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More than 1,600 4-H’ers and volunteer leaders from Louisiana's 64 parishes will converge on the LSU campus to participate in competitive activities and learning experiences June 23-26, 2009. This marks the 95th year of 4-H University but the beginning of the second century of 4-H in Louisiana.
Read the news release.
Louisiana 4-H’ers will compete for best in the state in more than 40 events ranging from plant identification, photography and flight simulation to speech-making and fashion design. In addition, almost 300 students will take part in the noncompetitive learning event called Clover College, which includes seven hours of instruction over the three days.
"Many of our students and agents look forward to 4-H University. It’s a chance for them to display the knowledge and skills they have learned in 4-H and to see how they compare with their peers,” said Mark Tassin, state leader for the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Development program.
“4-H University gives students a chance to experience what it is like to live and learn on a major college campus. The 4-H'ers look forward to and prepare for this week all year,” Tassin said.
The evening sessions in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center will feature presentations by former LSU football player and Heisman trophy runner-up Jerry Stovall, LSU system president John Lombardi and martial arts expert Steve Robichaux.
During the week, students will campaign for five state offices. Election results will be announced on the final night of activities on Thursday, June 25.
Now in its sixth year, 4-H U's Clover College program will feature nine sessions:
- Are You Ready for College?
- Citizenship Louisiana Focus
- Creative Forces: Youth Educational Theater Corps
- Exploring the World of Sports
- Forensics: The First 48
- Make Your Health Rock!
- Operation: Military Kids
- Robotics: Our Challenge – Your Solution!
- Louisiana’s Paradise
During 4-H U, participants will be introduced to aspects of life college students experience every day. In addition, 4-H'ers will take part in interactive programs ranging from exercises in Shaping Up to a tour of LSU athletic facilities. Community service programs also are offered as part of the educational programs including, a visit to a local hospital and local nursing home. Students also will get to see how college students live during the week by residing in campus dormitories, eating at campus dining halls and even going through the rigors of scheduling classes.
The event will culminate with the final session on June 25 with awards, the announcement of newly elected officers and recognition for the past year’s officers.
“4-H University offers students the opportunity to learn and compete in an environment that is truly unique and lets them get a taste of what college has to offer,” said Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor.
Impact
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243,522 Louisiana 4-H youth in grades K-12 participated in 4-H last year along with 6,606 adult volunteers.
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Since 1996, the 4-H character education program has targeted youth, adults, parents, schools, employees, sports teams, governmental agencies and other community groups. Some students receive programs through Principal’s Principles statements, which target one of the Six Pillars of Character each school day. In addition, youth receive character lessons in after-school programs, school enrichment programs, child-care centers and youth camps.
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The 4-H program focuses on three areas: Citizenship; Healthy Living; and Science, Engineering and Technology.
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2009 is the 87th year of 4-H Camp, which is held at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center near Pollock.
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4-H agents across Louisiana recruited schools to participate in the Third Annual Youth Wetlands Week organized by the LSU AgCenter. More than 55,000 children in more than 800 schools learned the value of Louisiana wetlands April 20-24, 2009.
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The LSU AgCenter is one of 11 institutions of higher education in the Louisiana State University System. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, it provides educational services in every parish and conducts research that contributes to the economic development of the state. The LSU AgCenter does not grant degrees nor benefit from tuition increases. The LSU AgCenter plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing rural areas and the environment, and improving the quality of life through its family and 4-H youth programs.
(This was updated on June 1, 2009, by Rick Bogren.)