Welcome to 4-H!
4-H kids and volunteers live all over Red River Parish, all over Louisiana, in all 50 United States and in 82 other countries. Almost 6 million youth members and nearly 680,000 adult volunteers are involved in 4-H nationwide! 4-H is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States. It is open to everyone without discrimination.
What is 4-H?
In Louisiana, the 4-H program is conducted by the LSU AgCenter. Our goal is to provide programs and materials that are educational, hands-on and fun for the youth in our parish. School leaders and volunteers, who share their time and talents, are a very fundamental element in the success of 4-H in Red River Parish.
4-H is for boys and girls from age 9 through 19, grades 4-12. Red River Parish also offers a club for third graders, who can participate in all of the activities offered on the parish level.
The 4-H Emblem, Colors, Pledge, Slogan & Motto are:
The four-leaf clover is the official 4-H emblem. The four “H’s” stand for head, heart, hands and health.
The 4-H colors are: GREEN - life, springtime, youth; and WHITE - fresh and clean.
The 4-H Pledge is :
I PLEDGE
My Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service,
My Health to better living,
For my club, my community, my country, and my world!
You should learn the pledge and try to follow it in 4-H and in your daily life.
The 4-H Slogan is: “Learn by Doing.”
The 4-H Motto: “To Make the Best Better.” Lean it and set your goals with the motto in mind. It means to try to do everything better, to improve constantly.
How to join 4-H?
Enrollment begins at September 4-H Club meetings at your school. Interested students can get an enrollment card at their club’s meeting or from the Extension Office in Red River Parish. When you fill out the enrollment card, you select projects according to your grade. You will receive workbooks for these projects. Return the enrollment card along with your membership dues to your parish Extension agent or to a 4-H volunteer leader at your school. You are then a member and will receive your workbooks at the next meeting.
What happens next?
Your club will meet during school hours at least once a month. You will select club officers, work together on club projects, participate in parish 4-H events and contests, and have fun!
What do I do with the workbooks?
The workbooks you receive are actually called “project books.” You take them home and work on them with the help of parents, another adult or even another 4-H member. When complete, the project books need to be put together with other materials in your 4-H Record Book.
How do I find out about parish 4-H events and contests?
Each month, a special guest will be at your school 4-H meeting. The person is called the parish 4-H agent. In Red River Parish there are two agents. They are Cindy Smith and Hubert Wilkerson. The 4-H agents will bring the 4-H newsletter, “4-H Connection,” for you to take home. The agents will also present a fun, educational program. You can also find information on our Web page.
Can I win awards in 4-H?
Yes! But in order to win, you must participate in 4-H activities outside of your school meeting. You can win awards such as ribbons, certificates, medals, trophies, prizes and money.
Isn’t 4-H just for kids who live on farms?
No! 4-H is for all youth, wherever they live – on farms, in suburbs, in cities. 4-H serves youth from all backgrounds and all interests. Some of the projects available are bicycle care and safety, computers, photography, environment, family life, and animal science. 4-H offers membership without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or handicap.
Need additional information?
Contact Cindy Smith by e-mail or at 318-932-4342 or 318-932-4242.