01. Veteran's 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

02. 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.

03. 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

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

For list of rules and to submit online visit the website

04. 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
• Foam, garland rings, or wire frames may be used as foundations for the wreath. All other decorations must be natural, reused, recycled, or homemade
• NO pre-made wreaths are allowed. You may use pre-made base
• 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.
• 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.
• “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.
• Include your name(s), school, & grade level on a card attached to the back of the wreath.

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

• Patriotism - Veterans Home
• All others - Local Nursing Home

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

05. 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.

Videos will be judged on creativity, message, and theme connection. Winners will be recognized at 4-H Achievement Day. Voting for the People’s Choice Award will take place Dec. 8-12, 2025 on the St. John Parish 4-H Page. For list of rules and to submit visit the website or scan the QR Code below.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall awards and People’s Choice Award trophies will be presented at 4-H Achievement Day.

06. 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.

07. Holiday Cookery Contest & Creative Workshop

Celebrate the season with a festive 4-H experience that brings together culinary creativity and holiday flair! Whether you’re a young chef ready to show off your best dish or a family looking to get crafty, this event has something for everyone.

The event will take place Monday, December 22, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library – Reserve Branch and is open to both 4-H and Cloverbud members. Members must follow the following rules, or they will be disqualified.

1. Members can only submit one dish per category.

2. Dishes must be transported on ice and in an ice chest to the contest.

3. Non-edible items are not to be presented as part of the dishes or as a garnish. Only edible items can be used as a garnish.

The deadline to register for this contest to ensure prizes have been ordered is Monday, December 8, 2025 To sign up and to see the full list of rules visit https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page169868062...

08. 4-H Night with the Pelicans

The annual 4-H Night with the Pelicans will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026! This is an opportunity for 4-H’ers, their families, and friends to enjoy and cheer on the New Orleans Pelicans and get exclusive access to many perks.

GAME/TICKET INFORMATION

• Opponent: Memphis Grizzles
• Tipoff: 6:30 p.m.
• Parking: $20
• Contact 4-H Agent at Xbell@agcenter.lsu.edu for link to purchase your tickets.

Ticket Prices: $30 plus fees, total + 32.96

The deadline to order your discounted tickets is January 2, 2026

FAN EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES

• Pregame Tailgate Party - Arrive at the Smoothie King at 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to participate in the pregame tailgate party located on the Smoothie King Center Concourse. MUST HAVE A VALID TICKET PURCHASED THROUGH 4-H TO PARTICIPATE.
• Baseline Pelicans – Select members of 4-H will get an exclusive on-floor view of the Pelicans’ pregame shoot-around. (60 person max) Complete the Fan Experience sign-up form by December 19, 2025, to be entered into the drawing.
• Pregame Fan Tunnel – Select members of 4-H will form a tunnel as the Pelicans team enters the court. You can high-five the pros! (45 person max) Complete the Fan Experience sign-up by December 19, 2025, to be entered into the drawing.
• Anthem Buddies – Twelve kids from 4-H will stand tall in front of the Pelicans basketball team during the National Anthem Performance. Must be 12 years or younger. (24 person max) Complete the Fan Experience sign-up form by December 19, 2025, to be entered into the drawing.
• Game Ball Presentation - One 4-H member will be recognized on the court at the start of the game while presenting the game ball with players from both teams. This is during the tip-off of the game. Complete the Fan Experience sign-up form by December 19, 2025, to be entered into the drawing.

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EACH TICKET PURCHASE

• Pelican promotion item on the night of the game
• Pelicans t-shirt – Given out at the Pregame Tailgate Party 3:30PM-4:30PM and at the Group Sales Center outside of section 108 6:00PM until half time. Sizes are based on availability.
• Pelicans Bucket Hall – Given out to the first 800 participants in the Tailgate Party

To access the Fan Experience Sign-up form and order your tickets, visit 4-H Night with the Pelicans (lsuagcenter.com)

09. Spark Action Change

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: $125 (includes lodging, meals, educational experiences & conference swag).

10. Food & Fitness Day Camp

The Louisiana 4-H Food & Fitness Board presents Food & Fitness Day Camp for 4-H members in grades 4^th – 6^th. This opportunity will be held on LSU Campus on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The cost is $35 per youth, and you must register in 4-H Online between November 24, 2025 – January 5, 2025.

11. 2026 4-H Scholarships

College can be expensive, and 4-H would like to assist youth involved in its program to continue their education. The 2025 4-H Scholarship application is now available for graduating seniors to complete. All scholarships are under ONE (1) application, make sure you indicate on the application which scholarships you would like to apply for (select all that apply).

The deadline to submit a scholarship application is Friday, February 13, 2026. To access the application, visit https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page167293779...

12. Who I Am, Who I'll Be Contest

This inspiring contest invites 4-H members of all ages to reflect on their identity, values, and dreams for the future. Each division has separate items to submit that is age-appropriate but allow them to showcase who they are today and who they aspire to become. This contest encourages creativity, goal setting, and self-expression while building essential life and career readiness skills.

Divisions:

• Cloverbuds – All About Me Poster
• 4^th-7^th graders – Vision Board and Reflection
• 8^th – 12^thgraders – Vision Board and Resume

13. 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 Inspiring Nature. Share a photo that highlights the beauty of the outdoors (plants, animals, landscapes, or seasonal changes).