01. Message from the 4-H Agent

The new program year is here, and I’m thrilled about the opportunities ahead for our 4-H members and families! This year’s theme is Build: Inspire, Influence, Impact—a powerful reminder that every experience in 4-H helps youth build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to make a difference.

Success looks different for everyone, and through active participation, you’ll have the chance to find your spark, feel a sense of belonging, form meaningful relationships, and use your voice to inspire and influence others. Whether you're exploring a new project, attending an event, or leading a service activity, you’re building the foundation to make a lasting impact.

4-H offers a wide variety of programs, projects, and events throughout the year. I encourage you to take full advantage of these opportunities as we continue to grow and strengthen our parish program. Be sure to check out each monthly newsletter, follow us on social media, and visit our website for the latest updates and announcements.

Let’s Build something great together!

02. Enrolling in 4-H

The 2025-2026 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.

This program year, St. John 4-H will utilize 4-H Online a little more for various registrations for camps, conferences, and events. Therefore, it is important you place a valid email address on your enrollment form so you can access your account. Which club can have the most youth enrolled by September 26, 2025?

03. Summer 2025 in Review

Summer is always a busy and fun time for 4-H. This summer, we had 15 youth, four (4) counselors, and two (2) adult attend 4-H Summer Camp, 24 youth and two (2) volunteers attend 4-H University, (5) youth and one (1) adult travel to Washington D.C. to participate in National 4-H Council’s Citizenship Washington Focus, and three (3) youth and three (3) camp counselors attending the annual Louisiana 4-H LOST Camp held at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock, LA

While at 4-H University the following 4-H members placed in their respective contest.

• 1^st Place Individual – Child Development – Khailin W. (WSJH)
• 1^ST Place Team – Child Development – Khailin W. (WSJH) & Mya B. (Commmunity Club)
• 4^th Place Individual – Child Development – Mya B. (Community Club)
• 5^th Place – Fishing Sports – E’Lon S. (ESJH)
• 5^th Place – Next Healthy Food Star – Kaci W. (WSJH), Kori W. (WSJH) & Katrina P. (ESJH)
• 8^th Place – Career Prep Interview – Kori W. (WSJH)
• 9^TH Place – ATV Safety – Noe L. (ESJH)
• 9^th Place – Tiger Tank Ideation – Kaci W. (WSJH)

Pierre B. (WSJH) and Noe L. (ESJH) participated in Marsh Maneuvers, which is a 5-day coastal ecology camp in Vermilion Parish. They had the opportunity to ride in an airboat, canoe, tour the Tabasco Factory and more.

Rita W. (Community Club) and 4-H volunteer and parent, Natalie N. participated in the inaugural Louisiana 4-H international trip to Ireland. They learned about the agriculture enterprise and toured many sites and cities.

To close out the summer, our Jr. Leaders took their end-of-year trip to Pigeon Forge, TN, where they were able to go to Dollywood and relax in the Smokey Mountains. 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. 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. NO CARVED PUMPKINS.

All pumpkins will be judged during their October Club Meeting.

05. National 4-H Week:

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 5 – 11, 2025.

This year's theme for National 4-H Week is Build: Inspire, Influence, Impact

06. 4-H Display Contest

Celebrate National 4-H Week by decorating a bulletin board, wall, or lobby area that reflects this year’s theme: Build: Inspire, Influence, Impact. Submit a photo of your display by the deadline. Outside judges will evaluate entries, and the public can vote for the People’s Choice Award on our Facebook page.

Photos must be uploaded or emailed by Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Judging will be from Oct. 8-12.

Display Contest Submission

07. St. John the Baptist 4-H/FFA Livestock

The 2025-2026 show season is upon us! Are you interested in participating in the 2025-26 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. 10, 2025 – Validation for Commercial Beef, Dairy, Ewe & Doe, and Market Lamb & Goat due to 4-H Office

Nov. 10, 2025 – Possession date for Beef, Dairy, Goat, Sheep, & Exhibition Poultry

Nov. 17, 2025 – Possession date for Mini Cattle

Dec 1, 2025 – Validation for Commercial & Market Hogs due to 4-H Office

Dec 1, 2025 – Possession Dates for Breeding Swine

Jan 2026 – Broiler Chick Pick Up

Livestock Website

08. Esports Interest

St. John Parish 4-H is leveling up with Esports! Whether they love Nintendo Switch, PC games or want to learn about teamwork, streaming, or game design, we want to hear from you! We are currently gauging the interest in 4-H members wishing to participate in this program. We ask if you are to complete a short interest form using the button below.

