January
1: LSU AgCenter Office closed
9: State 4-H Fashion Day Camp
10: 4-H Culinary Arts Contest
Submission Day
15: LSU AgCenter Office closed
February
13: LSU AgCenter Office closed
21: 4-H Culinary Arts Contest Submission Day
March
2: 4-H Healthy Living Event
20: 4-H Culinary Arts Contest
Submission Day
29: LSU AgCenter Office closed
April
20: 4-H STEM Event
30: 4-H Achievement Day
May
14: 4-H Regional Culinary Arts
Contest
*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:
Happy New Year, 4-H’ers! We hope that all of you are ready to start your new year by participating in the many opportunities that 4-H has to offer. Now is the time to try something new – a new contest, activity, or maybe even a new project club! Check out the newsletter for more details. Remember to mark those important dates and deadlines on your new 2024 calendars at home!
-Dr. Kali Zammit
St. Charles Parish 4-H Agent
*Pictured for 4-H Day of Service by 4-H Helping Hands display at the St. Charles Parish Library (Norco Branch)
4-H Summer Camp
at Camp Grant Walker
for 4th-6th graders
of the 2023-2024 school year
July 7-13, 2024
4-H University
at LSU
for 8th – 12th graders of the 2023-2024 school year
June 18-21, 2024
*More information on both events coming soon!
Visit us at: www.lsuagcenter.com/stcharles • www.facebook.com/scp4h • Instagram @scp4h
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
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
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.
Parish 4-H Project Club News
It is not too late to join one of our St. Charles Parish 4-H Project Clubs. Many of our clubs will begin meeting in November. For more information or to join any of the project clubs listed below, please contact the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Office at 985-785-4473 or kzammit@agcenter.lsu.edu. Additional fees may apply.
4-H Contest Results
St. Charles Parish 4-H Contest results will be posted to your school club’s Google Classroom and/or our 4-H Facebook page at www.facebook.com/scp4h. Awards will be distributed at 4-H club meetings. Congratulations to all who participate!
4-H Project Books and Portfolios
All 4-H members registered in 4-H Online will receive a 4-H Project Book and/or 4-H Portfolio. Cloverbuds (K-3rd graders) are encouraged to complete their 4-H Cloverbud Project book and 4-H members (4th-12th grade members) are encouraged to complete their 4-H Project Books and 4-H Portfolios for prizes. Download a Digital Version of the 4-H Portfolio to begin working. Add your participation to your 4-H Portfolio in these sections:
4-H Leadership Section:
4-H Citizenship/Community Service Section:
4-H Awards and Recognition Section:
Livestock and Horse Show Seasons
The livestock season is well on its way! Good luck to all livestock exhibitors who will be participating in the District and State 4-H Livestock Shows. As we prepare for the upcoming Horse Show season, if you have horses and are interested in participating in this year’s LSU AgCenter Horse Shows, please contact 4-H Agent Dr. Kali Zammit at kzammit@agcenter.lsu.edu to receive information, rules, and regulations for participation.Upcoming Livestock Show Dates:
Southeast District 4-H Livestock Show
February 1-3, 2024
LSU AgCenter State 4-H Livestock Show
February 10-17, 2024
How do I qualify to go to 4-H Achievement Day?
You receive points for every parish 4-H contest and event listed in the newsletter that you attend or participate in. You receive 5 points for major parish events and 1 point for every other event or contest. See point sheet in the newsletter for specifics.
When will we hear more about registering for 4-H Camp and 4-H University?
Soon! Applications will be posted in your 4-H club’s Google Classroom and in the monthly newsletter and on our LSU AgCenter website. Please be on the lookout.
Getting to Know: ANR - Agronomy
Dr. Renee Naquin
Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR)
Extension Agent & ANR Southeast Regional Coordinator
Did you know…
*Note: To receive an award or recognition for any parish 4-H contest, the 4-H member must be registered and approved through 4-H Online.
4-H Culinary Arts Contest (for 4th-12th graders)
All 4-H members are encouraged to participate in the culinary arts contest. These contests help our 4-H members grow in their cooking experience and skill level while enjoying quality time with families who assist them with the safety rules and sharing of traditional family recipes. The 4-H Culinary Arts contest will be split into different submission dates. Members will need to complete the 4-H Culinary Arts Registration Form by the submission date to be considered for judging. All rules are posted on the online registration form.
4-H Culinary Arts Contest Submission Dates:
Wednesday, January 10, 2024: Poultry and Wild Game
Wednesday, February 21, 2024: Beef
*New Date Change Wednesday, March 20, 2024: Seafood
4-H members are asked to bring 2 servings of their dish in a sealed, non-returnable container on the submission date for each contest between 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Office, which is located at 453 Spruce Street in Norco, La.
4-H Photography Contest
Do you enjoy taking pictures? Consider entering the 4-H Photography Contest! Throughout the upcoming months, take pictures of the
topic listed below. Official rules are listed in the online form. No late submissions will be accepted. Complete the 4-H Photography Contest Online Form by the last day of the month listed below for each category. Contest submissions may be submitted early. No late submissions will be accepted.
4-H Photography Contest Categories:
January - Animals (Photo of animal or group of animals that captures natural habitat)
February - Still Life (Photo of inanimate object or group of objects)
4-H All-Around Style Contest
Learning how to use your resources is a great skill to learn through 4-H. For this contest, we do not want you to buy anything! We want for you to use 1 piece of clothing in your closet to be the feature article of clothing that you style for three different occasions: (1) casual, (2) dressy, and (3) job interview. Official rules are listed in the online form. No late submissions will be accepted. Complete the 4-H All-Around Style Contest Form by January 31, 2024. Contest submissions may be submitted early. No late submissions will be accepted.
4-H Virtual Talent Show Contest
Do you have a talent that you would like to share with our 4-H family? Consider participating in our Virtual Talent Show by submitting a video (60-90 seconds) of you performing your talent. Complete the 4-H Talent Show Contest Form by January 31, 2024. Contest submissions may be submitted early. No late submissions will be accepted.
4-H Virtual Pet Show Contest
Consider participating in our 4-H Pet Show Contest by submitting a video of you and your pet while answering questions. Complete the 4-H Pet Show Contest Form by January 31, 2024. Contest submissions may be submitted early. No late submissions will be accepted.
4-H Beef Poster Contest
The theme for this year’s beef poster contest is: Bite Into Beef. This contest is open to K-12th grade 4-H members. Only 4th – 12th grade students are eligible to move on to the state level. Entries will be collected by the 4-H Agent at February club meetings. All entries are due by March 1 to the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Office. Visit the Louisiana 4-H Beef Poster Contest web article for all contest rules.
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 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. Application deadline: January 31, 2024.
State 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference
3-day, 2-night adventure for current 8th – 12th grade members at least 14 years old - $75.00 fee
This 3-day, 2-night youth leadership conference is held at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock, La. The conference is hosted by youth leaders of the Louisiana 4-H Executive Board. Transportation to and from this event will be on your own. Space is limited. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis with preference given toward 4-H youth who have not already attended the conference. Contact your 4-H Agent at kzammit@agcenter.lsu.edu for an application. Application deadline: February 1, 2024.
State 4-H Scholarships
Awards for graduating seniors attending higher education institutions - Scholarships
Graduating senior 4-H members may apply for scholarships toward continuing education. Contact your 4-H Agent at kzammit@agcenter.lsu.edu to receive an application for this and future 4-H scholarships. Parish application deadline: February 15, 2024.
4-H Online Enrollment
Requirement for all 4-H Members (K-12th grade)
All 4-H members (K-12th grade) are required to submit an enrollment form through the 4-H Online enrollment system. If you have notalready done so, please complete your 4-H Online enrollment. Step-by-step instructions on how to complete your 4-H Online enrollment are included in the last page of each month’s newsletter. Throughout the year, we will be selecting door prize winners from members who have completed their online enrollment. Check out the 4-H Contest Results section in this month’s newsletter to see our most recent winners.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our LSU AgCenter Office at 985-785-4473 or email us at
stcharles@agcenter.lsu.edu. Scan the QR code to access the 4-H Online enrollment website.
