Friday, June 17, 2022

Volume 3 Issue 18

Friday 4-H Nugget

Greetings 4-H Community,


Can you believe that we are a little more than a month away from the great showcase we call the Elkhart County 4-H Fair? A lot of planning and steps do need to happen before the time arrives. One of the things we do need you to do is complete FairEntry by July 7 so that we can ensure our paperwork is up to date. 


Be sure to check out the articles below on the different events, deadlines and welcome a new Extension Educator to Purdue Extension. If you have any questions please be sure to reach out to our staff and we will be happy to assist you. 



All the best,


Robby Kelly & Sthele Greybar

Extension Educators

Welcome, Emily Witters


Hello! My name is Emily Witters. I am the new Health and Human Sciences Extension Educator for Elkhart County. I am enthralled to be joining such a strong group of individuals and learn more about the community. I am recently graduated from Indiana University South Bend. My time at IUSB was incredibly special. It was not only a place to learn and grow academically but as an individual as well. I was able to explore my passion of public health and create several learning opportunities for myself. I was able to complete my first needs assessment with young adolescents at a local learning center regarding nutrition and healthy eating habits.


A little bit about me is that I am soon-to-be married this August. My fiancé works in agriculture, which in turn I found my love for public health. I love being outside and spending time with some of my favorite people. We love to travel but the most frequent places I go would be Kentucky and Tennessee to see family. I have a three-year old chocolate lab named Moose who is the highlight of my day. I am incredibly grateful for the start of this new journey with Extension.  


Livestock Skillathon and Outstanding Livestock Exhibitor Program


Contest days are approaching. Be sure to join us on Sunday, June 26 from 2-5 PM or Monday June 27 5:00 PM-8:30 PM. The contest will be in the Sheep/Swine Arena. You can fill out this survey to let us know which day you are planning to attend. 


Anyone is welcome to participate even if you are not in a livestock club. Check out the rules and different category's of Skillathon we are offering this year. 


We do need some assistance those days in scoring. You will not need to know anything about livestock to help. We will provide all of the answer keys for you. If you are willing to assist that day please fill out our sign up genius


If you have any questions about Skillathon or the Outstanding Livestock Exhibitor Program please reach out to Robby. 

Animal Science Day Camp-New Date


Due to the storms this past week we needed to reschedule our animal science day camp to Wednesday, July 6! We are opening up registration for any youth in grades 3-8 who want a fun-filled day of hands-on activities and wants to learn more about animal science. Bring a friend, as non 4-H members can participate. 


Registration Form

Program Flyer

Animal Showing and Ownership Reminders


As many people may be going to jackpot and open shows we wanted to send a reminder about showing animals and the 4-H animal ownership policies. 


As a reminder if an animal is listed under the 4-Her's name, the only people that can show that animal at an open/jackpot/other show are family members. For specific information please read page 12 of our county's 4-H Handbook.


Any violation of this rule will result in that animal being disqualified from 4-H shows at the county and state level. 

Foods Project Information

Are you in level C or D foods and doing a preserved project to enter for judging? Be sure to read over the exhibit guidelines. Please note that you should only be using the USDA guidelines. 

You can access the guide here. 


Please know that products not following those guidelines don't follow the judging criteria and can result in not being judged. 

Youth Awards - Deadline Extended


Youth Award deadline has been extended to July 1. These awards are for 4-H’ers in grades 5-12. You may apply for multiple categories.


Winners will be recognized at the Heritage Park stage during fair.


Here are the links to each of them:


Spirit Award Form

Health Award Form

Leadership Award Form

Stewardship Award Form

Horizon & I Dare You Award Form


Soapy Gnome Contest Winners


We had so many wonderful entries!! There is a lot of talent and creativity in Elkhart County. Here are the winners:

  • Jazlyn Nafziger
  • Aleyna Kelly
  • Kara Hively
  • Paige Collins
  • Katelyn Brown
  • Honorable mention: Olivia Kelly


Once the soaps have been poured and cut, we will have our winners come in to get their prize and have their picture taken with their soap. You can purchase them as part of our fundraiser in the commercial building during fair! Thanks!

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Elkhart County 4-H Information
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