Purdue Extension-Lake County 4-H

Mary Mumaugh is a proud member of the Robinson Prairie Fantasy Farmers 4-H Club and has been involved in 4-H for 9 years! During her time in 4-H, she especially enjoyed working on her favorite project, Photography: Color Salon Print. 🍀

A student at Crown Point High School, Mary has made the most of her 4-H experience. Her favorite 4-H memory was being elected President of her club and having the opportunity to guide the younger members.💚

Through 4-H, Mary has gained valuable skills, made lasting friendships, and created memories that will stay with her for years to come.

After graduation, Mary plans to attend IU Indianapolis for Pre-Law.

👏 Congratulations, Mary! We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what your future holds! 🌟

Explore the Lake County 4-H Sheep Project! 🌟🐑

Interested in learning about sheep and livestock management? The 4-H Sheep Project helps youth develop responsibility, confidence, and animal science skills while learning proper sheep care and handling.

Members can explore topics like:
• Sheep nutrition and health
• Daily care and management
• Breeds and selection
• Showmanship and handling skills
• Wool production and its uses

Whether you're new to sheep or have experience raising them, this project is a great way to build knowledge and hands-on skills!

🔗 Learn more and get inspired:
https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/4-h-project-sheep.html

Brycen Neises is a proud member of the Eagle Creek Up & At ‘Em 4-H Club and has been involved in 4-H for 10 years! During his time in 4-H, he especially enjoyed working on his favorite project, Swine. 🍀

A student at Demotte Christian High School, Brycen has made the most of his 4-H experience. His favorite 4-H memory was hanging out with friends at the fair and also being a part of the meat judging team.💚

Through 4-H, Brycen has gained valuable skills, made lasting friendships, and created memories that will stay with him for years to come.

After graduation, Brycen plans to join the heavy equipment operator’s union.

👏 Congratulations, Brycen! We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what your future holds! 🌟

A huge THANK YOU to ourLake County 4-H Junior Leaders for helping plant some of the beautiful geraniums from this year’s geranium sale in the garden in front of the Extension Office! 💚🍀

We would also like to thank Lake County Master Gardeners president, Kristin Overbey. Her support and time helped make the planting a success and the garden even more beautiful! 🌺🌱

It’s wonderful to see different Purdue Extension programs working together to brighten our community spaces and showcase the beauty of the annual Lake County 4-H Geranium Sale. ☀️✨

Be sure to stop by and check out the colorful blooms! 🌸

Abby McCarty is a proud member of the Prairie Pioneers 4-H Club and has been involved in 4-H for 9 years! During her time in 4-H, she especially enjoyed working on her favorite project, Dairy Goat. 🍀

A student at Demotte Christian High School, Abby has made the most of her 4-H experience. Her favorite 4-H memory was winning Reserved Grand Champion Sr. Doe in the 2025 Dairy Goat Show.💚

Through 4-H, Abby has gained valuable skills, made lasting friendships, and created memories that will stay with her for years to come.

After graduation, Abby plans to apply to the IBEW Local 697 Electricians Union Apprenticeship.

👏 Congratulations, Abby! We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what your future holds! 🌟

Hannah Quale is a proud member of the Prairie Pioneers 4-H Club and has been involved in 4-H for 10 years! During her time in 4-H, she especially enjoyed working on her favorite project, Wreaths. 🍀

A student at Lowell High School, Hannah has made the most of her 4-H experience. Her favorite 4-H memory was showing animals during fair week.💚

Through 4-H, Hannah has gained valuable skills, made lasting friendships, and created memories that will stay with her for years to come.

After graduation, Hannah plans to attend Purdue Northwest for Nursing.

👏 Congratulations, Hannah! We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what your future holds! 🌟

Explore the Lake County 4-H Sewing Project! ✨🧵

Interested in learning how to sew and create your own projects? The 4-H Sewing Project helps youth build creativity, confidence, and valuable life skills through hands-on sewing experiences.

Members can explore topics like:
• Basic sewing techniques
• Fabric selection and care
• Creating wearable or decorative items
• Using sewing tools and equipment safely

Whether you’re just starting or already enjoy sewing, this project is a great way to grow your skills and creativity!

🔗 Learn more and get inspired:
https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/4-h-project-sewing-and-fashion-revue.html

🌱 Urban farming is doing more than growing food — it’s growing stronger communities across Indiana! From hands-on learning opportunities for students to increasing access to fresh produce, these programs are making a real impact. We’re proud to see the amazing work happening right here in Northwest Indiana highlighted by Purdue Extension.

A special shoutout to Faith CDC, West Side Leadership Academy in Gary Community School Corporation, and Harrison Elementary in East Chicago for helping inspire the next generation through urban agriculture, education, and community partnerships! 🌿🍅

Read more here: https://extension.purdue.edu/news/2026/05/more-than-community-gardens-how-urban-farming-is-expanding-in-indiana.html.

More than community gardens: How urban farming is expanding in Indiana As more Indiana residents move to cities and suburbs, they have found ways to stay connected to agriculture — raising chickens, growing small pots of tomatoes and contributing to community-managed gardens in their new settings. Purdue Extension agriculture and natural resources (ANR) educators are...

2027 Lake County 4-H Handbook Cover Contest 🍀🎨

Submit your original design for a chance to be featured on the cover of the 2027 Lake County 4-H Handbook!

📅 Entries are 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 must be 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.

FairEntry is officially OPEN for all Lake County 4-H projects! 🚨

Now’s the time to get your entries submitted for the 2026 Lake County Fair. Make sure you complete your entries before the deadline — FairEntry will close on July 1st!
Submit your entries here 👉 https://lakecountyin.fairentry.com/

Let’s get fair-ready! 🎡🐄🎨🌽