Are you a former 4-H member or do you have kids involved in your local 4H club? If so, this is a week you will want to be sure to add to your calendar. National 4H Week is happening October 7th through 12th with the theme of Beyond Ready. Local chapters around the country are planning celebrations and activities.
We have four parishes in our area that offer 4-H programs for local students. Each will have events planned to celebrate the week. Every day this week Louisiana 4H and other local 4-H clubs in our area will be hosting events to promote their clubs and share resources for existing and new members.
This is the week to find out how you and your children can get involved in a 4-H chapter in your area. You can get in on the fun by participating in the challenges and/or events, share information using the dedicated hashtags on your social media, or if you are a former member or volunteer, share your own personal 4-H memories to show off your 4-H pride.
My children have been involved in 4H for several years, both as public school students and homeschool students. Being a part of the local 4H group allows them to learn about community involvement, grow their leadership skills, learn about agriculture and science, health and nutrition, and so much more. Both of my daughters have had the opportunity to serve in leadership roles, officer positions, and countless other volunteer opportunities throughout their tenure as 4H members.
I have a many favorite events that my kids have participated in over the years, including the pet shows and poster contests, and I love the sweet potato fundraiser sale that our local Iberia Parish Livestock Club puts on each year. It's the perfect time to stock up on them for my holiday dishes.
Earlier this year, my daughter, Mikayla, was chosen as one of four students selected to represent Louisiana at the 2024 National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. She proudly represented Iberia Parish 4H and learned so much about civic engagement and community support. Opportunities like this exist in several of the programs that are offered by local 4H chapters.
 Image by National 4H Council |
One of the other things I love most about our local Iberia Parish 4-H program is that the children have the opportunity to participate in local, state, and regional events, activities, and competitions. Many don't realize that 4-H clubs offer so much more than just livestock. From fashion to robotics, and from nutrition to arts and crafts, and from summer camps and holiday dances, your local 4-H club will offer a program that your child will enjoy.
According to the Iberia Parish 4-H newsletter, Clover Chatter, to celebrate National 4-H week they will be hosting an online open house discussion of all the 4-H opportunities available in Iberia Parish. It is recommended that you attend the session for your child's age group, however you are welcome to join in on the older students' presentations to find out what may be in store for them in their 4-H future. Here are the dates and information for the virtual events for Iberia Parish 4-H:
- 4th-6th Grade: October 7, 2024 @ 6:00pm
- 7th-8th Grade: October 7, 2024 @ 7:15pm
- 9th-12th Grade: October 9, 2024 @ 6:00pm
All virtual meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams Meeting. To register for one of the virtual sessions, go to 4-H Online to create an account and register. Links to join the meeting will be sent to all registered users via email.
We have four amazing groups in our are: Iberia Parish 4H, Vermilion Parish 4H, St. Mary Parish 4H, and St. Martin Parish 4H. Here are links and contact information for each to find out how you and your children can get involved:
Iberia Parish 4H |
Central Office: 415 Providence Street, New Iberia, LA
Phone: 337-369-4440
Website: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/our_offices/parishes/iberia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Iberia4H
Vermilion Parish 4H |
Central Office: 1105 W. Port Street, Abbeville, LA
Phone: 337-898-4335
Website: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/our_offices/parishes/vermilion
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vermilion4h
St. Martin Parish 4H |
Central Office: 114 Courthouse St, Breaux Bridge, LA
Phone: 337-332-2181
Website: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/our_offices/parishes/st%20martin
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/St.Martin4H
St. Mary Parish 4H |
Central Office: 600 Main St. 2nd Floor Blevins Bld., Franklin, LA
Phone: 337-828-4100
Website: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/our_offices/parishes/st%20mary
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/smp4h
To get involved as a volunteer, find out how you can donate or support a local group, or get more information about getting your children involved in a local program through their school, be sure to check out the Louisiana 4H website to contact your local parish or chapter.