Esports Interest Form

09. Summer Camp Catch Phrase Contest

What's a good theme for the 2026 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 the publicity for the camp and the camp’s T-shirt. The winner will receive a $50 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 17, 2025

10. Build Your Story Poster Contest

What will you build this year to inspire, influence, or impact others? The Build Your Story Poster Contest empowers 4-H’ers to reflect on their goals, whether it’s building a new skill, a meaningful project, a friendship, or a better world, and express their vision creatively. Participants are invited to design a poster that answers this powerful question using traditional or digital media. Posters may include drawings, photos, quotes, or any artistic elements that help tell their story. This is your chance to share your voice, showcase your creativity, and inspire others through the power of visual storytelling. Each poster must be accompanied by a short-written description (50-200 words) explaining the story, message, or inspiration behind your design.

All posters are due by Friday, September 26, 2025.

Contest Rules

11. 4-H Snap & Share Contest

The 4-H Snap & Share Contest, formally called Get the Picture Contest is a photography contest for all St. John Parish 4-H members. This contest aims to:

• Encourage creative expression
• Develop communication skills
• Promote artistic growth
• Celebrate youth perspectives, and
• Build confidence.

Each month will feature a different theme. The first theme is My World Right Now. Capture a moment that reflects your current life—school, hobbies, family, or community.

Contest Rules

12. Thanksgiving Food Drive

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 14, 2025.

ITEMS TO COLLECT

Other non-perishable items can be donated. Youth who donate a minimum of 5 items will be recognized. Participation will count towards the Service Award presented during 4-H Achievement Day.

13. 4-H Family Night

Join us on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the River Parishes Community College – Reserve Campus Media Room for an evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration. This year’s 4-H Family Night, themed “Legacy in the Making: A 4-H Family Experience,” invites families to explore interactive zones, enjoy youth-led showcases, and discover how 4-H is laying the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders. From hands-on activities to creative displays and leadership highlights, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the legacy!

14. Rebuild It: Engineering Design Contest

Are you ready to build something that makes a difference? In the “ReBuild It!” Challenge, 4-H’ers become engineers, artists, and changemakers by designing and building something innovative, impactful, or inspiring—using only recycled materials and duct tape! Whether it’s a tool that solves a problem, a sculpture that tells a story, or a creation that helps your community, this challenge is all about creativity, sustainability, and real-world skills.

Contest Categories:

• Functional Invention – Create something useful (organizer, gadget, toy)
• Artistic Expression – Make something beautiful or meaningful (sculpture, wearable art, art)
• Community Impact – Design something that helps others or raises awareness.

All entries are due by October 24, 2025.

Contest Rules

15. Sister2Sister Mentoring Program

St. John Parish 4-H is pleased to relaunch the Sister 2 Sister 4-H Mentoring Program! The program's goal is to guide young ladies in navigating life through social events, mentor/mentee gatherings, life skills and personal development lessons, and networking opportunities.

The program will pair mentees (youth in grades 5th – 9^th grade) with mentors (youth in grades 10^th – 12^th grade) and provide workshops and events throughout the program year for both to grow. This program is FREE and open to all females in the above grade levels.

If you would like to be a mentor, mentee, or adult volunteer, complete the online application using the button below.

Program Information

16. Bash on the Bayou

Bash on the Bayou, formally called 4-H Night with the Tigers, will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025. Join Louisiana 4‑H’ers, FFA members, and the LSU College of Agriculture as LSU takes on SEC opponent Arkansas Razorback. Kick off time is between 5pm-7pm. Tickets for the game are $35, using the link below.

The tailgate party is $5 and will take place at the 4-H Mini Farm on LSU Campus. Free food and drinks will be available for the first 250 people. Doors to the 4-H Mini Farm will open at 10:00am and food will be served beginning at 11:00am. T-shirt sizes are limited and can be ordered through the registration site.

Football Game Tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/4HFFA2025

Tailgate Party Registration: https://fs8.formsite.com/laffa/oj9srzjojj/index

Tailgate Party Shirt: https://www.b-unlimited.com/products/louisiana-sta...

17. 4-H Spotlight

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 at https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1H5jPtUY69o5...

18. 4-H Trivia

Answer the trivia question by September 30, 2025, for a chance to win a prize.

Which part of the 4-H pledge focuses on making good decisions?