Upcoming Events

September

• 21: 4-H Adult Volunteer Leader Training (Regional Event)
• 28-October 1: 4-H Volunteer Conference of Southern States (Multi-state)

October

• 1-7: National 4-H Week
• 5: United Way of St. Charles Battle for the Paddle
• 21: 4-H Bash on the Bayou LSU Football Game and Tailgate (Statewide Event)

November

• 1-2: 4-H Challenge Camp (Regional Event for 7th-8th graders)

January

• 9: 4-H Fashion and Beyond on Tour Day Camp (Statewide Event)

*Read newsletter for other important dates and 4-H opportunities.

We would like to thank our continued partners of the St. Charles Parish 4-H Youth Development Program:

Message from your 4-H Agent

Welcome to the 2023-2024 4-H year! The St. Charles Parish 4-H Youth Development Program offers various opportunities each month throughout the year to help youth spark an interest in a variety of topics and thrive as individuals. This year I encourage all youth to try something new. Sometimes we find our spark by trying something new, which often leads to a passion, and sometimes a career! I encourage you to bring these monthly newsletters home to your parents and take time to read about the many opportunities that 4-H has to offer on a parish, regional, state, and national level.

-Dr. Kali Zammit
St. Charles Parish 4-H Agent

Take the 4-H Pledge today!

All 4-H members are expected to learn and recite the 4-H Pledge at every 4-H event and meeting. The pledge includes our four H’s: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Learn how to live the 4-H pledge by viewing the Louisiana 4-H: Living the 4-H Pledge YouTube Video.

Visit us at: www.lsuagcenter.com/stcharles • www.facebook.com/scp4h • Instagram @scp4h

Stay Updated with St. Charles Parish 4-H News

This year St. Charles Parish 4-H is providing several venues for 4-H members and families to stay updated with 4-H News.

St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Website
www.lsuagcenter.com/stcharles
Visit this page and click on the 4-H tab for articles and updates including 4-H newsletters, contests, and upcoming opportunities.

St. Charles 4-H Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/scp4h
Like or Follow this page for daily posts, updates, and resources.

St. Charles 4-H Instagram
@scp4h
Follow us on Instagram for highlights and announcements.

Google Classroom
Many school clubs will use Google Classroom to communicate with their 4-H’ers. See your 4-H club leader for information on how to access their communication tools.

Upcoming St. Charles Parish 4-H Events

How do I sign up for 4-H?

This year Louisiana 4-H is using an online enrollment system called 4-H Online. In order to be a member of the St. Charles Parish 4-H program, parents/guardians of all 4-H members will need to complete an online enrollment form. Directions for how to complete the online enrollment process is included at the end of this newsletter.

How do I join a 4-H Project Club?

A 4-H Project Club is just that, a club that focuses on a specific 4-H project. Most 4-H project clubs meet at least once a month to participate in activities related to a specific project area. All of these clubs are open to all students in St. Charles Parish who meet the grade and/or age requirements listed below. If you are interested in being a member of any of these clubs, please contact the 4-H Agent (Dr. Kali Zammit) at kzammit@agcenter.lsu.edu. The 5 St. Charles Parish 4-H project clubs are as follows:

4-H Cloverbud Community Club
This club is for Kindergarten – 3rd graders. Members learn about different 4-H projects. This is the community Cloverbud club.

4-H CHEF Club
This club is for 4th – 6th graders. Members create healthy meals or snacks and participate in fun fitness activities.

4-H Fashion Club
This club is for 4th – 12th graders. Members work on sewing projects and learn how to sew.

4-H Shooting Sports Club
This club is for youth (ages 10-19). Members participate in shooting sports trainings and have an opportunity to compete in invitational, regional, and state shooting sports events.

4-H Jr. Leader Club
This club is for 7th – 12th graders. Members plan and conduct leadership, service-learning, and social 4-H events.

Celebrate National 4-H Week – October 1-7, 2023!

Learn more about the amazing opportunities that 4-H has to offer by participating in at least one of the activities below. Complete the National 4-H Week Online Form for each entry. For each complete entry, members’ names will go into a drawing for a door prize.
Sign Up Sunday
Complete 4-H Online enrollment. 4-H Members and 4-H Leaders entered and approved in 4-H Online by November 1, will be entered into a drawing for a door prize.
Meet Me Monday

Tell us about you and what you are most excited about in 4-H.
Thankful Tuesday
Thank someone who encouraged you to become involved in 4-H.
Winning Wednesday
Share a 4-H success story.
Throwback Thursday
Share pictures of your favorite 4-H event.
4-H Family Friday
Share pictures of you and your family participating in a 4-H activity.
Service Saturday
Submit a photo of you participating in a service project.

4-H FAQ

How much does it cost to join the 4-H club?
Each club has a separate fee. Contact the 4-H Leader of the club to learn about the cost to join.

Who do I pay to join 4-H?
You pay your dues to your 4-H club leader.

Can I be a member at my school and a project club member?
Yes. You can be a member in more than one club. Select all the clubs that you want to join when you complete enrollment.

