Upcoming Events

March

2: 4-H Healthy Living Event
20: 4-H Culinary Arts Contest Submission Day
29: LSU AgCenter Office closed
31: 4-H Record Books due

April

1: Horse Possession Date
10: Jr. Leader and 4-H University Interest Meetings
20: 4-H STEM Event
30: 4-H Achievement Day

May

8: Jr. Leader and 4-H University Participant Meetings
14: 4-H Regional Culinary Arts Contest

June

18-21: 4-H University

July

8-11: 4-H Camp
29-Aug. 1: LOST Camp

*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:

March to your own beat with 4-H!

One of the great things about 4-H is that you learn more about you! Try something new and challenge yourself to become the best version of yourself by marching to your own beat along with your 4-H family. Talk to your friends and consider coming with us to 4-H Camp, LOST Camp, or 4-H University this summer! Take that first step toward the march to making your best better!

-Dr. Kali Zammit
St. Charles Parish 4-H Agent
*Pictured with LSU AgCenter Overall Advisory Leadership Council

Save the Dates – Summer 4-H Activities

Consider extending your 4-H adventure throughout the summer. If you have any questions about our statewide summer events listed below, please contact the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter office or your 4-H Agent, Dr. Kali Zammit.

4-H Summer Camp
at Camp Grant Walker
for 4th-6th graders of the 2023-2024 school year
July 8-11, 2024
Applications are due March 31, 2024, to the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Office. Check your Google Classroom for applications.

4-H University
at LSU
for 8th-12th graders of the 2023-2024 school year
June 18-21, 2024
See Page 4 of the newsletter to sign up to receive more information.

4-H LOST Camp
at Camp Grant Walker
for 7th-8th graders of the 2023-2024 school year
July 29, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Applications are due March 31, 2024, to the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Office. Check your Google Classroom for applications.

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 Trash Bash
• School 4-H Service Projects

4-H Awards and Recognition Section:

• 4-H People's Choice Photo Contest
• 4-H Culinary Arts Contests
• 4-H Golden Clover or Emerald Achievement Award
• 4-H Poster Contests
• 4-H STEM LEGO Design Contest

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

How and when will I receive information on the parish 4-H Field Trip or 4-H Achievement Day events?

4-H members eligible for both the parish 4-H field trip and 4-H Achievement Day experiences will receive an email using the email address on file through 4-H Online. A list of eligible members for both experiences will also be posted in your school 4-H club’s Google Classroom. Please see the 4-H Achievement Program page in the newsletter for more information on how you qualify for these 4-H experiences.

Getting to Know: Our Administrative Coordinator

Cheryl Mahler
St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter
Administrative Coordinator

Did you know…

• All LSU AgCenter Offices have an Administrative Coordinator who assists all program areas (4-H, ANR, NCH) within the Extension offices. We are lucky to have Mrs. Cheryl Mahler as our Administrative Coordinator for the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Office.
• Mrs. Cheryl is a graduate from Hahnville High School. She also received an Associates Degree in Business Studies from Delgado Community College.
• Mrs. Cheryl can remember enjoying her summer at 4-H Camp when she was a 4-H member in St. Charles Parish. Her own children were involved in the 4-H program, and Mrs. Cheryl now enjoys volunteering at St. Charles Parish 4-H events with her grandchildren.
• Mrs. Cheryl helps to coordinate and communicate with program members, volunteers, and families. She is always willing to help, so feel free to contact our office to ask her your questions or for assistance.
• 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, 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

Congratulations to all 4-H’ers who participated in the 4-H Photography Contest. Take time to vote for your favorites on our St. Charles Parish 4-H Facebook page. Voting will take place March 18, 2024, through 12:00 noon on March 22, 2024. Good luck!

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.

4-H Healthy Living Event Recap

Thank you to the American Red Cross for partnering with our St. Charles Parish 4-H program to offer our 4-H members an opportunity to learn about safety at our Making Your Best Better Bike Rodeo and Safety Day!

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 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 8-11, 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. We will hold an Informational Meeting on April 10, 2024. Youth who complete the Interest form will receive more information about the Informational meeting.

4-H LOST Camp
4-day, 3-night adventure for current 7th – 8th grade members - $190.00 fee; additional purchases and scholarships available

This 4-day, 3-night youth leadership conference is held July 29, 2024, through August 1, 2024, at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock, La. Campers participate in hands-on educational tracks and recreational activities, including swimming, line dancing, canoeing, archery, and more. Contact your 4-H Agent at kzammit@agcenter.lsu.edu for more information and an application. Application deadline: March 31, 2024.

