01. Message from the 4-H Agent

The wait is over. A new 4-H year is here, and I'm excited about the opportunities ahead for our members and families! This year's theme, Game On: Skills for Life, reminds us that every 4-H experience helps young people build the skills they need to succeed in school, careers, and life.

Whether you're attending a club meeting, entering a contest, serving your community, or stepping into a leadership role, you're developing valuable skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility. Through these experiences, 4-H helps youth become Beyond Ready for whatever comes next.

I encourage you to get involved, try something new, and make the most of the opportunities available this year. Be sure to follow us on social media, visit our website, and read each month's Clover Chronicle and The Huddle to stay connected. The game is on, and I can't wait to see what you'll accomplish this year!

02. Enrolling in 4-H

The 2026-2027 4-H year is underway, and we want you on the team! Whether you're interested in leadership, contests, camps, service projects, STEM, cooking, livestock, esports, or making new friends, there's a place for you in St. John Parish 4-H.

Enrollment is required for youth who wish to participate in parish, regional, state, and national 4-H opportunities throughout the year. From club meetings and contests to camps, conferences, and leadership events, 4-H offers countless opportunities to learn new skills, make connections, and have fun.

Game On Enrollment Challenge

Enroll by September 25^th, 2026 and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $50 Academy Gift Card.

We have an exciting year planned, and I hope you'll be a part of it. Don't wait to get in the game!

03. Summer 2026 in Review

Summer was filled with opportunities for St. John Parish 4-H members to learn, lead, and grow. Through camps, conferences, leadership retreats, and educational trips, youth developed new skills, built friendships, explored new experiences, and made memories that will last a lifetime. We are proud of all of our members who represented St. John Parish 4-H this summer and look forward to another exciting year ahead!

Congratulations to Courtlynn W. for placing 3^rd in the Tiger Tank: Up & Running Contest; Rita W. for Blue Ribboning in the Tiger Tank: Up & Running Contest; and to our 4-H Camp and LOST Camp participants who received awards at their respective camps.

04. Volunteer at the Andouille Festival

Give back to your community and have fun at the Andouille Festival! St. John Parish 4-H members are invited to volunteer during the festival and Andouille Run/Walk while learning about community service, beautification, and event support. Volunteers may serve one or both days and will receive special benefits for participating. If you are interested in volunteering, you must complete the sign-up form by Monday, September 14. Visit the https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page175933645...

05. 4-H Spirit Bookmark Contest

Kick off the new 4-H year by showing your 4-H spirit! The 4-H Spirit Bookmark Contest invites members to create a bookmark that showcases what 4-H means to them. Whether it's leadership, friendship, service, learning new skills, or your favorite 4-H memory, we want to see your creativity on display. Bookmarks may be hand-drawn or digitally designed and should be colorful, creative, and uniquely you.

This is a great opportunity for both new and returning members to start the year by sharing what makes 4-H special.

Outstanding entries will receive special recognition, including awards for creativity, 4-H spirit, and overall design. The deadline to submit your entry is Friday, September 25, 2026.

06. St. John Jr. Leaders

Looking for more opportunities in 4-H? The St. John Parish 4-H Jr. Leader Club is open to youth in grades 7-12 and is designed for members who want to grow as leaders, give back to their community, and have fun along the way.

From service projects and leadership workshops to retreats, trips, and social events, Jr. Leaders provides members with opportunities to build new skills, make connections, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Our September gathering will be held on Saturday, September 5 at 11:00 a.m. at the Reserve Library. We hope you'll join us and NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOMED!

07. Sister 2 Sister Program

The Sister2Sister Mentoring Program is back and still accepting participants! Open to girls in grades 5-12, the program provides opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, make new friends, and grow through workshops, service activities, social events, and mentor relationships.

Whether you're interested in serving as a mentor or being paired with a mentor, Sister2Sister is a great way to connect with others, learn new skills, and be part of a supportive community. Applications are currently being accepted for mentors, mentees, and adult volunteers.

Our next Sister2Sister gathering will be held on Saturday, September 5 at 12:00 p.m. We would love to have you join us as we continue another year of friendship, leadership, and personal growth.

08. Esports Club Sign-Up

Ready to level up your game? St. John Parish 4-H Esports combines gaming with teamwork, leadership, communication, and technology skills in a positive and supportive environment. Whether you're new to gaming or an experienced player, 4-H Esports gives youth the opportunity to connect with other gamers, develop new skills, and represent St. John Parish through competitive gaming.

