What is 4-H in Sabine Parish?

As students start back to school for another year and 4-H enrollment time is drawing nearer, the question, “What is 4-H?” may come to mind when deciding which clubs to choose at the beginning of the year.

In Sabine Parish 4-H last year, over 675 youth in grades 4-12 were enrolled in 4-H. Being a member of 4-H provides youth with an opportunity to explore their interests in over 60 project areas. Students are able to self-teach themselves through project books that are chock-full of activities related to the interest area chosen—from shooting sports to fishing to pets to first aid to woodworking to photography and leadership.

School club meetings offer students the opportunity to serve as 4-H Officers and leaders at their school. Being a member of a 4-H school club allows students to hear about their opportunities through 4-H, and learn about a new focus area each year. The 2010-2011 4-H year will focus on a curriculum called Life Smarts, which is a character education program. The lessons feature fun activities while teaching about bullying, decision-making, conflict-resolution, and more. Each school has a club leader, or a teacher who volunteers to sponsor the 4-H club. The club leader will serve as the school contact for 4-H.

Beyond the school club meeting and the project book, opportunities arise far beyond what most people expect. Overnight camping plays a large role in 4-H. Camping opportunities are made available to youth in grades 4-12. Camps include 4-H Camp Grant Walker for 4th-6th graders, Challenge Camp for 7th-8th graders, Louisiana Outdoor Science and Technology (LOST) Camp for 7th-8th graders, 4-H University for 7th-12th graders, Junior Leadership Conference for 10th-12th graders, Marsh Maneuvers for 9th-12th graders, Wild Woods Wanderings for 9th-12th graders, Survivor Camp for 7th-12th graders, Camp Roughin’ It for 4th-8th graders, and Citizenship Camp, Rocketry Camp, Food & Fitness Camp, and Fashion Camp for 9-12 year olds.

For students who are in 9th grade and above, State 4-H Leadership Boards provide an excellent opportunity for youth who wish to serve as leaders in a particular field. Leadership Boards include Fashion, Science, Engineering, & Technology (SET), Executive Board, Food & Fitness, Citizenship, and Shooting Sports. Students who are selected to serve on these boards are responsible for planning various camps throughout the year related to the chosen field.

For the more competitive students out there, Sabine Parish 4-H students excel in contests throughout the parish, the region, and the state. Contests include Quiz Bowls, Interviewing Skills, Fashion, Culinary Arts, Livestock, Record Books, Forestry Skills, Talent, and even pumpkin carving! 4-H University serves a dual purpose and allows students to compete on the State level or to participate in Clover College, which includes non-competitive tracks, such as Forensics, Fitness, LSU Athletics, Wildlife and Wetlands, and Camp Counselor Training. The Rural Electric Youth Tour challenges students to write essays to our government leaders to win an all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. Students who compete in State Records have the opportunity to win cash prizes and trips. We even take trips to see sporting events—4-H Night with the LSU Tigers, 4-H Night with the New Orleans Hornets, and 4-H Night with the Mudbugs.

Shooting Sports is a strong specialty club in Sabine parish. Youth ages 9-19 are eligible to participate and are not required to be a 4-H member to join. Shooting Sports teaches hunter safety, marksmanship, and wildlife management.

The Junior Leader Club is another specialty club in Sabine parish that is offered to students in grades 7-12. Students are not required to be a 4-H member to join this teen leader club. Junior Leaders is an excellent opportunity for youth to learn more about citizenship, leadership, and serving their community. Junior Leaders provides many more opportunities for teens to participate in 4-H. Junior Leaders ranges from fun nights, such as paintball wars and bowling, to public speaking opportunities and service projects. The Junior Leader Back-to-School Kickoff will be held on Monday, September 13th at 6:00 pm at the Cypress Bend Park Pavilion. All 7th-12th grade students are welcome to attend!

Clover Buds is a new club for students in Kindergarten-3rd grade. This club allows youth to get a taste of 4-H before being a 4-H member. Clover Buds will feature a childhood nutrition education curriculum this year called Happy, Healthy Me. Clover Buds will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm at the 4-H Extension Office in Many.

For more information regarding a 4-H program area and how you can get involved, please contact Julia Campbell, 4-H Agent at (318) 256-3406 or by email at jcampbell@agcenter.lsu.edu. Visit our website at www.lsuagcenter.com/sabine, and enjoy some fun and games at www.4Hclubhouse.com.