Getting to Know: the LSU AgCenter

Did you know…

• The LSU AgCenter is 1 of 8 institutions within the LSU system.
• The LSU AgCenter’s mission is to provide the people of Louisiana with research-based educational information that will improve their lives and economic well-being.
• The LSU AgCenter was created through Acts of Congress. The Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 created land-grant institutions for working class citizens to have equal access to higher education. The Hatch Act of 1887 created experiment stations and the Smith- Lever Act of 1914 created the Cooperative Extension Service associated with each land-grant institution.
• There are 64 Parish Extension Offices in Louisiana. There are nearly 3,000 County Extension Offices in the United States.
• The LSU AgCenter is supported by federal, state, and local support to provide essential services to the people of Louisiana. Services include 4-H (Youth Development), ANR (Agriculture and Natural Resources), and FCS (Family and Consumer Sciences) education.
• To learn more, visit www.lsuagcenter.com.

St. Charles Parish 4-H Summer Spotlight

4-H’ers enjoy touring the LSU Campus while spending the week at 4-H University

This summer 4-H members from across the state gathered to compete in contests, participate in hands-on classes, and tour the beautiful campus of LSU in Baton Rouge at 4-H University. Congratulations to Ethan Bellanger and Lee Arcement, Jr. for representing St. Charles Parish as Blue Ribbon Winners and placing among the top percent in statewide contests.

4-H’ers participated in 4-H Camp this summer

Our St. Charles Parish 4-H members (4th – 6th grade), counselors, and LSU AgCenter Extension Agents learned about healthy living, STEM, and civic engagement at Camp Grant Walker this summer. Campers enjoyed a 4-day 4-H summer camp experience of swimming, hands-on learning, building friendships, and much more.

4-H’ers compete in State Records Contest

Congratulations to all 4-H members who participated in the statewide 4-H Records contest this summer. Ethan Bellanger placed 5th Alternate in the 8th grade division.

St. Charles Parish 4-H youth lead in Washington, D.C.

Lee Arcement, Jr. and Ethan Bellanger represented St. Charles Parish in Washington, D.C. this summer by attending the National4-H Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) Leadership Conference. In addition to gaining hands-on civic engagement skills, these youth toured our nation’s capital, met with legislators, and participated in 4-H workshops with 4-H’ers from across the nation.

4-H members compete at Horse Shows

Each summer, 4-H members from St. Charles Parish and throughout the state compete in horse shows. The 4-H Horse Project is one that requires much heart and determination. Congratulations to Chaislyn Blanchard, Sadie Childers, and Madison Jacob who participated in the 2023 season 4-H Horse Shows.

4-H Livestock, Rabbit, and Horse Show Information

One of the many opportunities that 4-H has to offer is the opportunity for youth to show animals in livestock, rabbit, and horse shows. If you are interested in receiving information about any of the upcoming animal exhibition shows, please contact your 4-H Agent (Dr. Kali Zammit) at kzammit@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Things to do for 4-H this month

Each month 4-H’ers will be provided with a list of upcoming opportunities on a parish, regional, state, and/or national level. Contact the 4-H Agent or visit the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Website for all rules, applications, and more information.

4-H Regional Challenge Camp
Overnight adventure for current 7th-8th grade 4-H members - $25.00 fee

This 2-day, 1-night overnight adventure is held November 1-2, 2023, at the Lion King Retreat Center in Amite, La. Campers will enjoy challenge activities while making friends with other 4-H members from throughout the parish and Southeast Region. Space is limited. Complete the 4-H Regional Challenge Camp Online Application Form for consideration to attend. Application deadline: October 11, 2023

4-H Senior Jacket & Honor Cord Awards
Awards for current 12th grade members - Award Recipients receive 4-H jacket and/or honor cord to wear for graduation

Current graduating senior 4-H members may apply to receive a 4-H honor cord to wear for graduation and a 4-H senior jacket to wear to show off their 4-H accomplishments. Jackets will be awarded in the winter. 4-H Honor Cords will be awarded in spring. There are two separate applications for these awards. Contact your 4-H Agent at kzammit@agcenter.lsu.edu for an application.

State 4-H Fashion and Beyond on Tour Day Camp
1-day adventure for current 5th – 12th grade members - $20.00 fee

This trip is held on January 9, 2024, at the Mini Farm on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge, La. Selected campers will learn basic sewing skills and enjoy creating various fashion projects. Space is limited. Complete the 4-H Fashion Camp Online Application for consideration to attend. Application deadline: November 10, 2023

State 4-H LSU Bash on the Bayou Tailgate
1-day adventure for all 4-H members and families - Tailgate Free; Game Tickets additional fee

Join other 4-H members and their families for a tailgate event at LSU leading up to the big game! The event will be held on October 21, 2023, at the LSU Mini Farm. The event is free to 4-H and FFA families, but space is limited. The tailgate event will begin at 12:00 noon and will end 1 hour prior to the LSU football game. Families will be able to watch football games on the big screen, play cornhole, and more! Transportation to and from event is on your own. Contact your 4-H Agent for more details.

