Upcoming Events

October

3: United Way of St. Charles Battle for the Paddle
6-12: National 4-H Week
28-29: 4-H Challenge Camp

November

19: 4-H Culinary Arts Contest Submission Day (Pecan, Sweet Potato, & Rice)
23: 4-H Bash on the Bayou LSU Football Game and Tailgate
28-29: LSU AgCenter Office closed

December

24-Jan. 1: LSU AgCenter Office closed

*Read newsletter for other important dates and 4-H opportunities. Checkout our LSU AgCenter website (www.lsuagcenter.com/stcharles) and social media pages for additional opportunities.

For more information, contact your LSU AgCenter 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

October 2024 Edition

Message from your 4-H Agent

Get ready to get growing by learning new things and gaining new experiences through your involvement in the 4-H Program. Check out our monthly newsletters, websites, and social media platforms to learn more about the many opportunities that 4-H offers. Don’t forget to add those special dates on your calendar. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact me at 985-785-4473 or kzammit@agcenter.lsu.edu. I look forward to working with you this year and seeing you grow into the best version of you through 4-H!

-Dr. Kali Zammit
St. Charles Parish 4-H Agent
*Pictured with 4-H Agents from the Southeast Region at 4-H Regional Volunteer Leader Training

Celebrate National 4-H Week – October 6-12, 2024!

St. Charles Parish 4-H members are encouraged to celebrate 4-H throughout this week by participating in daily challenges. Complete the National 4-H Week Online Form each day for a chance to win a prize. See online form for more details. (No late entries will be accepted.)

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 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 Project Clubs

How do I sign up to join a 4-H Project Club?

4-H Project Clubs are clubs that focus on a specific 4-H project-related area. Youth can be enrolled in both a school club and a project club. These are considered separate clubs. Additional fees may apply per each project club.
If you are interested in learning more about our 4-H Project Clubs, you can sign up to receive information in 2 different ways:

1. When you’re completing your enrollment form, select the project clubs that you are interested in receiving information as your secondary clubs
2. Email the 4-H member’s name, grade, school, and interested project clubs tostcharles@agcenter.lsu.edu

Check out our websites and social media outlets during the week of October 14-18, 2024, as we will highlight each of our St. Charles Parish 4-H Community Project Clubs.

4-H Cloverbud Community Club - For all K-3rd grade students
4-H members in K-3rd grade are called “Cloverbuds.” They engage in non-competitive 4-H programming. Some schools have 4-H Cloverbud programs. The 4-H Cloverbud Community Club is a separate club for any K-3rd grade student in St. Charles Parish. This club plans to meet once a month (outside of school) to participate in hands-on activities in an assortment of 4-H-related areas. You can be a part of your school Cloverbud club and this 4-H Cloverbud Community Club.

4-H CHEF Club - For all 4th-6th grade students
The 4-H CHEF (Cooking, Healthy Eating, and Fitness) Club is for any St. Charles Parish student in 4th – 6th grade. This club plans to meet once a month to participate in hands-on cooking demonstrations, fitness activities, and much more.

4-H Shooting Sports Club - For students 10 years old through 12th grade
This club is open to all students at least 10 years old by January 1, 2025. Potential disciplines being offered this year include rifle and archery. This club participates in regular practices to prepare for optional invitational, regional, and state 4-H Shooting Sports competitions. Volunteers interested in being certified instructors should contact the 4-H Agent as this program is offered based on certified volunteer instruction and availability.

4-H Jr. Leader Club - For all 7th-12th grade students
This club is for any student in 7th – 12th grade. This club focuses on leadership development where members meet at least once a month to participate in teambuilding and leadership activities, service projects, and social events. Members build leadership skills while meeting new friends in St. Charles Parish and beyond. Members can gain service hours needed for other organizations.

4-H Fashion Club - For all 4th-12th grade students
This club is for any 4th-12th grade student. This club plans to meet on a monthly, sometimes bi-monthly basis, to participate in hands-on sewing and fashion projects. You do not need prior sewing experience to join this club. This club is for beginners to advanced sewers and students interested in fashion.

4-H FAQ

What do we do in 4-H?
In addition to attending monthly school club meetings, students can participate in project clubs, contests, and many opportunities outside of school. Read the monthly newsletters to learn more about what 4-H has to offer.

If I am interested in a project club, how do I sign up?
Send an email to kzammit@agcenter.lsu.edu stating the project club(s) you are interested in.

