Clover Chronicle - September 2023 Edition

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01. Message from the 4-H Agent

The 2023-2024 is upon us, and I am excited about what’s in store for this program year! This year's program theme is Reimagine 4-H. So, what does that mean? 4-H has been around for more than 100 years. The needs and interests of youth have changed, and the organization has evolved to encompass more project areas that fit the interests of youth.

4-H offers a wide array of programs, projects, and events youth can participate in, and as we continue to grow and build this program, I encourage you to reimagine what 4-H can be for you. So, check out each monthly newsletter, social media platforms, and website for the latest information.

02. Enrolling in 4-H

The 2023-2024 enrollment process is underway. All youth and volunteers who wish to participate in our programs must complete a 4-H Enrollment Form. Only by completing that form can youth participate in events such as 4-H Achievement Day, 4-H Summer Camp, 4-H University, or any other trips, conferences, or camps St. John 4-H will host.

A successful enrolled 4-H member is a youth who has turned in their enrollment form and has paid their membership dues. Club dues vary across each school, so please get in touch with your club leader. If you participate in the parish-wide community club, contact Mr. Xavier.

03. Summer 2023 in Review

Summer is always a busy and fun time for 4-H. This summer, we had 11 youth, two (2) counselors, and one (1) adult attend 4-H Summer Camp, nine (9) youth attend 4-H University, and two (2) youth travel to Washington D.C. to participate in National 4-H Council’s Citizenship Washington Focus.

While at 4-H University, Amaya W. (WSJH) placed 3rd in the Tiger Tank Entrepreneurship Contest.

We thank all the youth who participated in the various summer events held and we look forward to having you be a part of next summer’s events.

04. St. John 4-H Jr. Leaders

Youth in 8th-12th grade, do you want an avenue to enhance your leadership and communications skills and make a difference in your community? The 4-H Jr. Leaders Club is for you. This is a great way to take the next step in your leadership journey. This club will meet monthly at various places within St. John Parish and surrounding areas. Join us for our next meeting on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 11:30 a.m. at Johnny’s Pizza House in LaPlace. Pizza will be provided.

2023-2024 Meeting Schedule

  • Sept. 2
  • Oct. 14
  • Nov. 4
  • Dec. TBD
  • Jan. TBD
  • Feb. 17
  • Mar. TBD
  • Apr. 17

05. Pumpkin Decorating Contest

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

Categories

  • 4-H Theme
  • Movie/TV Character
  • Spooky

All pumpkins will be judged during their October Club Meeting.

Ascension of Our Lord
Oct. 19
East St. John High
Oct 19
East St. John Prep
TBD
Emily C. Watkins
Oct. 3
Fifth Ward Elem.
Oct. 25
Garyville/Mt. Airy
Oct. 19
John L. Ory Magnet
Oct. 26
Lake Pontchartrain
Oct. 18
LaPlace Elem.
Oct. 31
Riverside Academy
Oct. 20
St. Joan of Arc
Oct. 4
St. John STEM
Oct. 31
St. Peter
TBD
West St. John High
Oct. 4
West St. John Elem.
Oct. 30

06. National 4-H Week: I <3 4-H

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 1st – 7th, 2023.

This year's theme for National 4-H Week is I <3 4-H.

07. 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_6mqWPN0GhkUf.... All displays must be submitted by Tuesday, October 3, as judging will begin on Oct. 4. The winning school will receive a cookie cake party during their October club meeting.

08. Southeast Region Challenge Camp

What can you 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 7th and 8th-grade 4-H members. Participants will complete various challenges during this camp, enhancing their critical thinking and communication skills.

The 2023 Southeast Region 4-H Challenge Camp will be held Wednesday, November 1 – Thursday, November 2, 2023, at the Lion King Retreat Center in Amite, LA. The participation cost is $30, which covers lodging, meals, shirt, and transportation. Space is limited; therefore, spots will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis. The deadline to register for this event is Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

Registration Form

09. Fall Paper Clover

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 youth 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 occur from October 4, 2023, to October 15, 2023. To support the St. John Parish 4-H Program, visit Tractor Supply in LaPlace at 2335 West Airline Hwy, LaPlace, LA 70068. At check out, ask to purchase a $1 Paper Clover.

10. Bash on the Bayou

Bash on the Bayou, formally called 4-H Night with the Tigers, will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023. Join Louisiana 4‑H’ers, FFA members, and the LSU College of Agriculture as LSU takes on Army.

The tailgate party and discount game ticket information will be announced once it has been released.

11. St. John 4-H/FFA Livestock

The 2023-2024 show season is upon us! Are you interested in participating in the 2023-24 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:

  • Nov. 6, 2023 – Validation for Commercial Beef, Dairy, Ewe & Doe, and Market Lamb and Goat due to 4-H Office
  • Nov. 6, 2023 – Possession date for Beef, Dairy, Goat, Sheep, & Exhibition Poultry
  • Nov. 13, 2023 – Possession date for Mini Cattle
  • Dec 4, 2023 – Validation for Commercial & Market Hogs due to 4-H Office
  • Dec 3, 2023 – Possession Dates for Breeding Swine
  • Jan 2024 – Broiler Chick Pick Up

Complete the interest form online today and stay updated with information by visiting our Livestock website.

12. St. John 4-H Brand Ambassador

4-H members play a huge part in growing our brand and 4-H here in St. John Parish. The St. John 4-H Brand Ambassadors will assist with promoting, highlighting, and telling the story of 4-H right here in our parish. This program is open to ALL 4-H members (4th-12th graders). During the program, ambassadors will learn about branding, marketing, storytelling, and so much more. All interested youth must complete the online application in its entirety by September 29, 2023.

8/27/2023 6:33:42 PM
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