4-H so special, and we can’t wait to see everything you’ve been working on.

Let’s keep up the great work and head into fair season strong! We’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished so far—keep it up!

                                                News & Announcements

4-H Senior Spotlights:

• Attention Lake County 4-H Seniors! There are still a few seniors who have not completed their Senior Spotlight survey. We would love to recognize and celebrate all of the hard work, memories, and accomplishments you’ve achieved throughout your years in 4-H! Senior Spotlights will not only be featured on our social media pages, but will also be showcased during the Lake County Fair. If you have not yet completed the survey, please take a few minutes to fill it out and share your 4-H journey with us. We look forward to celebrating the Lake County 4-H Class of 2026! Complete the survey here:
  https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9S6ndsHu7tqsTMq.

Publication Sale:

• We have a limited number of 4-H publications remaining in our office and are offering them for just $3 each. If you’d like to find out what’s still available, please contact the Extension Office.

Fair Set Up Date:

• The date for the 4-H Building set-up and cleaning will be on Tuesday July 14th at 4:00pm. If you have questions, please call Sarah Buche at 219-484-5877 or Rebekah Lamb at 219-213-1686.

Project Check-In Youth Volunteers Needed:

• As we gear up for Lake County 4-H Project Judging and Fair season, we are looking for youth volunteers in grades 7–12 to assist with project check-in and judging day activities. This is a great opportunity to support fellow 4-H members, learn more about the judging process, develop leadership skills, and earn volunteer service hours. If you are available and willing to help, please sign up using the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4FA4AC28A7FF2-64609058-copy. Thank you for helping make our Lake County 4-H Project Judging experience a success! We appreciate your willingness to serve and support our 4-H program.

Project Check-In Adult Volunteers Needed:

• Project Judging and Fair season are quickly approaching, and we need your help! We are seeking adult volunteers to assist with project check-in and project judging during Lake County 4-H Project Judging. Your support helps ensure a smooth and positive experience for our youth exhibitors and families. If you are available to assist, please sign up using the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4FA4AC28A7FF2-64609234-2026. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with Lake County 4-H. We truly appreciate your dedication and commitment to our youth and program.

Donations Needed:

• To help protect the flooring in the 4-H Building during the fair, carpet remnants are needed. If you have carpet remnants you would be willing to donate, please contact Sarah Buche at (219) 484-5877 to schedule a drop-off time. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Driver Needed:

• We are looking for an adult volunteer to drive the foods projects to the State Fair on August 10th. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kasey Wilhoit at (219) 755-3240 or email her at kwilhoi@purdue.edu.

FairEntry:

• FairEntry deadline is July 1st.

QUICK VERSION:

Go to the FairEntry website at https://lakecountyin.fairentry.com

• Sign in using your 4-H Online email and password.
• Follow instructions on screen to register an exhibitor and then add entries for that exhibitor.
• Select the department, division, and then the specific class you wish to enter. Repeat as needed.
• Add other exhibitors (siblings) if needed.
• When all exhibitors and entries have been added, click “Continue to Payment” (payment due will be $0.00).
• When everything is finished, click on the green “Submit” button.
• You will receive an email when the registration is submitted and then another email letting you know if your entry was approved or rejected. If your entry was rejected, a reason will be listed and you will be able to log in and fix the problem before submitting that entry again. Please contact the Extension Office if you have any problems with this process.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:

• It is easiest if siblings register at the same time and your family submits one registration ticket. Otherwise, you will have to wait until the first one is approved before you can continue (usually 1-2 business days).
• Members must be enrolled in the project in order to enter any exhibit classes in FairEntry. If you need to add a project, contact the Extension Office for assistance.
• The “County-Only Projects” department includes Arts and Crafts exhibits and some Livestock posters, as well as County Projects.
• Check your junk mail folder for confirmations/error messages from FairEntry.

Handbook Cover Contest:

• Submit your original design for a chance to be featured on the cover of the 2027 Lake County 4-H Handbook! This year’s theme is "Puzzle Pieces of 4-H." Entries will be due to the Extension Office on Monday July 27th. The winning design will be announced at 4-H Achievement Night before the Lake County Fair. The selected entry will be featured on the cover of the 2027 4-H Handbook and may also be used in other promotional materials.
• Design Guidelines:
  Must include an image and the text "Puzzle Pieces of 4-H."
  Size: 8.5 x 11 inches, vertical orientation.
  Black and white designs are recommended, as the handbook will not be printed in color.
  If you include the 4-H clover emblem, it must follow official 4-H guidelines.
  Limit of two entries per 4-H member.

 Hosting the 4-H Building

• Help is needed to host the 4-H Building during the Fair! Hosts will greet fairgoers, answer questions about 4-H, keep an eye on the displays, and possibly recruit some new members. This is a great time to look around the 4-H Building and get inspiration for next year's projects. Individuals, families, or clubs can sign up now at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4FA4AC28A7FF2-64548602-copy.

