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4-H Newsletters are handed out at all club meeting throughout the month as well as emailed out to parents. If your child is registered in 4-H, but you are not receiving the emails, please contact the 4-H Office at 337-828-4100 ext. 1700 to ensure your email is correct in our system.
What is 4-H?
4-H is one of the largest youth development organizations in the United States, offering hands-on opportunities for youth to explore their interests, build life skills, and grow as leaders. Through St. Mary Parish 4-H, members can participate in a variety of activities, projects, and events throughout the year.
4-H helps youth:
Join 4-H
All youth who wish to participate in 4-H must complete an enrollment form and submit dues through their school or club leader.
Contact your school or the 4-H Office for deadlines and assistance.
National 4-H Week
October 4–10, 2026
Celebrate by:
Junior Leader Club
Junior Leaders is a leadership club for 7th–12th graders focused on service, leadership, and involvement.
What they do:
First Meeting:
4-H Office, Franklin
September 17
5:30 PM
Pumpkin Madness Workshop
Celebrate fall with fun, hands-on activities!
Members will:
Who: 4th–6th graders
Date: October 9
Fee: $15
Registration: via 4-H Online
Pumpkin Decorating Virtual Contest
Open to all 4-H members!
How to Enter: Email submission with:
📧 st.mary4hsubmissions@gmail.com
(CC: cparidon@agcenter.lsu.edu)
Deadline: October 26
Categories:
Livestock Program
4-H members can show:
Who: 4th–12th grade
Key Dates:
Contact the 4-H Office to get started.
Shooting Sports
One of the fastest growing programs in St. Mary Parish!
Disciplines include:
Who: 4th–12th grade
Fee: $100
Deadline to Apply: October
Practices: Saturday mornings at Franklin Shooting Range
Challenge Camp
An overnight leadership camp focused on:
Acadian Baptist Center
November TBA
$100 (includes transportation, meals, t-shirt)
Spots: Limited to 12 participants
Deadline: October TBA
Challenge Camp
Challenge Camp is an overnight 4-H Camp for 7th and 8th grade students from November 19th-20th. At Challenge Camp, participants will be separated into groups and given a series of challenges they have to complete. This camp is a great way to build life skills such as decision making, teamwork, and communication and it's also just a lot of fun and a great way to meet other 4-Her's! Registration is due Monday, October 28th and applications must be brought to the 4-H Office. There is a $98 fee to participate.
October Jr. Leader Meeting
Join us for our next Jr. Leader meeting on October 10th at 5:30pm at the 4-H Office! Our theme for this month is Halloween and we will be having a costume competition, so come dressed up!
Fall Contest Day (Parish Cookery Contest)
Our Cookery Contest will look slightly different this year. Instead of pairing it with Fall Fun Day, we will be having a contest day. This contest will include our Parish Cookery Contest as well as other tests on 4-H topics (cooking, pets, etc.) that participants will be able to take to win ribbons and awards! Contest Day will be on November 2nd from 9-12 at the Blevins Bldg. in Franklin, LA. Click here to access our Rules & Guidelines on our Cookery Contest. All rules must be followed in order to compete. Winners of our Cookery contest will be invited to the Area Cookery Contest in the Spring.
Pumpkin Painting Decorating Contest
This year we will be doing a virtual pumpkin decorating contest! All entries are due by Friday, October 25th. Click here for more information on the contest and how to submit your entries.
4-H Camp Slogan Contest
Send in your creative ideas for a slogan (7 words or less) to participate in the slogan contest for 4-H Summer Camp! 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! Logo and slogan will be on all publicity for camp and the camp T-shirt and the winner will receive a $50 monetary award. The contest is open to all 4-Hers! Submissions are due Thursday, October 31st. Submissions can either be mailed to Camp Grant Walker (300 Hwy. 8 Pollock, LA 71467) or emailed to CampGrantWalker@agcenter.lsu.edu. Submissions must include: 4-Her's name and age, parish, mailing address, and telephone number.
Movie Night Event
This year, our Jr. Leaders will be putting on a Movie Night Fundraiser event. At this event, 4th-6th grade 4-Her's will be invited to join us for a movie night where we will be watching the Polar Express! This will be at the Patterson Civic Center on Wednesday, December 18th from 5-7. The fee to attend is $5 if paid ahead of time, and $7 at the door. Fees paid ahead of time can be mailed or brought to the 4-H office. There will also be concessions sold at this event, so if your child would like to purchase food, please provide them with extra spending money.
Shooting Sports Camp
This camp is designed for 9–13-year-olds in 4-H who are a part of the Shooting Sports program. At this camp, students will be able to choose from one of the following disciplines: Archery, Shotgun, .22 rifle, or Air Rifle/Air Pistol/BB. Participants will be able to learn from instructors and meet others in their respective disciplines from around the state! Camp is on December 6-8 at Camp Grant Walker. To register, go through 4-H Online under "events". If you need help, or don't know your 4-H log-in, please contact the 4-H Office. Payment can be paid online, and the cost of attending camp is $130.
Broiler Registration
Broilers are a short-term poultry (chicken) project that students can participate in that allows them to show at our Parish Livestock Show in Franklin, LA and the State Livestock Show in Gonzalas, LA. Broiler order forms are due Tuesday, November 26th. Chicks will be available for pick-up on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Specific pick-up times will be sent at a later date.
Ag Career Day
Ag Career Day is an event for high school students that want to learn more about careers in the field of agriculture. They will get to experience hands-on workshops, exhibits, and get to network with experts in the field. Ag Career Day is on December 3rd at the Rice Research Station in Rayne, LA. Fill out the form provided to participate. If you do not have a form, please contact the office.
November Jr. Leader Meeting
Our next Jr. Leader meeting date is on November 7th at the Patterson Civic Center at 5:30pm! Dues are due this day, so make sure you attend this meeting if you want to join the Jr. Leader program!