Louisiana 4-H Golden Clover & Emerald Achievement Awards
4-H Award Application for 4-H members

The Louisiana 4-H Golden Clover Award is a one-time achievement award to recognize junior 4-H members on the state level for their outstanding achievement in 4-H. Members must be under 14 years old by January 1 of this school year to apply. The Louisiana 4-H Emerald Achievement Award is a one-time achievement award to recognize senior 4-H members on the state level for their outstanding achievement in 4-H. Members must be at least 14 years old by January 1 of this school year to apply. Contact your 4-H Agent at kzammit@agcenter.lsu.edu to receive an application. Application deadline: April 1, 2024.

4-H Marsh Maneuvers
Overnight adventure for current 9th – 12th grade 4-H members

This 5-day, 4-night overnight adventure is held in July at the Broussard Bunkhouse in Intracoastal City, La.

Campers gain hands-on learning experience about Louisiana’s coast by participating in airboat tours, planting of marsh grass, crabbing, touring the Tabasco Factory, and much more. Eligible youth interested in attending this event will need to complete the St. Charles Parish 4-H Marsh Maneuvers Preliminary Application Form by March 15, 2024. Selected applicants may be nominated by the 4-H Agent to continue to the state level application process for consideration for the 4-H Marsh Maneuvers experience. Submitting an application does not guarantee participation in this event. St. Charles Parish youth who have already attended the Louisiana 4-H Marsh Maneuvers experience are not eligible to attend again. Late applications will not be accepted.

TRASH BASH and WOODWorking Day
A STEM 4-H Youth Development Program of the LSU AgCenter
April 20, 2024
St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Office
453 Spruce Street, Norco, LA

Schedule:

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Orientation for 4-H Jr. Leaders, High School Members, & Adult 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. - 11:00 a.m.
Trash Bash & Woodworking Activities

After Event
Participants will be invited to join the St. Charles Parish Trash Bash Celebration at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center for a post-event celebration, which includes lunch and chances to win prizes.

Activities:

• Enjoy light refreshments during sign-in.
• Use pickup sticks, gloves, and trash bags to clean up around our St. Charles Parish community.
• Participate in hands-on STEM activities including a woodworking project.

Important Information:

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

Register Here by April 1, 2024

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.

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

4-H Civic Engagement Educational Program

Tree of the Month:
Southern Magnolia

Fun Fact: Magnolias bloom this time of year and are mostly pollinated by soldier beetles. Come fall, the trees will drop their bright red seeds to make next year’s saplings.

*Provided by LSU AgCenter Horticulture Extension Agent

Home Maintenance

The life skill we will be focusing on this month is Home Maintenance.

At your club meeting or at home, try the activities to learn more.

Caring for your home and taking care of home maintenance actually saves time in the long run. This includes keeping your home clean, doing routine tasks and taking action to keep your home safe and prevent accidents. A clean and organized home creates a healthful and safer environment. Creating daily habits to care for your home is an easy way to manage tasks efficiently.

Lesson Activity: Clothes Pin Chores

Cut out a piece of cardboard. Draw a line down the middle and label one side "To Do" and the other side "Done." Label clothes pins with chores that you can do around the house. Start with the clothes pins on the "To Do" side and move to the "Done" side once complete.

Examples of Chores:

• Make my bed
• Read for 20 minutes
• Clean my room
• Do my homework
• Feed my pet
• Practice for extracurricular activities
• Wash dishes
• Clean the bathroom

Construct a list of your own chores below:

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

RICE
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: Rice Traditions

This month, we will be interviewing our classmates about rice traditions. Within the group, someone can be the interviewer, the speaker, and the recorder. After interviewing each other, create a Vinn diagram to see the similarities and differences between rice traditions amount you and your classmates.

Interview Questions:

1. How often does your family eat rice in a week?
2. What are some special foods your family eats for holidays, birthdays, etc. that involve rice?
3. How are the rice dishes your family eats different from the foods your friends' families eat?
4. What is your favorite family rice dish? Why?
5. What are the stories behind your family's favorite rice dish?
6. Does your family have a rice dish linked to your cultural and ethnic heritage?

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.