[Image: 4-H Clover]The LSU AgCenter is currently enrolling youth in the 4-H program for the 2009-10 school year, according to Carol Remy, 4-H youth development agent for Union Parish.
Because the Union Parish 4-H program offers young people so many opportunities to learn and to excel, Remy says, "Every adult should encourage the young people they know to join. Then support them in the many activities and events that 4-H provides. Parental and adult involvement in a child’s life makes a world of difference.”
Remy said she firmly believes the 4-H program builds strong bonds between family members, enhances learning, helps young people develop leadership and communication skills, provides community awareness and builds strong self-esteem for the individuals who become involved in 4-H and take advantage of the many opportunities it has to offer.
“What is 4-H?” 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H is a club where young people have fun, learn, make new friends, do new things and go new places. The 4-H Club is the largest youth organization in the United States. It is conducted in the state by the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service of the LSU Ag Center.
“What is a 4-H Club?” A 4-H Club is a group of young people, ages 9-19, in your school or in your community who want to improve their heads, hearts, hands and health. Each club has its own officers and they are supervised by the parish 4-H agents, their school's organizational leader and/or volunteer leaders.
4-H members “Learn By Doing;” that is the 4-H Club slogan. 4-H members don’t just read about things, they do them. They make things, take part in club meetings, learn interesting new things and they also learn to follow and to lead. They help their neighborhoods and schools through service-learning activities.
“What is a 4-H Project?” Every 4-H member selects at least one 4-H project. All new members choose the “Discovering 4-H” project book. Returning members may select one or two project books from one of the following areas: Citizenship, Environment, Gardening/Horticulture, Foods/Nutrition/Health, Child Development, Electricity, Aerospace, Entomology, Computers, Clothing, Communications, Dog and Pet Care, Forestry/Wood Science, Home Environment, Leadership, Machines, Personal Development, Photography, Plant Science, Veterinary Science or Livestock.
“How does one join 4-H?” It is easy; just complete a 4-H enrollment card each year and pay your 4-H dues. 4-H dues for Union Parish are $5 per member for the entire year.
“Where do you get an enrollment card?” Enrollment forms can be obtained at the Union Parish Extension Office at 210 E. Water St., Farmerville, La., or from the 4-H leader at your school. Carol Remy and Jason Holmes, 4-H youth development agents in Union Parish, have just completed visiting all Union Parish schools and presented a recruitment program and distributed enrollment cards to students in fourth thruogh 12th grades.
“When do 4-H clubs meet?” The schedule for the 2009-10 year is as follows:
First Tuesday of each month – Union Christian Academy
Second Tuesday of each month – Marion High School
First Wednesday of each month – Downsville High School
Second Wednesday of each month – D’Arbonne Woods Charter and Spearsville High School
First Thursday of each month – Bernice High School
Second Thursday of each month – Farmerville High, Farmerville Junior High and Farmerville Elementary.
“Who are the 4-H Leaders?” The 4-H leaders at each school are:
Bernice – Mary Watley
D’Arbonne Woods Charter – Norah Burke
Downsville – Cyndee Albritton, Sheree Allen, Bridgette Gean and Tonya Hicks
Farmerville Elementary – Amy Quarles and Vicki Kyzar
Farmerville Junior High – Jennifer Williams
Farmerville High – Sandy Stevenson
Marion – Tara Brantley and GiGi Parker
Spearsville – Beth Bennett and Amy Heard
Union Christian Academy – Jan Jones and Kay Hicks
“If I go to school outside the parish, can I be a Union Parish 4-H member?”
Yes, you can join as a member-at-large. You will need to come to the Extension Office and fill out an enrollment card and pay dues.
If you are 13-19 years of age you may want to participate in the Junior Leader program. They meet at the Extension Office the first Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m.
“What activities does 4-H have planned?”
A 2009-10 4-H calendar of activities can be obtained from the 4-H office.
Please feel free to contact the local 4-H office at 210 E. Water Street, Farmerville, La., if you have further questions. Our phone numbers are 318-368-9935 or 318-368-2999. Or if you desire, you can e-mail questions to Carol Remy at cremy@agcenter.lsu.edu.
It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability.