WEST LAFAYETTE — Due to the continued spread of COVID-19 and the important need to slow this spread, this week Purdue University and Purdue Extension announced the decision to extend the existing ban on face-to-face events through June 30. A decision regarding July events will be made on May 15.

The decision conforms with federal and state directive to avoid large meetings and events.

The state 4-H staff in collaboration with county 4-H educators are exploring alternative delivery of our 4-H programming for the month of June.

A letter from Jason Henderson, director of Purdue Extension and Casey Mull, assistant director and 4-H program leader stated: “For the health and well-being of our 4-H families, volunteers, and professionals all in-person 4-H events, camps, activities, and experiences that were scheduled to take place before July 1,  will be postponed or converted to non-face-to-face experiences. This includes in-person events and activities led by local 4-H volunteers.

Virtual 4-H programming will be created and offered at no cost to families to replace the following statewide face-to-face 4-H events that were scheduled to take place in June of 2020:

4-H Academy @ Purdue

Indiana 4-H Round-Up

State 4-H Junior Leader Conference

State 4-H Band and State 4-H Chorus

“Our 4-H Youth Development Extension educators and state specialists will continue their incredible efforts to create and adapt learning opportunities to meet 4-H families where they are and fit the social distancing guidelines we must abide by. Visit purdue.ag/4hhomeactivities for a collection of at-home activities for kids created by Purdue Extension and 4-H programs across the nation. We would especially like to highlight:

World Changers Online Hackathon April 20-22

Animal Science Web Series every Tuesday since March 31st (recordings available)