All About DeSoto Parish 4-H 2025-2026
- Your DeSoto Parish 4-H Agent is Mrs. Ami Altom, AAltom@agcenter.lsu.edu.
- The 4-H club year starts each August and runs through July. All 4H members must re-enroll and pay dues each year starting in August to be in good standing.
- All youth in grades 4-12 are eligible and encouraged to join 4-H. A specialized programming known as Cloverbud's is offered for youth in grades K – 3rd.
- 4-H Clubs are organized DeSoto Parish schools and meet during the school day once a month.
- Youth in schools not having an organized 4-H Club or youth who are home schooled, may enroll as "members-at-large" or join after-school clubs for homeschooled students. They are eligible to participate in all 4-H Events.
- Fees: Cost to join DeSoto 4-H for 2025-2026 is $20.00; this covers school, parish, and state dues. This fee is paid once a year. Additional dues are charged for specialty project clubs such as: Shooting Sports, Cooking Club, Sewing Club, Jr. Leader's, Livestock Club, Horse Club, and Arts & Crafts Club.
- 4-H Clubs in DeSoto have one or more adults who work as organizational leaders within the school club. In most cases, leaders are teachers within the school. Parent(s) are encouraged to volunteer and assist with school clubs when allowed and with parish events.
- Each 4-H Club member should enroll in at least one 4-H project. A project book or activity guide can be provided to guide activities and are primarily done at home.
- A 4-H newsletter will be distributed at the monthly school and project club meeting. 4-H Club members are eligible to participate in all local & parish 4-H activities planned by school leaders or 4-H agent.
- Most parish-wide 4-H contests, activities and/or specialty clubs conducted by 4-H agents occur after school, on weekends or during school holidays and are held in locations with easy access to all members (state fairgrounds, Extension Office/4-H Office, Dave Means Memorial 4-H Barn, libraries, etc.)
- All 4th - 6th grade 4-H'ers, ages 9 - 12 with paid membership, are eligible to attend 4-H Summer Camp at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock, Louisiana.
- All 7th - 8th grade 4-H'ers with paid membership are eligible to attend Challenge Camp and LOST (Louisiana Outdoor Science and Technology) Camp at Camp Grant Walker.
- 9th - 12th grade 4-H'ers in good standing and active members in Jr. Leader’s Club are eligible to attend 4-H University (4-HU) in Baton Rouge and the state Junior Leader Conference (JLC).
- There are various local and state 4-H scholarships available that 4-H youth only can apply for.
- Emphasis is on learning the 4-H colors, the 4-H pledge, 4-H motto, and character education.
What are 4-H Clubs?
4-H clubs are groups of young people in urban, suburban, and rural areas between the ages of 9 and 19, pledged to improving their heads, hearts, hands, and health. A member must select and complete one or more projects a year and agree to follow 4-H ideals and standards. The main requirement is a willingness to "Learn by doing" (the club slogan) and "to make the best better" (the club motto).
The 4-H organization is one of the largest youth organizations in the world. There is approximately 5 million youth enrolled in the United States and Puerto Rico. Louisiana has more than 73,000 4-H members in more than 1,700 local clubs.
In DeSoto Parish, school clubs are offered at nearly every public school. We also offer a Shooting Sports program, Sewing Club, a Livestock Club/program, Horse Club, Cooking Club, and Jr. Leadership Club for 7th- 12th graders. In addition, we offer a variety of day camp & project workshops throughout the year.
What do 4-H members do?
"Learn by doing" is the heart of the 4-H program. Instead of just reading about things, 4-H’ers participate in them. They make things and show others how to make them, too. They attend and take part in club meetings. They exhibit at fairs, achievement days, and at other local, parish and state events. They attend and participate in camping activities, educational tours, and workshops.
Each member conducts at least one project. Projects may pertain to the farm, home, community, or personal development. Louisiana 4-H'ers may choose from more than 50 different projects. They include but are not limited to: clothing, foods-nutrition, child care, health, citizenship, junior leadership, electricity, insects, automotive care and safety, livestock, small engines and gardening.
What does 4-H offer boys & girls?
4-H refers to "Head, Heart, Hands and Health." Each is developed through the 4-H programs.
- Learn facts and skills in everyday life.
- Develop citizenship and leadership skills through club and community activities
- Make new acquaintances and friends
- Have inspiring contacts with adults serving as club leaders, parish agents and other staff members at Louisiana State University
- Earn and save money through project work
- Widen outlook and knowledge about educational and career opportunities
- Set desirable personal standards for conduct, work habits and health practices
- Receive recognition for self-improvement and work well done.
How do you contact the DeSoto Parish 4-H Office?
If you have any questions about what 4-H members do or what 4-H has to offer, please contact Mrs. Ami Altom at (318) 872-0533 or by email at AALTOM@agcenter.lsu.edu.