As a member of the St. John Parish 4-H Esports Club, you'll participate in team practices, learn game strategy and communication skills, practice good digital citizenship, and prepare for regional and state esports opportunities. The program is open to youth in grades 4-12.

Upcoming Practice Dates

• September 8, 2026 | Reserve Library (2nd Floor) | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• September 15, 2026 | St. John Parish 4-H Office (Edgard) | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Interested in joining? Visit our esports webpage to learn more and register: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page176478434...

09. Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Get into the fall spirit with our Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Open to all 4-H members, this fun contest will be judged during your October club meeting. Decorate one pumpkin using paint, accessories, and other creative materials. No carved pumpkins allowed.

Your design can showcase 4-H pride, school spirit, fall fun, our Game On: Skills for Life theme, or anything else you can imagine. Special recognition may be awarded for creativity, originality, use of theme, and overall design.

All pumpkins will be judged during their October Club Meeting.

10. National 4-H Week

Join us October 4-10 as we celebrate National 4-H Week! This is a time to show your 4-H pride, share your experiences, and help others learn about the opportunities available through 4-H.

Whether you've been in 4-H for years or are just getting started, National 4‑H Week is a chance to celebrate being part of the nation's largest youth development organization. Be on the lookout for special activities and ways to participate throughout the week!

11. 4-H Display Contest

Celebrate National 4-H Week by creating a display that promotes 4-H and showcases this year's theme, Game On: Skills for Life. Displays may include bulletin boards, classroom doors, hallway displays, lobby areas, or other creative setups within your school.

Photos of completed displays must be submitted by Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Displays will be judged October 7-12, and the public will have an opportunity to vote for the People's Choice Award on our Facebook page.

12. Challenge Camp

Are you ready for a challenge? Southeast Region 4-H Challenge Camp is an exciting overnight experience for 7th and 8th grade 4-H members that combines leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and fun. Campers will build new friendships, take on challenges, and develop skills that will help them both in and out of 4-H. Registration is due October 9. Visit the Challenge Camp webpage for registration information, camp details, and required forms.

13. Challenge Camp Jr. Counselor Opportunity

Looking for a way to grow as a leader and give back to 4-H? High school 4-H members in grades 10-12 may apply to serve as a Jr. Counselor for Southeast Region 4-H Challenge Camp. Jr. Counselors assist with activities, mentor younger campers, and help create a fun and positive camp experience.

The deadline to submit application is October 1. If you are interested in serving as a Jr. Counselor, contact Mr. Xavier for the application information.

14. Game On Self-Portrait Challenge

It's game time! Create a self-portrait that represents you as a player in the game of life. Using this year's theme, Game On: Skills for Life, showcase your interests, strengths, goals, personality, and the skills you're building through 4-H.

Get creative! Your design might feature sports, future career goals, hobbies, leadership experiences, or anything else that tells your story.

Entries are due October 23, 2026!

15. St. John Parish 4-H/FFA Livestock

The 2026-2027 show season is upon us! Are you interested in participating in the 2026-27 St. John 4-H and FFA Livestock Program? Check the important dates below, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Xavier.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Nov. 9, 2026 – Validation for Commercial Beef, Dairy, Ewe & Doe, and Market Lamb & Goat due to 4-H Office

Nov. 9, 2026 – Possession date for Beef, Dairy, Goat, Sheep, & Exhibition Poultry

Nov. 16, 2026 – Possession date for Mini Cattle

Dec 1, 2026 – Validation for Commercial & Market Hogs due to 4-H Office

Dec 1, 2026 – Possession Dates for Breeding Swine

Dec. 18, 2026 – Exhibition Rabbits

Jan 2026 – Broiler Chick Pick Up

Jan. 16, 2026 – Rabbit Meat Pens

Contact Mr. Xavier if you plan to show livestock in St. John Parish and stay updated with information by visiting our Livestock website.

16. 4-H Through My Lens Challenge

Capture the moments that tell your story! The 4-H Through My Lens Challenge invites 4-H members to use photography to showcase the experiences, skills, and opportunities that help shape their lives. Through this challenge, youth can express their creativity, tell meaningful stories, and share their unique perspective.

Our first challenge theme is "Game On!" Show us where you're getting in the game through school activities, sports, clubs, service projects, hobbies, agriculture, 4-H events, or other opportunities that help you learn, grow, and make a difference.

17. Coach's Challenge

Complete the Challenge by September 30, 2026, for a chance to win a prize.

What's one goal you want to accomplish this year, and what is one step you'll take this month to get started?