01. Emotional Wellness Quote of the Month

“You are more precious to this world than you’ll ever know.”

– Lili Rhinehar

02. Fall Paper Clover Campaign

Tractor Supply proudly began our partnership with 4-H in 2010, and we have since helped raise over $14 million through our Paper Clover fundraisers. The success of these campaigns has impacted over 69,000 students by providing them with hands-on learning experiences through STEM, agriculture, healthy living, and civic engagement projects.

100% of funds raised through our two Paper Clover fundraisers directly benefit 4-H and the kids and teens they work with - 90% of donations directly support 4-H youth in the state it was raised, and the remaining 10% support national 4-H programming.

The Fall 2022 Paper Clover fundraiser will take place from October 5, 2022 - October 16, 2022. To support the St. John Parish 4-H Program, visit Tractor Supply located in LaPlace at 2335 West Airline Hwy, LaPlace, LA 70068. At check out, ask to purchase a $1 Paper Clover.

03. Pecan Sale

We are now accepting orders for our Pecan Sale. All pecans sold are Louisiana-grown pecans that can be great gifts during the holiday season or a great addition to your holiday meals. Your support during this fundraiser is much appreciated, as it will allow the 4-H Program to provide opportunities for youth to grow, see the world around them, provide awards, help offset transportation costs to various events and purchase educational materials needed to fulfill the 4-H mission.

The deadline to place orders is October 28, 2022, with a pickup date of November 18, 2022.

Pecan Sale Order Form

04. National 4-H Week: Opportunity4All

Join 4-H members, volunteers, and alums from across the country to celebrate being a part of the nation's largest youth development organization during National 4-H Week, October 2^nd – 8^th, 2022.

This year's theme for National 4-H Week is Opportunity4All. Talent is everywhere, but opportunities are not; therefore, we want to help make every kid's potential count.

Check out a challenge and contest being conducted right here in St. John Parish.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE

• Sunday, October 2 – Service Sunday: How are you making a difference in your community? Conduct/participate in a service project.
• Monday, October 3 – Marvelous Monday: Share why you think 4-H is so "marvelous."
• Tuesday, October 4 – Spark Tuesday: What is your spark, and how has 4-H helped you find your spark?
• Wednesday, October 5 – Wear Green Wednesday: Wear your favorite 4-H or green shirt to show your 4-H Spirit.
• Thursday, October 6 – Throwback Thursday: Share your favorite 4-H memory
• Friday, October 7 – Favorite Project Friday: What 4-H project or event is your favorite?
• Saturday, October 8 – Shoutout Saturday: Thank someone who supported you or currently supports you in 4-H.

Post your pictures on social media and tag St. John 4-H!

4-H DISPLAY CONTEST

Celebrate National 4-H Week by displaying your 4-H pride around your schools. You can show your pride by decorating the front of the school, a bulletin board, a wall, or anything in between. Only one entry per school will be allowed. If your school plans to participate, complete the registration at https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8HczsUOUuGGy.... All displays must be ready to showcase on Tuesday morning, October 4. The winning school will receive either ice cream or a cookie cake party.

05. Southeast Region Challenge Camp

Are you wondering what you can do next after attending 4-H Summer Camp? Well, the answer is to attend the Southeast Region Challenge Camp! This overnight camping opportunity is open to 7^th and 8^th-grade 4-H members. During this camp, participants will complete various challenges, enhancing their critical thinking and communication skills.

The 2022 Southeast Region 4-H Challenge Camp will be held Tuesday, November 8 – Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the Lion King Retreat Center in Amite, LA. The participation cost is $20, which covers lodging, meals, shirt, and transportation. Space is limited; therefore, spots will be given on a first come-first serve basis. You must complete your 4-H enrollment in 4-H Online and submit your registration form by Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

Southeast Region 4-H Challenge Camp Registration

06. Citizenship Washington Focus

4-H’ers ages 14-19 can strengthen their communication, leadership, and other citizenship skills on a national level; understanding the importance of civic and social responsibilities as they relate to the development of better citizens and leaders; exchanging ideas, practicing respect, and form friendships with other youth from diverse backgrounds, and experience hands-on learning using the historical backdrop of our nation's Capital City, Washington, D.C.

The St. John Parish 4-H Foundation will sponsor two (2) youth to participate in this experience. Citizenship Washington Focus will take place June 25-July 1, 2023, OR July 2-8, 2023. The deadline to submit your application is Monday, October 3, 2022.

Citizenship Washington Focus Application

07. Pumpkin Decorating/Carving Contest Contest

4-H’ers gather your paintbrushes or carving knives and participate in the St. John 4-H Pumpkin Decorating/Carving Contest. This contest is open to all registered 4-H and Cloverbud members. Members can only submit one (1) painted pumpkin, or one (1) carved pumpkin.

Categories

• Scariest
• Animals
• Characters
• 4-H Spirit

All pumpkins will be judged at the youth's school on Monday, October 31.

Contest Rules

08. Thank-A-Veteran

On November 11 of each year, the nation honors all living military veterans. Veterans are men and women who have served in any branch of the United States Military, such as the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force.

To honor the brave men and women who have fought for this country, the St. John Parish 4-H Program will ask 4-H members to write thank you cards to be delivered to the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home in Reserve. See below guidelines for cards:

• Open to all 4-H members and Cloverbud members
• No glitter can be used
• Cannot use larger than an 8.5x11 in. sheet of paper

All cards will be picked up at each school on Thursday, November 3

09. St. John 4-H T-Shirt Design Contest

Calling all 4-H'ers, we are looking for a fresh t-shirt design for our parish 4-H Program! Got a great idea?