4-H Service Section: Pumpkins with a Purpose

4-H members are encouraged to decorate a pumpkin at home and bring them to the LSU AgCenter Office between 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on October 22, 2024, or they can sign up through St. Charles Parish Library to attend a Pumpkin Decorating Night Workshop on October 24, 2024. All pumpkins entered in the 4-H pumpkin decorating contest will also be entered in the German Coast Farmer’s Market pumpkin contest. Members throughout the community who attend the local farmer’s market will have the opportunity to view and vote for their favorites! Afterwards, any pumpkins not picked up at the farmer’s market will be donated to agencies within the community, including nursing homes.

So, when you’re decorating your pumpkin this year, think about spreading cheer to others through your creation and donate your pumpkin with a purpose.

Upcoming St. Charles Parish 4-H Events

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.

Next 4-H Culinary Arts Contest Submission Date:
Tuesday, November, 29, 2024: Louisiana Commodities
(Pecan, Sweet Potato, and Rice)

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 Pumpkin Decorating Contest
This year 4-H members (K-12th grade) have the opportunity to compete in 2 pumpkin decorating contests (4-H Contest & Farmers’ Market Contest)! The rules are as follows:

• One entry per person. No artificial pumpkins. Pumpkin must not exceed 25 lbs. Do not write or display your name on your entry. Participants can draw, paint, or decorate the pumpkin. You may also use objects, materials, and/or paper to decorate your pumpkin. Materials may be glued or pinned to the pumpkin. Pumpkins must be appropriate and child friendly. All pumpkins will be entered into the4-H Contest and the German Coast Farmers’ Market Contest. If you would like to keep your pumpkin, you will need to pick it up at the Farmers’ Market (held outside the East Bank Regional Library) on Saturday, October 26, 2024, between 11:30 a.m. – 12:00noon at the Master Gardener Booth. Any pumpkins not picked up by the designated time at the Farmers’ Market will be donated to the community.
• You have 2 ways to submit your pumpkin:

1. Drop off your entry at the St. Charles Parish LSU AgCenter Office on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, between 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
   
2. Sign up to attend the Pumpkin Decorating Night Workshop on October24, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the East Regional Library. Pumpkins and decoration supplies will be provided. Entries created at the workshop may be entered in the contests. Registration to attend the workshop opens on October 10, 2024, through the St. Charles Parish Library.

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-HPortfolio 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 Regional Challenge Camp

4-H Citizenship/Community Service Section:
National 4-H Week entries
4-H Pumpkin Contest (donation)
Volunteering at Battle for the Paddle
Pumpkin Decorating Workshop

4-H Awards and Recognition Section:
4-H Pumpkin Decorating Contest
4-H Culinary Arts Contest
4-H Senior Honor Cord and Senior Jacket
State 4-H Fashion Camp

4-H Book Guide

Based on the Parish 4-H Timeline, registered 4-H members will submit enrollment forms by October club meetings and receive project books and portfolios in November. This section is to guide members in completing books throughout the year.

4-H Cloverbuds (K-3rd grade)
Cloverbud Activity Guides
Activity: Learning About the Body
Here are activities from the guide listed above that you can do at club meetings and later transfer to your project book:

• Exercise: Body Tag (Page 3)
• Science Experiment: Bend a Bone (Page 2)
• Recipe: Apple Smiles (Page 3)

4th grade 4-H members
Discovering the World of 4-H
Here are activities that you can do at club meetings and transfer to your project book:

• Never Too Safe (Page 5)
• Fit as a Fiddle (Page 6)
• Measure Up (Page 7)
• Plan Your Meals (Page 9)

5th grade 4-H members
Exploring the World of 4-H
Here are activities that you can do at club meetings and transfer to your project book:

• Child Development (Pages 4-5)
• Consumer Decisions (Page 6)
• Nutrition (Page 7)
• Personal Development (Page 8-9)
• Safety (Pages 10-12)

6th - 12th grade 4-H members
4-H Portfolios
All 4th – 12th grade members will receive an older version of the 4-H Portfolio. You may access and use the newer version here:

4-H Portfolio (New Online Version)

Activity: Citizenship/Community Service

Citizenship, community service, and civic engagement is about getting out in your community to help others. There are 2 sections in your book where you highlight the community service that you do: (4-H Citizenship/Community Service & Non-4-H Experiences/Community Service). Any community service activity you do in 4-H should be listed in the 4-H Citizenship/ Community Service section and community service you do outside of 4-H should be listed in the Non-4-H Community Service section.

If you don’t have anything to put in these sections, I encourage you to ask your 4-H leader for opportunities for you to participate in 4-H and non-4-H service projects that help others in your community. Your club can plan to do service projects at 4-H club meetings.

4-H Club Meetings

Monthly Parish 4-H Lesson: Mediums of Art - Crayons

This year 4-H members will be exploring mediums of art. This month will focus on Crayons. A crayon is a small stick of colored wax that comes in many colors and is used like a pencil to fill in shapes and make drawings. Choose one or more activities to practice with crayons.

