By Jacque Fontenot

For more than 114 years, the 4-H Program of Louisiana has been engaging youth in

activities that help develop skills for a lifetime. These skills range from communication to

community service and from goal setting to leadership. Regardless of the skill learned, the

benefits gathered from a young person participating in the 4-H Program is priceless.

The 4-H Program is a nationwide youth development program that has nearly 6 million

youth involved in it annually. Administered in Louisiana by the LSU AgCenter Cooperative

Extension Service, 4-H serves youth in all parishes in the state through a network of 64

Parish Extension Offices. 4-H is managed jointly by both a professional and volunteer staff.

Louisiana 4-H has more than 235,000 youth participants and more than 9000 volunteers

working together to deliver the projects, opportunities, and events offered annually

through the program.

4-H is unique in that it offers experiences to the most urban young person and youth in

rural areas by providing the opportunity to participate in 4-H clubs, school enrichment

opportunities, project clubs, day and overnight camps, and other special interest

opportunities.

Youth members can participate in a variety of projects in the areas of healthy living,

science, engineering, and technology, and citizenship. Beyond the excitement of learning

something new through a project, youth have the opportunity to participate in leadership

conferences, travel the world, become involved in their community through service, and

meet new friends in a safe and comfortable setting. A young person’s experiences in 4-H

makes a difference for a lifetime by allowing them to grow and appreciate the importance

of being a good citizen, a strong leader, and a person of character.

If you would like to learn more about 4-H, or have a family member wanting to join 4-H,

contact the 4-H Agent, Jacque Fontenot, at the Red River Parish 4-H office, 932-4342.

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