01. 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: $125 (includes lodging, meals, educational experiences & conference swag).

Deadline to Register: January 15, 2026

Spark Action Change Registration

02. 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

The deadline to submit your entry is January 16, 2026

03. 4-H Food Challenge

The Louisiana 4-H Food Challenge competition which challenges teams of 4-H members to create a dish using only a key ingredient and access to a “grocery store” for other ingredients. From the ingredients, team members are challenged to create a healthy dish while practicing proper food safety, food preparation, and communication skills. Following the dish preparation, teams then present to a panel of judges who will further test their culinary and nutrition knowledge with a question-and-answer segment.

Regional Contest Date and Location

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 – 4-H Mini Farm (LSU Campus – Baton Rouge)

Age Divisions:

• Division 1: 4th-6th graders
• Division 2: 7th-8th graders
• Division 3: 9th-12th graders

Contest Eligibility:

• Each team must consist of 3-4 members.

Last day to sign up is January 30, 2026

Learn more and sign up online at 4H Food Challenge

04. 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 Impactful Moments. Share a photo that captures a moment that made a difference in your life or someone else's.

All pictures are due by January 16, 2026. For list of rules and to submit online visit the website or scan the QR Code below

05. 4-H Trivia

Answer the trivia question by January 31, 2026, for a chance to win a prize.

Which of these is a benefit of setting 4-H project goals?

06. Junior Leadership Conference

Calling all 4-H members 14 and older, represent St. John Parish at this year's Louisiana 4-H Junior Leadership Conference (JLC)! Youth voice is a significant component of the 4-H program, where youth can express themselves openly to become actively involved in their growth.

This state-wide leadership conference is planned and executed by the Louisiana 4-H Executive Board and allows you to enhance your leadership skills while meeting other 4-H’ers from across the state.

The cost to attend is $60, and the deadline to register is February 4, 2026. To access an order form, visit Junior Leadership Conference

07. Beef Poster Contest

Louisiana 4-H is hosting the 2026 Louisiana Beef Industry Council Beef Poster Contest. This contest encourages youth to learn more about the beef industry while promoting the beef industry, products, and nutrition.

This contest is open to all 4-H’ers, 4^th-12^th graders. Only “22x28” poster boards or digital submissions will be accepted for this contest. All posters must use the theme Raising the Steaks and must be the 4-H members' original work using resources wisely.

Posters should generate positive images and promote beef (not live cattle production) using the indicated theme. Posters should promote beef without projecting negative messages toward other agricultural commodities (chicken, pork, etc.).

Divisions:

• Division I: 4^th – 6^th grade
• Division II: 7^th – 9^th grade
• Division III: 10^th – 12^th grade
• Division Digital: Open division. All grades will compete together

The deadline to submit all posters is February 13, 2025

For more contest rules visit Beef Poster Contest

08. Senior Success Hub

Graduating seniors, we have made it easier for you to access everything you need in one please! The 4-H Senior Success Hub is your go-to spot for the 4-H scholarship information, honor cord application, and senior spotlight form.

4-H Scholarships and Honor Cord applications are due February 13, 2026, and the Senior Spotlight form is due March 1, 2026

To access the hub, visit St. John Parish 4-H Senior Success Hub

09. Dairy Billboard Contest

Louisiana 4-H is hosting the 2026 Draw-A-Dairy Billboard Contest. This contest encourages youth to learn more about milk and milk products and their importance to healthy bodies. Through creative and original thinking participants will develop a visual form of marketing communication to convey thoughts and ideas.

Open to 4-H members in grades 4^th – 12^th, youth will be placed within their respective division based on their grade level. Posters must be on a 22” x 28” regular poster board ONLY, no digital submission allowed!

The deadline to submit your poster is February 13, 2026

For more contest rules visit Draw-A-Dairy Billboard Contest

10. Community Service Award

In 4-H, we pledge our hands to larger service. 4-H members make contributions to their communities in many ways. This year, St. John 4-H will award one (1) 4-H member with the 4-H Community Service Award. To be considered for this award, youth must complete the award application and submit it by Feb. 13, 2026. To access the application, visit St. John 4H Awards

11. Golden Clover Award

Are you 14 years old or younger as of January 1, 2026? Consider applying for the 4-H Golden Clover Award! 4-H members who apply must have at least two (2) years of 4-H Club work, including this year, and score at least 250 points on the application scorecard. 4-H members can only win this award once.

