The 2024-2025 year is upon us, and I am excited about what’s in store for this program year! This year's program theme is Passport to Success. Success looks different for everyone, but through participation, you will have the opportunity to find your spark, have a sense of belonging, form and build relationships with your peers and adults, and have your voice heard.
4-H offers a wide array of programs, projects, and events youth can participate in. As we continue to grow and build this program, I encourage you to participate in the various opportunities throughout the year. So, check out each monthly newsletter, social media platform, and website for the latest information.
The 2024-2025 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.
Summer is always a busy and fun time for 4-H. This summer, we had 10 youth, three (3) counselors, and one (1) adult attend 4-H Summer Camp, 21 youth and two (2) volunteers attend 4-H University, and three (3) youth and one (1) adult travel to Washington D.C. to participate in National 4-H Council’s True Leaders in Equity Institute.
While at 4-H University, Mya B. (Community Club) and Khailin W. (WSJH) placed 2nd in the Child Development Contest, and Dalie G., Di’Ayre B., and Journey M. (ESJH) for blue ribboning in the Fashion Revue Ready-to-Wear Contest.
E’Lon S. (STEM) participated in Marsh Maneuvers, a 5-day coastal ecology camp in Vermilion Parish. He had the opportunity to ride in an airboat and canoe, tour the Tabasco Factory, and more.
We thank all the youth who participated in the various summer events and look forward to having you join in next summer’s events.
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.
Each school/4-H Club will have a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner. All pumpkins will be judged during their October Club Meeting. To view the dates for each October club meeting visit the button below.
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 6 – 12, 2024.
This year's theme for National 4-H Week is Passport to Success.
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_bOXrnnsijCSk... All displays must be submitted by Tuesday, October 8, as judging will begin on Oct. 9. The winning school will receive a dessert during their October/November club meeting
Calling all inspired chefs! Participate in the Fall Cookery Contest. This contest will feature Louisiana Commodities, Poultry & Sugar. The Cookery Contest will take place at the Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library – Reserve Branch. Dishes can be dropped off between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 15, as judging will begin at 5:30 p.m.
This contest is open to both 4-H members and Cloverbud members. Members must follow the following rules, or they will be disqualified.
Commodities and Categories
Louisiana Commodities - Pecan | Sugar - Cakes |
Louisiana Commodities - Rice | Sugar - Candy/Other |
Louisiana Commodities - Sweet Potato | Sugar - Cookies |
Poultry - Chicken | Sugar - Pies |
Poultry - Turkey |
In conjunction with the Cooking Contest, we will also host a Pumpkin Painting Party while the dishes are being judged. This is a free event open to the public. You do not have to participate in the Cooking Contest to participate in the pumpkin paint party. Each individual is responsible for bringing their own pumpkin; all paint supplies will be provided.
Fall Cookery and Pumpkin Paint Party Registration
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 2024 Southeast Region 4-H Challenge Camp will be held Monday, October 28 – Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the Lion King Retreat Center in Amite, LA. The participation cost is $40, 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 Friday, October 4, 2024.
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 2024 Paper Clover fundraiser will occur from October 2, 2024, to October 13, 2024. 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.
The 2024-2025 show season is upon us! Are you interested in participating in the 2024-25 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. 11, 2024 – Validation for Commercial Beef, Dairy, Ewe & Doe, and Market Lamb & Goat due to 4-H Office
Nov. 11, 2024 – Possession date for Beef, Dairy, Goat, Sheep, & Exhibition Poultry
Nov. 18, 2024 – Possession date for Mini Cattle
Dec 2, 2024 – Validation for Commercial & Market Hogs due to 4-H Office
Dec 2, 2024 – Possession Dates for Breeding Swine
Jan 2025 – Broiler Chick Pick Up
Complete the interest form online today and stay updated with information by visiting our Livestock website.
What's a good theme for the 2025 4-H Summer Camp? Camp Grant Walker is asking for 4-H members to send in their most creative ideas for a slogan -- in (7) words or less. An illustration must accompany the phrase and will be part of the contest. The winning slogan will be one that is brief and "catchy," capturing the spirit of 4-H Camp Grant Walker. The artwork and slogan will be used in its entirety or as the concept for the final artwork. The logo and slogan will be on all publicity for the camp and the camp t-shirt. The winner will receive a cash award.
All Submission Must Include the Following:
Full Name & age of 4-H’er
St. John Parish 4-H/ School Name
Complete Mailing Address
Telephone Number
All submissions must be turned into the St. John 4-H Office by Friday, October 4, 2024
Kick off the 2024-2025 4-H Year by participating in the 4-H Poster Contest. There are two types of poster contests that 4-H’ers can participate in: 1) Regular Poster Contest or 2) Digital Marketing Poster Contest.
All posters are due by Friday, October 4, 2024
Digital posters are to be submitted online, and all regular posters are due to your child's 4-H Club Leader or submitted to the 4-H Office. For list of rules and to submit online visit the website or scan the QR Code below
The Get the Picture Contest is a photography contest for all St. John Parish 4-H members. This contest aims to:
Each month will feature a different theme. The first theme is Sports/Sporting Events. All pictures are due by October 4, 2024. For list of rules and to submit online visit the website.
Join us in collecting items that will be donated to the St. John Ministry of Care as part of their Thanksgiving Food Drive. They have asked for specific non-perishable items that you can find below. All items will be picked up on Friday, November 8.
ITEMS TO COLLECT
Peanut Butter | Stovetop Stuffing | Cake Mix | Pancake Mix |
Rice | Pasta | Cornbread | Beans |
Participation will count towards the Service Award presented during 4-H Achievement Day.
The LA River Region Jr. Ag Leadership program was developed to help young leaders who are interested in agriculture careers and want to gain knowledge and skills regarding where their food and fiber comes from, the various agriculture sectors of production agriculture, and research and extension programs. They will enhance leadership skills and learn how they fit into the future of agriculture. This is a two-year course of study that prepares young people who are dedicated to agriculture for the leadership challenges of the future.
The Jr. Ag Leadership Development Program includes speakers, on-site tours, personal skills improvement, and meetings with business and government leaders.
4-H’er must be in the 10th grade during the 2024-25 school year. The deadline to submit the application is October 1, 2024. For more information visit the website
Bare Necessities is an introductory workshop series open to youth in St. John Parish in grades 3 - 6 conducted by both the St. John Parish 4-H Program and the St. John Parish Library. This program has been designed to allow youth to learn basic important life skills.
What are the Dates?
September 12 - Cooking 101
October 10 - Introduction to Sewing
November 7
January 9
February 13
April 10
Topics will be added once presenters have been secured.
Where and What Time are Sessions Taking Place?
All sessions will take place at the Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library - Reserve Branch from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
How Much does it Cost & Where to Sign Up?
This program is FREE! Families will have to sign up for each session
On November 11 of each year, the nation honors all living military veterans. Veterans are people 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:
All cards will be picked up at each school on Friday, November 8
Each month our goal is to spotlight 4-H’ers across the parish on social media and through newsletters. If you would like to be spotlighted, complete the online form.
Answer the trivia question by October 4, 2024, for a chance to win a prize.
WHAT ARE THE 3 4-H MISSION MANDATES (PROGRAM AREAS)?
Visit https://forms.office.com/r/KJZU7CdX2UThe LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture