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

                                                                November 2026 

                                                 A Note from the Extension Office

Hello, Lake County 4-H Families,

November is here, and we're excited to begin another 4-H year! This is a great time to explore new interests, set goals, and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you're returning for another year or joining us for the first time, there's always something new to learn and discover through 4-H.

As we get started, be sure to check out this month's Clover Connections for helpful reminders, upcoming events, and ways to stay involved. We're looking forward to another year of learning, growing, and making memories together!

Here's to a great start to the 4-H year!

                                               News & Announcements

Enrollment:

• Get ready for another exciting year of 4-H! Enrollment for the 2026–2027 Indiana 4-H program year will attentively open November 1, 2026. Sign up at 4HOnline.com to start your next year of learning, growing, and making memories! As you prepare to enroll, please note the following important updates effective November 1:
• Enrollment Fee Increase: The statewide Indiana 4-H enrollment fee will increase from $15 to $25 per member.
• Electronic Payments: All enrollment payments must be made with a credit card only. No credit card processing fees apply to the statewide enrollment fee.
• Family Fee Cap: Families enrolling more than three youth will pay no more than $75 in total enrollment fees.
• Mini 4-H: Mini 4-H members are exempt from the statewide enrollment fee.
• This fee adjustment will help Purdue Extension continue providing safe, high-quality programs that meet the evolving needs of Indiana's young people. We appreciate your continued support of Indiana 4-H and look forward to another wonderful year with our 4-H families! If you have questions about enrollment or the updated fees, please contact the Purdue Extension–Lake County office.

  Purdue Extension Northwest Region Facebook:

• We are inviting all Lake County 4-H families to follow the new Purdue Extension Northwest Region Facebook page! This page will highlight the programs, people, and impact of Purdue Extension throughout Northwest Indiana. Follow along for updates on educational programs, upcoming events, and community efforts in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, health and human sciences, and community development. It's a great way to stay connected and see the impact Purdue Extension is making in our communities! Follow the page here at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592573452836.

• As we look ahead to the upcoming 4-H year, we want to recognize the volunteers who help make our Lake County 4-H program possible! Our County Committee Board of Directors, General Superintendents, Project Superintendents, and Activity Coordinators play an important role in supporting our 4-H members and families throughout the year. 

                             County Committee Board of Directors

• As we look ahead to the upcoming 4-H year, we want to recognize the volunteers who help make our Lake County 4-H program possible! Our County Committee Board of Directors, General Superintendents, Project Superintendents, and Activity Coordinators play an important role in supporting our 4-H members and families throughout the year.

Congratulations to our board members serving through December 31, 2029!

• 4-H Livestock Project Expertise: Jane Kraynik (term expires December 31, 2029)
• Non-Traditional Program Expertise: Megan Bush (term expires December 31, 2029)
• Other Project Expertise: Linda Dillon (term expires December 31, 2029). This position covers projects other than Livestock, Horse and Pony, Club, and Non-Traditional Programs.
• At-Large: Lynn Spinks (term expires December 31, 2029)

The Club Expertise and second At-Large positions remain open.

General Superintendents

Our General Superintendents serve two-year terms and help oversee activities throughout the fair.

• Barn (term expires 2027): Amy Hein
• Barn (term expires 2028): Reed Miller
• Building (term expires 2027): Sarah Buche
• Building (term expires 2028): Rebekah Lamb

Project Superintendents and Activity Coordinators

Thank you to the volunteers who coordinate our projects, contests, and special activities!

1. Animal Education: Patti Nichols
2. Beef: Matt Hayden and Dave Monix
3. Dairy: Amy Hein-Wright
4. Dairy Goats: Megan Bush
5. Dog: Christi Long
6. Meat Goats: Lynette DuBord
7. Mini 4-H: Lynette DuBord
8. Poultry: Patti Nichols and Seth Nichols
9. Rabbits: Emily Reed and Amanda Woodworth
10. Sheep: Ike Essary
11. Swine: Nicole Kasparian and Austin McNeil
12. Barn Battle: RayLynn Miller and Leora Miller
13. Entomology County Contest: David Dingman
14. Forestry County Contest: Lin Wozniewski
15. Gardening for Fun: Rebekah Lamb
16. Handbook Cover Contest: Judy Katz
17. Livestock Costume Contest: Heidi Laub and Amber Miller
18. Livestock and Dairy Judging Contest: Bryce Hayden, Conner Hayden, and Stephanie Neal
19. Poultry and Egg Judging Contest, Rooster Crowing, and Roles Are Reversed Showmanship: Patti Nichols and Seth Nichols
20. Supreme Showman Contest: Amanda Woodworth and Amy Hein-Wright
21. Early Project Check-In: Marsha Essary and Kristen Donaldson
22. Barn Meals: Position remains open
23. Barn Dance: Lynn Spinks and Amber Johnson
24. Old-Timer Showman: Amy Hein-Wright and Amber Miller

Project Superintendents and Activity Coordinators serve one-year terms.

We extend our sincere thanks to all our volunteers for sharing their time, knowledge, and talents with Lake County 4-H. Your dedication helps our members learn new skills, build confidence, and create lasting memories. We also encourage interested volunteers to consider helping fill the remaining open positions as we continue supporting our 4-H community!

2026–2027 4-H Ambassadors:

• Congratulations to our 2026–2027 4-H Ambassadors! We are excited to recognize these outstanding 4-H members who will represent Lake County 4-H throughout the upcoming year. We are proud of their leadership and willingness to serve as ambassadors for our program!
  • Elaina Berrones, Tails and Trails
  • Evan Davids, The Seekers
  • Claire Donaldson, Saddles and Spurs
  • Logan Downs, Rockin' Clovers
  • Lily Hamilton, Shelby Ag
  • Nathan Jamrosz, RPFF
  • Mikayla Klopp, Prairie Pioneers
  • Jordan Middlebrook, Prairie Pioneers
  • Jenna Miller, Griffith Grinners
  • Annalise Neal, St. John Spitfires
  • Garret Neal, St. John Spitfires
  • Wilson Orange, Shelby Ag
  • Andrew Patrick, Griffith Grinners
  • Leah Pozen, Prairie Pioneers
  • Kacper Rsadkosz, Griffith Grinners
  • Fawwaz Shareef, Rockin' Clovers
  • Zahrah Shareef, Rockin' Clovers
  • Katelyn Smith, Saddles and Spurs

Congratulations to all of our ambassadors! We look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the coming year!

                                          Save The Date:

80th Annual 4-H Recognition Banquet and Annual Meeting:

• Save the date for our 80th Annual 4-H Recognition Banquet and annual meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2027 at 6:30pm at the 4-H Building in the Lake County Fairgrounds.

                                                        Upcoming Events

Sunday, 11/1 – 4-H Enrollment Opens

Thursday, 11/19 - County Committee Meeting, Extension Office, 6:00pm-7:30pm

Tuesday, 11/24 – 4-H Junior Leader Meeting, Extension Office, 6:00pm-9:00pm

                                                      PLEASE NOTE!

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

November 11th – Veteran’s Day

November 26th & 27 – Thanksgiving Holiday

December 24th – Christmas Eve

December 25th – Christmas Day

December 31st – New Year’s Eve

January 1st – New Year’s Day

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 Jennifer Haynes at least 2 weeks before the event at (219) 755-3240 and jhaynes7@purdue.edu.

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

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