Note: 4-H members cannot attend any parish 4-H activities and beyond until their enrollment is completed and approved.
A Healthy Living 4-H Youth Development Program of the LSU AgCenter
March 2, 2024
St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Office
453 Spruce Street, Norco, LA
Schedule
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 a.m.
Orientation for 4-H Jr. Leaders, High School Members, & Volunteers
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Sign-in for general 4-H members (K-8th grade) and families
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Healthy Living Safety Activities
Activities
Important Information
The LSU AgCenter and LSU provides equal opportunities in employment and programs. Should you need an ADA accommodation, contact the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Office at least two weeks prior to the event.
Register Here by February 15, 2024.
4-H Civic Engagement Educational Program
Tree of the Month:
Live Oak
Fun Fact: They get the name "live" oak because unlike any other oaks, these oaks do not lose their leaves in the winter. Louisiana celebrates arbor day this month (January 20, 2024), which is before the rest of the country because our planting season begins about three months earlier than other places.
*Provided by Mr. Gabriel LoCoco, LSU AgCenter Horticulture Extension Agent
Budgeting
The life skill we will be focusing on this month is Budgeting Skills. At your club meeting or at home, try the activities to learn more.
Money is an important resource for everyone. Money is what we use to get the things we need and want. Learning how to manage money is a very important life skill. Financial goals can help you get the things that are important to you. Understanding different types of accounts and how to set up a budget are skills young people should learn early on to be successful in reaching goals in their future.
Lesson Activity: Spending the Beans
Individually or as a group, start out with 20 beans (example: red beans). Using the categories below, spend the beans how you see fit. Discuss how you decided to spend your beans. Now, pretend that you experienced a pay cut at your job. You now need to take away 7 beans. What do you take away? Why? See spending categories below:
Note: The bold categories are required purchases. The cost of each category ranges from no beans (borrowing), 1 bean (low quality), 2 beans (medium quality), to 3 beans (high quality).
Lettuce
4-H Healthy Living and STEM Educational Program
Visit the farm!
Check out more information and recipes using our Louisiana Harvest of the Month!
Lesson Activity: Lettuce Create Dressing
This month, lettuce (let us) use our creativity to create your very own salad dressing to go along with your personally selected lettuce mix. Choose your best use of lettuce mixture and create your own dressing using your variation of the ingredients below:
Lettuce Choices:
Iceberg Lettuce
Romain Lettuce
Spinach
Kale
Arugula
Dressing Ingredient Choices:
Olive oil
salt
pepper
vinegar
apple juice
lemon juice
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.
1 point
Members gain 1 point for active participation in the following:
Examples of Contests:
5 points
Members gain 5 points for active participation in the following:
Our 3 parish-wide events:
4-H Civic Engagement Event
December 3, 2023
4-H Healthy Living Event
March 2, 2024
4-H STEM Event
April 20, 2024
Field Trip
Members must achieve the following in order to be invited to participate in the 4-H Educational Awards Field Trip:
Note: The field trip is usually scheduled during Easter Break for St. Charles Parish Public Schools.
Achievement Day
Members must achieve the following in order to be invited to participate in the 4-H Achievement Day event
Note: To achieve points, 4-H members (K-12) must be enrolled and approved in 4-H Online at the time of the contest or activity.
RETURNING 4-H MEMBER?
Time to Re-Enroll!
Important Notes:
New 4-H Member?
Step 1: Complete 4-H Online Enrollment
Getting to the website
Creating your Family Profile
Adding a Member
Choosing your club and project book
Select Units (Clubs):
Select Projects:
Years in project:
Consents and Finishing up
Step 2: Pay 4-H Club Membership Fees
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.