The deadline to submit your application to the 4-H Office is Feb. 13, 2026

12. Emerald Achievement Award

Are you 15 years old or older as of January 1, 2026? Consider applying for the 4-H Emerald Achievement Award! 4-H members who apply must have at least three (3) years of 4-H Club work, including this year, have completed one (1) year of active Jr. Leader work, excluded this year, and scored at least 360 points on the application scorecard. 4-H members can only win this award once.

The deadline to submit your application to the 4-H Office is February 13, 2026

13. Outstanding Club Leader Award

4-H Club Leaders are the backbone of a 4-H Program! They serve as liaisons between the Parish 4-H office and their respective schools and contribute countless hours to making a child’s 4-H experience memorable. The St. John 4-H Program is grateful to have the dedicated educators that serve in this capacity. This year, we are introducing the Outstanding 4-H Club Leader Award and asking the public – 4-H members, 4-H Alumni, Parent/Guardians, Volunteers/Support, etc., to nominate a school 4-H Club Leader for this award that will be given out during 4-H Achievement Day. All nominations must be submitted online by Friday, February 13, 2026. You can access the nomination at St. John 4H Awards

14. St. John 4-H Alumni Award

The 4-H Alumni Award is designed to honor individuals who were 4-H members as youth for their outstanding career accomplishments and leadership in civic, community, and professional activities. All nominations must be completed using this online form by Friday, February 13, 2026. A committee will review all nominations, and up to two (2) recipients will be selected. Award winners will be notified of their selection, and winners will be recognized during 4-H Achievement Day, which will be held on March 20, 2026, at West St. John High. An individual can only receive this award once. You can access the nomination at St. John 4H Awards

15. Esports Sign Up Open

Do you love gaming? Join the 4-H ESports crew and turn your skills into something amazing! Compete, make friends, and learn teamwork, strategy, and leadership—all while having a blast. Sign up today and get ready to play, learn, and win!

Esports is for all 4^th – 12^th grade 4-H members and offers up to three (3) game titles to play. The Regional Tournament will be held April 18, 2026, at the 4-H Mini Farm on LSU Campus in Baton Rouge.

16. Marsh Maneuvers

Do you have an interest in being immersed in the Louisiana marsh where you will learn about coastal ecology, take an airboat ride, go crabbing, and more? Consider participating in one of the best 4-H experiences Louisiana has to offer, Marsh Maneuvers! This five-day overnight camping experience is open to youth who are in grades 9-12 during the 2025-26 school year There are four (4) weeks to choose from. Complete the online form to select your week of choice by March 2, 2026. The cost of the camp is $75 For more information visit 2026 Marsh Maneuvers

17. 2026 4-H Summer Camp Registration

The time has come to begin registering for 4-H Summer Camp. The camp will be held May 23 – 28, 2026, and will take place at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock, LA. 4^th-6^th graders are eligible to attend. 4-H Camp is a ton of fun! Recreational activities include swimming canoeing, volleyball, arts & crafts, and dancing. Also, campers will participate in one out of seven educational tracks that allow them to learn in a non-traditional environment. The cost for camp this summer is $150.00 per camper. This fee includes lodging, meals, transportation, a parish group picture, and a camp t-shirt. A payment schedule has been established to assist in paying for camp. Also, multiple opportunities are available for those who need financial assistance.

The deadline to submit your initial deposit of $75 and the camp registration form is March 31, 2026.

For more information, visit 4H Summer Camp

18. Camp Counselor and Adult Volunteers Needed for Summer Camp

Camp Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center has seen thousands of individuals for over 100 years at 4-H Summer Camp. As we begin the recruiting process for camp this summer, we need individuals to attend camp as Camp Counselors and Adult Volunteers.

Camp Counselors are those in grades 9^th-12^th who serve as role models and assist with camp activities at 4-H Camp. Adult Volunteers are 18 years of age and older (NOT currently enrolled as a 4‑H member), serve as chaperones, and assist with camp activities while at camp.

19. 2026 4-H University: Krewe de 4-H U

Consider being a part of the St. John 4-H delegation at this year’s 4-H University on LSU Campus! 8^th through 12^th grade 4-H members are eligible to attend. With 35 contests to compete in or participate in Clover College, there is something you for. It is now time to register to participate in this event. 4-H University will take place June 23 – 25, 2026.

The cost to participate is $100, which includes registration, housing, transportation, and parish t-shirt. Participants will be responsible for purchasing their meals and event shirt. If multiple youth within a household attend camp, the registration cost is $50/per additional child. The child must be within the same family account in 4-H Online and must complete a registration form.

The deadline to submit your initial deposit of $50 and the registration form is April 10, 2026. All outstanding balances must be paid by May 15, 2026, to participate.

For more information regarding contest rules and registration, visit 4H University