                                              Upcoming July 4-H Workshops

4-H Urban Agriculture-Urban Farm Visit: Hidden Acres Family Farm

• Visit a family-run farm, see how eggs, produce, and honey are raised for the local community, and learn about farm entrepreneurship in action. Open to all members in grades 3-12. The event will be held at Hidden Acres Family Farm, 14505 Reeder Road, Crown Point, IN on July 18th from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Register at https://hidden7-18-2026.4honline.com

Lake County 4-H Dairy Goat Clinic

• Calling all Lake County 4-H Dairy Goat members! Join us on July 15th from 5:00pm-6:30 pm at Stoney Run County Park, located at 9230 E 142nd Ave, Hebron for a hands-on Dairy Goat Clinic where youth will learn and practice important skills to help them succeed in the show ring. Whether you're new to dairy goats or preparing for the fair season, this clinic is a great opportunity to build confidence and improve your skills. Topics will include showmanship, fitting and grooming, ring etiquette, and proper set-up techniques. Some important reminders are there is a maximum of two goats per member, please bring a bucket for collars, water, and leads, no pens will be permitted, and please park and meet in the back by the horse trails. Register at https://dairygoat7-15-2026.4honline.com. We look forward to seeing our dairy goat members and helping you prepare for a successful fair season!

                                                 Save The Dates: 4-H Opportunities

Insects in a New Light:

• Join Purdue entomologists for an evening program all about nocturnal insects! You will start with a talk about insect diversity and the fascinating world of insects. Then, you will head outside to a blacklight station and watch the night come alive as insects fly in from the darkness! For more details as to when the Insects in a New Light are and where, please go to https://ag.purdue.edu/department/entm/outreach/events.html.

                                                    Livestock Program Updates

Barn Battle:

• Come join us for the 12th Annual Barn Battle! Meet at the Show Pavilion on Sunday August 16th for shirt pickup by 9:30 a.m. Register by July 1st to receive a T-shirt. You may still participate after the deadline, but a T-shirt will not be provided, there will not be a fee this year for T-shirts. Register at https://barnbattle8-16-2026.4honline.com in 4-H Online Please be sure to put in your shirt size when registering. Stay after the event and enjoy an Ice Cream Sundae Bar with fellow participants and families! Questions? Please call Amy Hein Wright at 219-808-3980.

                                                      Upcoming Updates

4-H Judging Update

• 4-H judging will be changing this year! Judging will be on July 24th, 25th, and 27th. Project drop-off will take place July 20–23 in the 4-H Building. Drop-off hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9:00am–12:00pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30pm–7:00pm. When dropping off your project, simply bring your tags and place your project on the designated judging table. Judges are not available during drop-off, please highlight your entry number if you want to speak to them during judging. All projects must be turned in prior to scheduled judging dates, except for foods, garden, and construction/architectural replica projects.
• Mini 4-H Exhibit Drop Off and Judging will be on Monday July 27th. Check in will be from 6:00pm-7:30pm.
• Photos for State Fair will be taken on July 27-29 in the 4-H Building at the Lake County Fairgrounds from 1:00pm-3:00pm.

                                                     Upcoming Events

Wednesday, 7/1 – Exhibits Due, FairEntry

Wednesday, 7/1 – Animal Manuals, Horse & Pony Veterinarian Forms Due, Extension Office

Saturday, 7/11 – Music Performance, Plum Grove Music, Hebron

Tuesday, 7/14 – 4-H Building Cleaning and Set-Up, Lake County Fairgrounds,

Tuesday, 7/14 – County Committee Meeting, Lake County Fairgrounds, 6:00pm-7:30pm

Saturday, 7/18 – 4-H Dog Show, Paw Power Blues Dog Club, Lowell

Monday & Wednesday, 7/20 & 7/22 – Project Drop-Off & Judging Process, 4-H Building, Lake County Fairgrounds, 9:00am–12:00pm

Tuesday & Thursday, 7/21 & 7/23 – Project Drop-Off & Judging Process, 4-H Building, Lake County Fairgrounds, 4:30pm-7:00pm

Friday & Saturday, 7/24 & 7/25 – Pre-Fair Judging, 4-H Building, Lake County Fairgrounds

Monday-Wednesday, 7/27-7/29 – State Fair Photo Days, 4-H Building, Lake County Fairgrounds, 1:00pm-3:00pm

Monday, 7/27 – Mini 4-H Project Drop-Off and Judging, 4-H Building, Lake County Fairgrounds, 6:00pm-7:30pm

Monday, 7/27 – 2027 Handbook Cover Contest Entries Due, Extension Office

Wednesday, 7/29 – 4-H Club Corner Display Set-Up, 4-H Building, Lake County Fairgrounds

PLEASE NOTE!

Make sure you have the dates above are on your calendar! The Extension Office will be closed on the following dates:

July 3rd – Independence Day (Observed)

If you have any club or project information that you’d like to share in the weekly email, please let 4-H Secretary Roz Adams rdcoleman@purdue.edu know by the 15th day of each month.

Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.

If you are in need of accommodations to attend a program, please contact or Jennifer Haynes or Kasey Wilhoit at least 2 weeks before the event at (219) 755-3240 and jhaynes7@purdue.edu or kwilhoi@purdue.edu.

For special dietary needs please contact Jennifer Haynes or Kasey Wilhoit at least 2 weeks before the event at (219) 755-3240 and jhaynes7@purdue.edu or kwilhoi@purdue.edu.

If you need an interpreter or translator, please contact Jennifer Haynes or Kasey Wilhoit at least 2 weeks before the event at (219) 755-3240 and jhaynes7@purdue.edu or kwilhoi@purdue.edu.

A 4-H volunteer is anyone that wants to be involved in our 4-H program. We have a variety of involvement opportunities available. The time commitment and area of interest vary for each individual. All volunteers must pass a background check and participate in training through Purdue Extension. For more information on becoming a volunteer, contact the Extension Office to speak with Jennifer Haynes at 219-755-3240 or jhaynes7@purdue.edu

Policies & Procedures are available: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/about/policies-and-procedures/index.html