Upcoming Events

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:

Make Your Best Better With 4-H!

Take time this month to try something new to make your best even better! Check out our upcoming 4-H activities that encourage you to use your head for clearer thinking, your heart for greater loyalty, your hands for larger service, and your health for better living. There is something for everyone in 4-H, so venture out and try something new today!

-Dr. Kali Zammit
St. Charles Parish 4-H Agent
*Pictured at Ethel Schoeffner 4-H club meeting

Save The Dates – Summer 4-H Activities

4-H Summer Camp
at Camp Grant Walker
for 4th-6th graders of the 2023-2024 school year
July 7-13, 2024

*4-H Camp applications are posted to school 4-H clubs’ Google Classrooms and our LSU AgCenter website.

4-H University
at LSU
for 8th – 12th graders of the 2023-2024 school year

*More information on 4-H University is coming soon!

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.

St. Charles Parish 4-H News

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 Cloverbud Community Club - for all K-3rd grade students
• 4-H CHEF (Cooking, Healthy Eating, & Fitness) Club - for all 4th-6th grade students
• 4-H Jr. Leader Club – for all 7th–12th grade students
• 4-H Fashion Club - for all 4th-12th grade students
• 4-H Shooting Sports Club – for students 10 years old through 12th grade (Registration is closed for 4-H Shooting Sports for this year.)

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 grade members) 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 Jr. Leader Club Meeting
• 4-H Officers
• Leading pledges at club meetings
• 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference

4-H Citizenship/Community Service Section:

• 4-H School or community club service project

4-H Awards and Recognition Section:

• 4-H Photography Contest
• 4-H Culinary Arts Contests
• 4-H Senior Honor Cord, Jacket, & Scholarships
• 4-H Livestock Shows
• 4-H STEM LEGO Design Contest
• 4-H Poster Contests

4-H Record Books Due March 31, 2024

4-H Record Books (which is your 4-H Portfolio plus your 4-H project book) are due March 31, 2024, to your 4-H Club Leader. No late entries will be accepted. This year 4-H members will be awarded prizes based on completion of your 4-H Record Book. For every level that you complete, you will receive a 4-H prize for that level for the chance to achieve 5 prizes for completing Level 5.

*Quality of 4-H Records will be considered for prize level awards and State Contest Awards.

4-H FAQ

What do you do at 4-H Camp, and where do I find information?

4-H Camp is a 4-day, 3-night adventure for current 4th-6th grade 4-H members. During this overnight event, campers enjoy participating in hands-on educational tracks, recreation rotations, and free time with 4-H friends from St. Charles Parish and other parishes throughout the state. Applications are posted in your school 4-H club’s Google Classroom and our LSU AgCenter website. The application includes a link to a website with more information and specifics for 4-H camp.

Getting to Know: ANR - Livestock

Bobby Bingham
Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR)
Extension Agent

Did you know…

• ANR (Agriculture and Natural Resources) is an educational program of the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana’s Cooperative Extension Service. Livestock is one of the many areas of ANR.
• Mr. Bingham currently works as the Livestock Extension Agent for several parishes within the Southeast Region. His job consists of getting information out to clientele on the latest research when it comes to beef cattle, goat, and sheep production. He is also tasked with providing general production practices and forage and production management practices.
• Mr. Bingham serves as the 4-H Southeast District Livestock Show Manager and the LSU AgCenter State 4-H Livestock Show Swine Superintendent.
• Mr. Bingham was a former 4-H member in Texas. His own child is an active 4-H member and enjoys participating in the swine events at 4-H livestock shows.
• To learn more, visit www.lsuagcenter.com/stcharles.

Upcoming St. Charles Parish 4-H Events

*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, February 21, 2024: Beef
Wednesday, March 20, 2024: Seafood
4-H members are asked to bring 2 servings of their dish in a sealed, nonreturnable 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 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.

4-H Dairy Poster Contest

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 March club meetings. All entries are due by April 1 to the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Office. Visit the 4-H Dairy Poster Contest web article for all contest rules.

4-H STEM LEGO Design Challenge

This contest is open to K-12th grade 4-H members. This contest is designed to put your creativity and knowledge to use by having you create your own LEGO design.

This year’s LEGO Challenge: Create a LEGO scene and/or object representing something that you enjoyed doing in 4-H this year. You must be able to describe your design, explain why this was something that you enjoyed doing in 4-H, and list what you learned by participating in this activity. (You may use LEGOs or similar building material in your design.)

Complete the 4-H STEM LEGO Design Challenge Contest Form by March 31, 2024. Contest submissions may be submitted early. No late submissions will be accepted.

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.

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.

