ollage graphic reading “Say Hello to Blaine County 4-H,” featuring photos of youth participating in presentations, crafts, food preparation, group activities, and a community cleanup.

July 2026 Edition

Address

212 N Weigle Ave

Watonga, OK 73772

Phone

(580) 623-5195

Hagen Puentes

hagen.puentes@okstate.edu

Ally Fuqua

ally.fuqua@okstate.edu

Social Media

Facebook:

Blaine County OSU Extension

Graphic celebrating Independence Day featuring a black-and-white illustration of the Statue of Liberty on the left against a blue background, with red-and-white stripes of the American flag extending across the center. On the right, large text reads “4th of July” in red and blue, with “Independence Day” below. Smaller text reads “250 Years” and “1776–2026.” At the bottom, a message says, “Have a safe and happy 4th from your friends at Blaine County Extension!”

Flyer titled “Intro to Entomology” with the tagline “Small Creatures, Big Discoveries!” Defines entomology as the study of insects, including their biology, behavior, and interactions. Mentions examples such as monarch butterflies, Goliath beetles (able to carry up to 800 times their body weight), and a broadwing katydid. Event details: Free youth program taught by OSU Ag Educator Billie Ann Jervis. Date: July 7, 2026. Time: 1:00–2:00 PM. Location: Foley Building, Blaine County Fairgrounds. Registration required by July 3. Contact email: hagen.puentes@okstate.edu. Includes standard accessibility and equal opportunity statement.

Get Ready for BIG Discoveries in a Tiny World!

Join us for a FREE 4-H event—Intro to Entomology with OSU Extension! Learn all about insects including their behaviors, habitats, and the important roles they play in our environment. This is perfect for curious youth who want to explore the fascinating world of bugs!

Date: July 7, 2026
Time: 1:00–2:00 PM
Location: Foley Building, Blaine County Fairgrounds
Cost: FREE (registration required by July 3)
Special Guest: Billie Ann Jervis, OSU Ag Educator, will lead this exciting introduction to entomology!
Register: Scan the QR code on the flyer or email hagen.puentes@okstate.edu
Don’t miss out on this bug-tastic adventure!

Big 3 Field Days Opportunity for 4-H Members

But Hurry...Entry Deadline is July 6th!

Blaine County 4-H members are invited to participate in the upcoming Big 3 Field Days, one of Oklahoma’s premier livestock judging and educational events. This exciting opportunity will be held July 14–16 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and is open to all 4-H members—no prior experience required.

The entry deadline is July 6, so youth interested in participating are encouraged to sign up soon. Participants should be prepared for full-day commitments across all three days, as the event offers a hands-on, immersive learning experience.

For more information, click here

HAVE YOU TOLD YOUR

4-H STORY YET?

All your hard work, projects, leadership, and memories deserve to be shared!

Don’t wait until the last minute—take some time to finish writing your experiences, add photos and achievements and make your book something you’re PROUD of!

Your record book is more than just paperwork—it’s YOUR story.

Need help? Reach out to your club leader or extension office—we’re here for you! Record book covers are available at the Extension Office for $3.00 each.

Flyer promoting the Blaine County Fair Workshop Day, hosted by Blaine County OSU Extension and the Blaine County OHCE. The flyer features a dark background with OSU Extension and Blaine County OHCE logos at the top. Event details include July 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Blaine County Fairgrounds Foley Building, 807 N. Newer Ave., Watonga, Oklahoma. Registration costs $5 per participant and is due July 20. Participants may choose from four hands-on workshops: Beading/Jewelry Making, Acrylic Canvas Painting, Paper Flowers, or Leather Craft. The flyer notes that completed projects may be entered in the Blaine County Fair. Registration information includes a web link, contact email and phone number, and a QR code for registration.

Take aim with slingshots in Oklahoma 4‑H Shooting Sports

Oklahoma 4‑H Shooting Sports is introducing a new opportunity for youth with the addition of a slingshot discipline, launching in August. The program introduces participants to a fun and accessible shooting sport while expanding the range of disciplines offered in Oklahoma 4-H.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Person wearing a white cap, dark jacket, jeans, and boots stands in an open grassy field and aims a slingshot toward three animal-shaped metal silhouette targets positioned at varying distances. A low green hill rises behind the targets, with trees, utility poles, and power lines along the horizon beneath a bright, partly cloudy sky.

Nature Navigators Summer Edition

Nature Navigators: Wellness in the Wild is now open for the summer, and we’re inviting 4-H families to explore the outdoors together. Participants who register through ZSuite will receive activity guides and resources focused on outdoor safety, first aid basics, pollinators, scavenger hunts and nature journaling. The program encourages youth to build confidence, develop outdoor skills and reflect on their experiences in nature. Families can participate at their own pace while enjoying activities such as hiking, camping, bird watching or fishing. Simple safety reminders, including staying hydrated and checking the weather, are included to support safe outdoor adventures all summer long.

Click here to learn more

"Through Your Lens" Photo Winner - June 2026

"Harvest Time"

Showcasing our June 2026 winner of the monthly Blaine County "Through Your Lens" photo contest. Photo by Kelsi Scheihing in Greenfield, OK.

Dates

to Remember

July 3: 4th of July (observed) - Blaine County Courthouse and Extension Office Closed

July 7: Intro to Entomology 1-2pm, Foley Building, Blaine County Fairgrounds

July 8: Watonga 4-H Club Meeting

July 8-10: 4-H Camp-Canyon Camp in Hinton, OK

July 14-16: Big 3 Field Days

July 21: Okeene 4-H Club Meeting

July 21-24: 4-H County Night Out and State Roundup

July 27: Summer Crop Demo Day

July 28: Blaine County Fair Workshop Day, Foley Building, Blaine County Fairgrounds

July 31: County Record Books Due

August 10-15: You Make the Difference Tour

August 12: Watonga 4-H Club Meeting

August 16: Blaine County 4-H Achievement Banquet

August 18: Okeene 4-H Club Meeting

August 22: Blaine County 4-H Open House

August 27-29: Blaine County Free Fair

September 7: Labor Day - Blaine County Courthouse and Extension Office Closed

September 9: Watonga 4-H Club Meeting

September 11: ZZZ's Under the Seas

September 17-27: Oklahoma State Fair

September 15: Okeene 4-H Club Meeting

September 30: Watonga Lions Club Circus at the Fairgrounds

October 1-11: Tulsa State Fair

October 9-10: Watonga Cheese Festival

October 12: Columbus Day - Blaine County Courthouse and Extension Office Closed

October 14: Watonga 4-H Club Meeting

October 20: Okeene 4-H Club Meeting

Legal Disclosures

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Hagen Puentes at (580) 623-5195 or hagen.puentes@okstate.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.

OSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity, E-Verify Employer.