01. Happy National 4-H Week

National 4-H Week, October 5 – 11, 2025, is a week where 4-H Clubs across the country can showcase the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people and highlight the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work each day to impact those around them positively. We all love 4-H for various reasons; during the week, let us know why we love 4-H.

National 4-H has designated two special days during the week, and we’re asking for your support in promoting and encouraging participation:

• Monday, Oct. 6 – Beyond Ready: Go Green: Show your 4-H spirit by going green! Wear green hats, shirts, accessories, face paint—anything green goes. Let’s help paint the nation green in celebration of 4-H.
• Thursday, Oct. 9 – Beyond Ready: For Good: Let's shine a light on all the good that 4-H'ers do every day! Celebrate youth who are making a positive impact in their schools, communities, and beyond.

On the parish level, school clubs are asked to decorate 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.

02. 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

03. 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.

https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1756487617347

04. Spark Action Change Summit

Spark ▪ Action ▪ Change |Summit, an immersive 3-day event designed to engage and inspire 7th and 8th-grade 4-H youth interested in government relations, volunteering/service, and personal development.

This summit aims to provide a dynamic and interactive learning environment where participants can deepen their understanding of civic engagement, refine their leadership skills, and develop a strong sense of social responsibility. Through hands-on educational workshops, engaging tours, and collaborative service projects, youth can explore critical aspects of civic education, public service, and personal growth.

When: February 19-21, 2026

Where: LSU, Baton Rouge

Cost: $75 (includes lodging, meals, educational experiences & conference swag).

Deadline to Register: October 24, 2025

Summit Information

05. 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 person 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.

The kick-off session will take place October 25, 2025

If you would like to be a mentor, mentee, or adult volunteer, complete the online application at https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0xlhYXkD0r8U....

06. 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 theme is Building Dreams. Share a photo that reflects your hopes, goals, or something you’re working toward

07. Fall Commodity Fundraiser

We are now accepting orders for our Fall Commodity Sale. All pecans and sweet potatoes sold are Louisiana-grown and 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 provides support for the 4-H Jr. Leadership Club. The deadline to place orders is October 31, 2025, with a pickup tentatively being the week of November 17.

Online Store

08. Veterans Day Cards

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 Friday, November 7

09. 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.

10. 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 11am and noon. 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 breakfast items will be available for the first 250 people. Doors to the 4-H Mini Farm will open at 8:00am and close one-hour before kick-off. T-shirt sizes are limited and can be ordered through the registration site.

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

You must contact Mr. Xavier to receive the promo code to receive the discount rate

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

11. Influence Through Leadership Speech Contest

This contest challenges 4-H members to explore how they can be leaders who make a difference. Youth will write and deliver a short speech answering the prompt: How can I use my voice and actions to influence others and lead positive change? 4-H members will record and submit their speeches, showcasing their leadership ideas, communication skills, and personal values.

Divisions:

• Cloverbuds – Drawings or short video message
• 4th-6th graders – 1-2 minutes long
• 7th-8th graders – 2-3 minutes long
• 9th-12th graders – 3-5 minutes long
• Best Overall Speech
• Most Inspiring Message
• Outstanding Leadership Vision
• Best Delivery & Presence
• Creative Expression Award

All videos are due by Friday, November 21, 2025.

The following awards will be given out

• Best Overall Speech
• Most Inspiring Message
• Outstanding Leadership Vision
• Best Delivery & Presence
• Creative Expression Award

Contest Information

12. Holiday Wreath Decorating Contest

Spread holiday cheer and participate in the St. John the Baptist 4-H Holiday Wreath Decorating Contest.

RULES:

• Can be by an individual 4-H member or a group of 4-H members
• Wreaths must be made by 4-H members. BE CREATIVE
• Wreath size should be 12 to 20 inches
• Include your name(s), school, & grade level on a card attached to the back of the wreath.
• “4-H” and the four-leaf clover should be located on the front of the wreath. Wreaths will be judged on creativity, neatness in construction, and above guidelines.
• Fresh green plant materials MAY be used. If these materials are not fresh and leaves are falling off stems, the wreath will not be judged.
• Fresh flowers, real berries, food, candy, glass or dangerous decorations should not be used on the wreath. Wreaths with these types of decorations will not be judged and will not be donated.
• NO pre-made wreaths are allowed. You may use pre-made base
• Foam, garland rings, or wire frames may be used as foundations for the wreath. All other decorations must be natural, reused, recycled, or homemade

All wreaths will be donated to the following locations based on the theme of the wreath:

• Patriotism - Veterans Home
• All others - Local nursing homes

The deadline to submit your wreath is Friday, December 5, 2025

13. Club Challenge: 4-H Impact Contest

Show how your club is making an impact! Create a short 1–2 minute video highlighting how your 4-H club has built community, inspired others, influenced change, or made a positive impact this semester. Be creative and connect your story to this year’s theme: “Build: Inspire, Influence, Impact.”

All videos are due by Friday, December 5, 2025.

Contest Information

14. Fashion and Beyond on Tour

The 4-H Fashion Board would like to invite 5^th – 12^th graders to come to experience the Fashion & Beyond on Tour. You will get a closer look at all aspects of the fashion world, from croque designs, color analysis, upcycling, service projects, to basic sewing fundamentals. You will engage in multiple activities planned by the fabulous fashion board.

4-H’ers will need to choose which location they would like to participate in.

January 19, 2026

10:00am – 3:00pm

Acadia Parish 4-H Office, Crowley, LA

OR

January 24, 2026

10:00am – 3:00pm

Alexandria Evacuation Shelter, LSUA

The cost to participate is $35/person. There are a limited number of spots available for this event; therefore, if you are interested in participating, complete the registration in 4-H Online. Registration opens December 1, 2025, and will close January 6, 2026.

15. 4-H/FFA Livestock Info

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

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 October 31, 2025, for a chance to win a prize.

What symbol is most commonly associated with 4-H?