In this issue:

Upcoming Events

Welcome Back

As we start the 4-H year, make it your goal to "Make the Best Better" in everything you do. 4-H is a wonderful opportunity to make and build friendships, help others and our community, learn new things, learn about yourself, begin to be a healthy you and... grow. Expand your 4-H horizons... try new things and stretch outside your comfort zone as often as possible. Have an awesome year!

Think 4-H Might be for You?

Here's how to Join the Club:

Service-learning Focus

Combating Hunger & Poverty in Louisiana is our state and parish service-learning focus for the 2023-2024 year. Opportunities will be offered for you to participate in our statewide focus. Let's get busy making a difference in our community and state.

Join the Junior Leader Club

The 4-H junior leader experience is designed to provide members with the opportunity to learn about the qualities and competencies needed to be a leader. Junior leaders provide assistance with 4-H events and assume more challenging leadership roles. Our Junior Leader program is a great place to experience new things, complete service-learning projects, meet new friends, travel, and learn the leadership skills necessary in the world. Contact the office for more information.

4-H Teen Leadership Summit

For: 9th-12th grade 4-H'ers

When: September 15th at 8:30 a.m.

Where: First Baptist Church, 304 Davis St., Lake Providence

Registration Deadline: September 8th

This event is designed as a secure haven for youth to have candid discussions on advocacy and the pertinent issues shaping their lives. Panel speakers include 6th Judicial District Court Judge Laurie Brister, Registered Addiction Counselor and Certified Clinical Supervisor Joseph Jackson, and East Carroll Parish Sheriff Wydette Williams.

4-H Highlights

Summer Camp

Camping is one of the most valuable experiences a child can have. It's a learning experience that can help children appreciate the outdoors, live together as a group, get along with others, and appreciate people from different interest and backgrounds. 4-H Summer Camp was held from May 29th-June 1st. Special thanks to Westley Bowman, David Dixon, and KarVan Powell, Jr. for serving as adult volunteers.

4-H University

Congratulations to the 4-H U delegates: Kaden Lane, Jaheem Williams, Milton Ross, Dylan Baker, and Terry Douglas.

Outdoor Skills Clinic

East Carroll 4-H'ers enjoyed kayaking on our beautiful lake. The youth learned boating safety and how to safely kayak. A special thanks to Lieutenants Wayne Parker and Wendell of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Sheriff Wydette Williams, East Carroll Parish Police Jury, 6th Judicial District Attorney James Paxton and the Lake Providence Fire Department - Keith Larry and Curtis Freeman, and Office Samantha Ball Grover for making this event a reality. Thank you for supporting 4-H and the youth in Lake Providence.

4-H Grilling Workshop

East Carroll 4-H'ers had the opportunity to attend a Grilling Workshop at the Northeast Research Station hosted by Tensas Parish 4-H. The youth learned the basics of grilling from Hannah Devall, Instructor, Agriculture Awareness/Literacy and Animal Science. The youth finished the day enjoying healthy snacks and physical activity led by Joy Sims, Healthy Communities Agent.

True Leaders in Equity Institute

East Carroll Parish youth had the opportunity to attend the True Leaders in Equity Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, which focused on equity and inclusion. This opportunity was sponsored by the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation in relation to youth projects on health equity in East Carroll Parish.

National 4-H Week

Help celebrate our 4-H program during National 4-H Week: October 1st-7th. Be creative, be innovative, and do what you can to make a positive difference in your school and community. Show your pride by sponsoring school activities throughout the week and help get others to share enthusiasm.

Catch Phrase for Camp 2024

What's a good theme for 4-H Summer Camp 2024?

Send us your most creative ideas for a slogan -- in seven words or less. Illustrations must accompany the phrase and will be part of the contest. Contest is open to all 4-H club members. Winning slogan will be one that is brief and "catchy," capturing the spirit of 4-H Camp Grant Walker. 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.

The deadline for receipt of 4-H Summer Camp and LOST Camp entries is Tuesday, October 31st. Submissions must include full name and age of person submitting the slogan, parish/4-H club, complete mailing address, and telephone number. Individuals may submit multiple entries and send together. Please make sure to indicate which entries are for 4-H Summer Camp and which are for LOST Camp.

Mail entries to Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center, 3000 Hwy. 8, Pollock, LA 71467. Email entries to Christine Bergeron.

4-H Day of Service

The 4-H Day of Service will be held December 2nd. This year's service project will be collecting non-perishable food and toiletry items to help people in need. We encourage everyone to participate in 4-H Day of Service.

Fashion & Beyond on Tour

For: 5th-12th grade 4-H'ers

When: Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: River of Life Church, 127 Ellis Lane, Winnsboro, LA 71295

Cost: $15 per person

*Bring a sack lunch and an adult medium T-shirt for cutting up.