Activity 1: Crayon Scratch Art

1. Color the Base Layer – Take a white paper or cardstock and use the crayons to color a vibrant, multicolored background. You can use any colors you like, and it can be a random pattern, stripes, or any other design. Make sure to press hard with the crayons to create a thick, waxy layer. The more solid the color, the better the art will look.
2. Cover with Black Crayon – Take a black crayon and color over the entire colored area, coving it completely. Press hard to ensure a thick, even layer of black crayon.
3. Scratch your Design – Once the black layer is fully applied, use a toothpick, wooden skewer, or any scratching tool to carefully scratch off the black surface, revealing the colorful layer beneath. You can create any design you like--patterns, shapes, images, or even write words. Be creative!

Activity 2: Crayon Resist Art

1. Draw Your Design – On white (heavyweight) drawing paper, use crayons to draw a design. Be sure to press harder with the crayons to create a stronger resist effect. You can use a variety of colors, especially white and light colors.
2. Apply Watercolor Paint – Once your crayon drawing is complete, begin painting over the drawing with watercolors. Gently brush the watercolor paint over the crayon designs. You’ll notice how the crayon marks resist the paint, revealing your design underneath. Allow your painting to dry completely after you finish.

Activity 3: Go Away Big Green Monster!

Every student will write their name on the back of a white sheet of paper. Stand next to your paper, which should have crayons close by. While someone reads the story Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley, you will draw the item mentioned in the book, then rotate to the next piece of paper to draw the next item mentioned in the book until the book is finished. Return to your page to see your unique monster creation!

October 4-H Club Meting Reminders
Here are a few reminders for this month:

• 4-H Enrollment Forms – 4-H Enrollment forms are due to your 4-H School Club Leader this month. The 4-H Agent will pick up all enrollment forms in October, so please make sure to talk to your school 4-H Leader about the due date for your 4-H enrollment form. Note: All 4-H Enrollment forms should be complete by your October club meeting.
• Parish 4-H Programs – Don’t forget to participate in National 4-H Week and the 4-HPumpkin Decorating Contest. 4-H members who complete these 4-H activities will receive points toward our 4-H Achievement Program. See Page 6 for more information.
• 4-H Newsletters – Show your parents/guardians the monthly 4-H newsletters.

November 4-H Club Meeting Ideas
4-H Toy and Food Drive
4-H hosts an annual Toy and Food Drive during November and December. Schools are encouraged to host their own 4-H Toy and/or Food Drive at school to address food insecurity in our community. 4-H Leaders may contact the 4-H Agent for guidance.
4-H Photography Contests
From November through February 4-H will host a photography contest. Members can take time during club meetings to take photos and submit them for this contest.
4-H Culinary Arts Contests
4-H will have several 4-H Culinary Arts contests throughout the year. To encourage participation, clubs can incorporate a contest, workshop, or nutrition lesson at club meetings.

4-H Above and Beyond

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 STATE SPARK-ACTION-CHANGE SUMMIT
Overnight adventure for current 7th-8th grade 4-H members - $75.00 fee

This 3-day, 2-night overnight adventure is held February 20-22, 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This state-wide experience will allow 4-H delegates to experience firsthand how government works and engage in impactful service-learning projects. This experience features an exclusive tour of the Louisiana State Capitol, inspiring talks from local change-makers, and interactive workshops and activities. Space is limited. Complete the 4-H Spark-Action-Change Summit Online Application Form for consideration to attend. Application deadline: October 15, 2024.

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 2025. 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 15, 2024, to 4-H Office.

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 15, 2025, (in Winnsboro, La.) or February 17, 2025 (in Crowley, 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, 2024.

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 from throughout the state and their families for a tailgate event at LSU leading up to the big game! The event will be held on November 23, 2024, before the LSU football game, where LSU will play Vanderbilt in Tiger Stadium. The tailgate event is free to registered 4-H and FFA families, but space is limited. Transportation to and from the event is on your own. Contact your 4-H Agent for details on purchasing tickets to the LSU game or participating in the LSU 4-H/FFA Tailgating experience.

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.

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

St. Charles Parish

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
January 20, 2025

4-H Healthy Living Event
February 8, 2025

4-H STEM Event
TBA

Field Trip

Members must achieve the following in order to be invited to participate in the 4-H Educational Awards Field Trip:

• Enrolled as an official St. Charles Parish 4-H member through the LSU AgCenter
• For 4th - 12th grade members
• 3 points by March 1, 2025

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 as an official St. Charles Parish 4-H member through the LSU AgCenter
• For K - 12th grade members
• 5 points by April 1, 2025

Note: To achieve points, 4-H members (K-12) must be enrolled as a member of the St. Charles Parish 4-H Program by the program deadlines.