Purdue Extension-Madison County

4-H camp gives kids opportunities to try new things, space to make a mess and a chance to grow in belonging, independence, mastery and generosity. Thanks Farm Credit MidAmerica for the financial support that makes it possible!

If your child has already announced they are “bored” at least 17 times this summer, we have a solution. Have your 4-Her join us for a Middle School 4-H Canoe Trip!

Who: this is just for students who recently completed 6th and 7th grade!

What: 5-mile canoe trip down the White River.

When: Thursday, June 25 from 11:30 am until approximately 3:30 p.m. Pack a picnic lunch! Chaperoned by 4-H Staff.

Where: Canoe Country, 6660 S CR 900 W, Daleville, IN 47334. (We start and end here!)

Why: This is a great chance for junior highers to meet new 4-H friends, enjoy some outdoor adventure, and spend a few hours away from screens (and possibly your refrigerator).

Register on 4HOnline under events. https://MadCoCanoe2026.4honline.com

Cost is $15 per person, payable by cash or check the day of the event.

We hope your child will join us for an afternoon of paddling, laughing, and making summer memories!

Questions: Contact Jessica at [email protected]

Check it out! ServSafe Manager Training happening in Alexandria.

Monday, June 8, 2026 at Madison County Fairgrounds (512 E 4th St. Alexandria, IN 46001)

Training, manual & proctored exam: $165
Manual & proctored exam: $115
Proctored exam: $65

Check-in time: 8:15AM
Training time: 8:30AM-4:00PM
Exam time: 4:30PM

MUST register by Monday June 1, 2026

To register visit: https://cvent.me?LqoqY5 or by calling 765-747-7732.

Join us for a fun and educational workshop where you’ll design your very own hummingbird-friendly planter!
HUMMINGBIRD PLANTER WORKSHOP
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Madison County 4-H Fairgrounds, 512 E. 4th St., Alexandria, IN 46001

$45 Cost Includes:
12" Pot, Flowers & Soil

From classroom incubators to the Governor’s Mansion — these chicks have quite a story to tell.

This school year, Purdue Extension 4-H Extension Educator Jessica Scholer brought the Chicken Embryology program to nearly 1000 youth in 40 classrooms across Madison County, giving students a hands-on opportunity to learn about life science, agriculture, and animal care.

But the impact didn’t stop there.

After the chicks hatch, they are donated to the AgriAbility Veterans Coordinator with At Ease Orchard, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering military veterans and their caregivers by reconnecting them with the land, agriculture, and one another.

This week, At Ease Orchard and Veterans IN Farming took that mission one step further by setting up a chicken coop at the Governor’s Mansion — featuring some of the very same chickens that hatched in Madison County classrooms this year.

From students learning embryology in the classroom to veterans finding purpose through agriculture, Purdue Extension is making an impact in our community and beyond.

4-H Camp early registration ends this week. Please register at www.4HOnline.com under "Events."

What an incredible Ag Day experience for Madison County students! 🌱🚜🍕🐝

Thanks to the support of Madison County Farm Bureau, our educators reached 525 third and fourth grade students at Alexandria Elementary, Elwood Intermediate and Frankton Elementary for a hands-on day of STEM and agriculture learning. Students explored how agriculture connects to the food, fiber and natural resources we rely on every day — while also discovering the exciting high-tech careers available in the agriculture industry.

Students rotated through four engaging sessions including:
🐝 Pollinators & Nanobug Robotics
🍕 Farm to Pizza
🚲 Food as Fuel with the Smoothie Bike
🌱 Horticulture Seed Starting

From building robotic bees and making pizzas to powering smoothies with pedal energy, students experienced agriculture in fun, interactive and memorable ways. A huge thank you to our teachers and community partners who helped make this impactful event possible!

Our newest office mates have hatched and are adding a lot of noise and excitement to the Extension Office.

It's almost time to plant that garden! Please join the Madison County Master Gardener's at their Annual Plant and Rummage Sale:
📆Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
🕐Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST
📍Location: Madison County 4-H Fairgrounds
512 E. 4th. St.
Alexandria, IN 46001
🌺Native Plants, 🍅Vegetables, 🪴House Plants, and 🌸More!
Bring your wagon!
Garden gloves for sale!
Free bare root trees (while supplies last)!
Master Gardeners available for Q & A
Cash, Check, Credit/Debit Cards accepted!
Please, no dogs except certified Service Dogs!