Parish & 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 Camp
Overnight adventure for current 4th-6th grade 4-H members - $190.00 fee; additional purchases and scholarships available

This 4-day, 3-night overnight adventure is held July 7-13, 2024, at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock, La. Campers select a hands-on, educational track and participate in recreational activities including swimming, line dancing, canoeing, archery, and more. Contact the 4-H Agent with questions. See your 4-H Agent, 4-H Leader, your 4-H Google Classroom, or LSU AgCenter website for applications. Application deadline: March 31, 2024.

4-H University
Overnight adventure for current 8th- 12th grade 4-H members - Fees to be determined

4-H University features state-wide contests and more for 8th-12th grade 4-H members. 4-H University has several contests and opportunities for youth. To receive more information, complete the 4-H University Interest Form by March 31, 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 not already 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.

Making your BEST BETTER Bike Rodeo & Safety Day

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

• Hop on a bike to try your best at the bicycle rodeo courses
• Enjoy a fun snack while learning about kitchen food safety
• Participate in fun hands-on demonstrations and activities focused on various aspects of safety
• Enter a chance to win door prizes and make take-home items

Important Information

• This event will be open to all St. Charles Parish 4-H members who are registered and approved in the 4-H Online system. Families are encouraged to join.
• All participants must pre-register for the event by completing the 4-H Healthy Living Event Online Registration Form
• Wear tennis shoes for the event.
• Registered members should check their email prior to attending for any reminders or changes.

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.

Learn by Doing 4-H Lessons
The Tree of Life Skills

4-H Civic Engagement Educational Program

Tree of the Month:
SWAMP MAPLE

Fun Fact: Swamp Maples' seeds are shaped like a pair of wings, and this structure is called a ‘samara’. The samara-shaped design helps the seed to fly in the air like the way helicopters do, with its wings.

*Provided by LSU AgCenter Horticulture Extension Agent

WRITING SKILLS

The life skill we will be focusing on this month is Writing Skills. At your club meeting or at home, try the activities to learn more.

People have communicated by writing letters throughout history. Sending an email has been a popular alternative in today’s world. Either way, having good writing skills is critical to success and essential in the workplace. Writing thank you notes when someone has given you a gift or has done something nice for you is also very important. Getting in the habit of writing thank you notes can also help improve your writing skills in other areas of your life like school and work.

Lesson Activity: Writing Activities

Whether we realize it or not, writing is something that we do on a daily basis. Here are 2 activities where you can practice and enhance your writing skills for school and at home.

To Write or Not To Write
Should you write a "Thank You" note for these activities? Answer Yes or No.

• Your aunt sent a birthday card with $20
• Your dad buys you a new pair of shoes
• Your best friend visits when you're sick
• Your grandparent bought you a phone for graduation
• Your 4-H leader helps you with a project

Constructing Thanks

• Get a paper or card and write a thank you note to someone. Be sure to do the following:
• Write neatly and in pen
• On a folded card, write below the fold. On stationary, write the address.
• Address the envelope with your address on the upper left and the address of the recipient in the middle of the envelope.

STRAWBERRIES

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: Strawberry DNA Extraction

This month, we will extract the DNA from strawberries. Strawberries are octoploid, meaning that they have 8 sets of chromosomes, which is a lot of DNA! Follow the steps below to see what the DNA of a strawberry looks like!

Step 1:
Remove the stem from the strawberry. Put the strawberry in a Ziploc bag, and mash the strawberry.

Step 2:
Mix 2 Tbsp. dish detergent, 1 pinch salt, and 1/2 cup water to plastic cup. Add 3-4 tablespoons of mixture to berry pulp. Reseal bag and mash lightly.

Step 3:
Place coffee filter inside a separate plastic cup. Pour berry solution to strain berry juice. Remove pulp.

Step 4:
Add cold rubbing alcohol to filtered solution. You should see the strawberry DNA within a few seconds.

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 Achievement Program

1 point
Members gain 1 point for active participation in the following:

• Quality work in 4-H Record Book submission
• Participation in each parish contest

Examples of Contests:

• National 4-H Week (1 point / form)
• Culinary Arts (1 point / dish)
• Photo Contest (1 point / photo)
• Talent Show, Pet Show, Poster Contests, etc. (1 point / contest)

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:

• Enrolled and approved through 4-H Online
• For 4th - 12th grade members
• 3 points by March 1, 2024

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

• Enrolled and approved through 4-H Online
• For K - 12th grade members
• 5 points by April 1, 2024

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.

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

RETURNING 4-H MEMBER?
Time to Re-Enroll!

• Log in to your 4-H Online Account.
• Go to Member List, find your Member Name, and Click "Enroll Now."
• Follow the directions to the right beginning with the "Choosing Your Club and Project Book" section.

Important Notes:

• If you have another member to enroll, click "New Member" and repeat the steps for adding a member.
• Members are not officially enrolled in 4-H until their 4-H Online enrollment is approved through the parish office.
• If you have questions or would like additional information about 4-H or our Project Clubs, contact the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter office.

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.

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.