4-H Camp & Lost Camp Catch Phrase Contest
State 4-H Contest - State Winner receives monetary award

4th – 12th grade 4-H members are invited to submit their most creative ideas for a slogan -- in (7) words or less – as the theme for 4-H Camp and/or LOST Camp for 2024. Illustrations 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 used as the concept for the final artwork. Logo and slogan will be on all publicity for camp and the camp T-shirt, and the winner will receive a monetary award. Contact your 4-H Agent for more details. Submissions due October 13, 2023, to 4-H Office.

Learn By Doing: 4-H Lessons

The Tree of Life Skills
4-H Civic Engagement Educational Program

Tree of the Month: Sweet Gum Tree
Fun Fact: Sweet gum trees will not produce sweet gum balls until they are at least 20-30 years old. Most sweet gums live to be about 100 years old.*Provided by Mr. Gabriel LoCoco, LSU AgCenter Horticulture Extension Agent

Louisiana Harvest of the Month: Summer Squash

4-H Healthy Living and STEM Educational Program

• Name of Summer Squash
• Fun Facts
• Where to Find them
• Picture of What they look like
• Type
  (zucchini, straight neck, crook neck, or scalloped)

Vehicle Care

• A is for Air. Properly inflated tires helps prevent flats. With the palm of your hands, push down on the top of the tire to check that they're aired-up and ready to go. It should feel firm. If you're unsure, attach a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure. You can find the recommended tire pressure (PSI) on the sidewall of the tire.
• B is for Brakes. Squeeze your front and rear brake levers to make sure that the brakes engage properly and smoothly; they shouldn't pull all the way to the grips. Test the braking action on the front and rear brakes separately to make sure they're gripping well. Also inspect your brake pads for wear and tear.
• C is for Chain. Look at your chain and all the gears. Grab a pedal and start turning it backwards to make sure the chain runs smoothly; clean and lubricate the chain if necessary.

For more information, contact your local Extension Office!

St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter
Physical Address:
453 Spruce Street, Norco, La.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 557, Norco, LA 70079
Phone: 985-785-4473
Office Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closed 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
4-H Agent: Dr. Kali Zammit
Email: kzammit@agcenter.lsu.edu
Website:
www.lsuagcenter.com/stcharles

The LSU AgCenter and LSU provides equal opportunities in employment and programs. Should you need an ADA accommodation, please contact the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Office at least two weeks prior to the event.

St. Charles Parish 4-H Youth Enrollment
4-H Online

New 4-H Member?
Step 1: Complete 4-H Online Enrollment

Getting to the website
◦ To sign up, you can go to v2.4honline.com or scan the QR code below and select "Don't have an account?" **Note: Each family will only need to make one login for the whole family!
Creating your Family Profile
◦ Select your State: Louisiana
◦ Select your institution: Louisiana 4-H Youth Development
◦ Select your County/Parish: St. Charles
◦ Enter information in all required fields. Email and phone should be for a parent.
**Note: The email address that you use at this point will be the email address used to receive communication for all 4-H members within your family. Please make sure this is a parent email address that is used frequently.
◦ Click "Create Account." Enter your mailing address and click "Verify."
Adding a Member
◦ Which program would you like to join? Click "Louisiana 4-H" then "Next."
◦ Enter personal and demographic information in all required fields. Information should be for the youth being enrolled. Click "Next" after each screen.
◦ How would you like to participate? Click "I want to join 4-H as a New or Returning Louisiana 4-H youth," then "Finish."
Choosing your club and project book
Select Units (Clubs):
◦ Primary Club: If you are a member of your School Club, select the School Club as your Primary Club. If not, select Member-at-Large as your Primary Club.
◦ Secondary Clubs: If you are a member or you are interested in joining a 4-H Project Club, your project club(s) should be added and listed as secondary club(s). After selecting club(s), click "Next."
Select Projects:
◦ Select your top 3 project area interests. Based on your grade level, one of your areas must include the following: 4-H Cloverbuds (for K-3rd grade); Discovering 4-H (for 4th grade); Exploring 4-H (for 5th grade); or any other topic (for 6th-12th grade). *Note: Selecting a project area does not register you for a project club. Contact the 4-H Office for more information on project clubs. Members who plan to participate in 4-H Horse Shows should select the Horse Project.
Years in project:
◦ Enter the number of years you have worked in the project area/book selected above.
Consents and Finishing Up
◦ Questions: Enter information in all required fields. For the School heading, select "St. Charles Parish" and then select the school the 4-H member attends. Click "Next."
◦ Health Form: Answer health questions and read medical release. Click "Agree" and enter required information.
◦ Consents: Includes Hold Harmless, Media Release, and Code of Conduct. Read through each then click "Agree" and enter required information. Verify all information.
◦ Payment: Select "Pay by check," then "I understand." Type your name in the signature line. Select "Confirm." Click "Submit." (You are not finished enrollment until you select "Submit.")

Step 2: Pay 4-H Club Membership Fees

◦ If you are a member of your school club, dues are to be paid to your school club leader. If you are a member-at-large and/or a 4-H Project Club member, dues are to be paid to the 4-H office. Check with your 4-H Club Leader for the payment process for each club in which you are a member.

RETURNING 4-H MEMBER
Time to Re-Enroll!

Important Notes: