4-H Urban Ag Youth Program
4-H Urban Agriculture Youth Program Invites Youth to Dig In, Learn, and Grow This Summer
CROWN POINT— Northwest Indiana youth in grades 3–12 are invited to explore the exciting world of urban agriculture and local food systems through the 2026 4-H Urban Agriculture Youth Program, hosted by Purdue Extension Lake County. This hands-on summer experience helps young people discover how food is grown, distributed, and accessed within their own communities while building practical skills in gardening, nutrition, and agricultural science.
Participants will “dig in” through interactive workshops, local farm visits, and creative projects that highlight the importance of sustainable practices and strong local food systems. The program is open to both current 4-H members and youth new to 4-H, making it an ideal opportunity to get involved and experience all that 4-H has to offer.
Throughout the summer, youth will plant and grow their own herbs, learn to prepare healthy meals using fresh ingredients, and visit innovative urban farms in Lake County. Along the way, they will gain a deeper understanding of how farms, food producers, and communities are connected. The program culminates in an opportunity for participants to showcase their knowledge by creating an educational poster and presenting their work at the Lake County Fair, August 7-16, including a special 4-H Urban Ag Expo on Saturday, August 8.
“This program is a great way for young people to get hands-on experience while learning where their food comes from and how it moves through our local food system,” said Julie Jones, 4-H Youth Development Educator with Purdue Extension Lake County. “Whether a young person is brand new to 4-H or already involved, this is a fun and welcoming way to build skills, explore interests, and connect with their community.”
Program Highlights:
- Cooking Workshop (June 5): Youth will learn foundational culinary skills while preparing a healthy dish alongside an experienced instructor.
- Gardening Workshop (June 17): Participants will explore container gardening, plant herbs to take home, and learn about nutrition, food access, and where their food comes from.
- Urban Farm Visits (June 24 & July 18): Youth will tour locations in Gary and Crown Point, learn about sustainable growing practices, and see firsthand how local food is produced and shared within the community.
- 4-H Urban Ag Expo (August 8): Participants will present their projects at the Lake County Fair and share their knowledge with the community.
The program fee is $15, and participation is free for youth already enrolled in 4-H. Families can enroll online at https://v2.4honline.com, and paper forms are also available through the Extension Office.
About Lake County 4-H
4-H is a youth development program of Purdue Extension that empowers young people with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. Through hands-on learning experiences, youth develop confidence, leadership, and a commitment to their communities.
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