RULES:

• All designs must use the theme: #Opportunity4All. Be Creative
• Design must be the original work of the 4-H member, no tracing or copying of other designs
• Designs may be hand drawn or computer graphics
• Designs must include the word St. John 4-H or St. John the Baptist 4-H and include a 4-H Clover
• Designs cannot exceed three (3) colors. The color of the shirt does not count as part of the three (3) colors

All t-shirt designs are due to the St. John 4-H Office or through the online form by Tuesday, November 2, 2022.

Contest Rules Computer Graphic Submission

10. Fall Cookery Contest

Calling all inspired chefs! Participate in the Fall Cookery Contest. This contest will feature Beef, Louisiana Commodities & Sugar. The Cookery Contest will take place at West St. John High Cafeteria. Dishes can be dropped off between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 12, as judging begins at 10:00 a.m.

This contest is open to both 4-H members and Cloverbud members. Members must follow the following rules, or they will be disqualified.

• Members can only submit one dish per category.
• Dishes must be transported on ice and in an ice chest to the contest
• Non-edible items are not to be presented as part of the dishes or as garnish. Only edible items can be used as a garnish

Commodities and Categories

• Beef - Ground Beef
• Beef - Any Other Beef Cuts
• Louisiana Commodities - Pecan
• Louisiana Commodities - Rice
• Louisiana Commodities - Sweet Potato
• Sugar - Cakes
• Sugar - Candy/Others
• Sugar - Cookies
• Sugar - Pies

Those interested in participating must register by Nov. 1, 2022.

Contest Rules Fall Cookery Registration

11. 4-H Pet Show

4-H members and Cloverbud members, are you a responsible pet owner? Consider participating in the annual Pet Show. This contest will take place Saturday, Oct. 16, beginning at 10:30 a.m. NO large livestock or snakes will be allowed to participate. The following classes will be offered:

• Small Dogs (0-20 pounds)
• Medium Dogs (21-40 pounds)
• Large Dogs (over 40 pounds)
• Cats
• Fish, Amphibians & Reptiles
• Rabbits, Guiena Pigs, Mice, Hamsters, Gerbils, and other rodents
• Unusual Pet (may be any domestic pet, not listed in any other category. No animals found in the wild are permitted. (Example: alligators, squirrels, raccoons)
• I wish Pet

Those interested in participating must register by Nov. 1

Contest Rules Pet Show Registration

12. 2023 4-H Fashion Camp

Do you have an interest or would like to learn more about the basic sewing fundamentals? The 2023 Louisiana 4-H Fashion Camp may be for you! At this camp, participants will have the opportunity to sew a caddy, tote bag, a reading pillow, a community service project, and more.

No worries, everything you make, you will be able to bring home and show off your creations. Each parish is allotted two (2) youth and one (1) adult. Registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis, and an alternate list will be kept as space becomes available. Fashion Camp 2023 will take place January 20-22, 2023.

Fashion Camp Information

13. Thankful Journal & Gratitude Challenge

As we prepare for the holiday season, we have much to be thankful for. Join 4-H members across St. John Parish by completing a Thankful Journal and participating in a Gratitude Challenge during the month of November. Turn in your Thankful Journals by Dec. 2 for a chance to win a $25 gift card.

Note: The journal and challenge will be posted in the coming days

14. Camp Grant Walker 4-H Youth Academy

The Camp Grant Walker Youth Academy brings the magic of 4-H Summer Camp to you, even in the off-season! The following educational experiences will be available to 4-H members this fall:

• Renewable Energy: Oct 11 & 12
• Outdoor Olympics (Overnight): Oct 21-22
• Camp Culinary (Overnight): Nov 21-22
• Arbor Day Camp: Jan 20

Information regarding these experiences will be announced once they become available.

15. Louisiana 4-H Day of Service

“…I pledge my hands to larger service…” Dec. 3, 2022, is Louisiana 4-H Day of Service and we are asking you to participate by conducting a service project that benefits your community. If you are not able to participate on Dec. 3, know any service project conducted during the month of December can count as part of Louisiana 4-H Day of Service. If your club will be conducting a project be sure to let Mr. Xavier know.

16. Save the Dates

It’s never to early to save dates. See the dates for upcoming 4-H Events that you may be interested in participating in.

• 4-H Night with the Pelicans – January 6, 2023 – Pelicans vs. Nets
• 4-H Summer Camp – June 12 – 16, 2023 – 4^th-6^th graders campers; 9^th-12^th graders counselors – Camp Grant Walker
• 4-H University – June 20 – 23 – 8^th – 12^th graders – LSU Campus

More information regarding these events will be announced once they become available.

17. St. John 4-H/FFA Livestock Information

The 2022-2023 show season is upon us! Are you interested in participating in the 2022-23 St. John 4-H and FFA Livestock Program? Check the important dates below, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Xavier.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

November 7, 2022 – Validation for Commercial Beef, Dairy, Ewe & Doe, and Market Lam & Goat due to 4-H Office

November 7, 2022 – Possession date for Beef, Dairy, Goat, Sheep, & Exhibition Poultry

November 14, 2022 – Possession date for Mini Cattle

December 2, 2022 – Validation for Commercial & Market Hogs due to 4-H Office

December 2, 2022 – Possession Dates for Breeding Swine

December 2, 2022 – District Livestock Show Entry Forms Due to the 4-H Office

January 5, 2023 – Broiler Chick Pick Up