PROGRAMS | ebr4h

EBR 4-H PROGRAMS

4-H has a long history of helping youth "learn by doing". When youth are thoughtfully guided through the do-reflect-apply process, there is tremendous potential for positive youth development and growth. 4-H focuses on teaching new topics and life skills development. Trained 4-H volunteers facilitate the learning that occurs in nonformal settings like 4-H club meetings and activities. The 4-H result is a fun fulfilling learning experience.

Programming is developed by local and state members of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. We strive to enhance classroom involvement and instruction by developing our programs based on grade level expectations and current curriculum standards that expand upon the learning already happening in the school.

The East Baton Rouge 4-H Staff is extremely motivated to offer quality educational experiences. Below you will find various programs that are currently being offered to 4-H members. While these programs are currently in place, other programs may be available. Have a different interest? Don't see the program you're wanting? Contact us and we would be happy to work with you on developing something to increase opportunities for the youth of East Baton Rouge Parish through enjoying 4-H. Take a look at what's going on in the upcoming year! Click here for the 2015-2016 program calendar.

Download this month's Clovertalk to find out what's going on around East Baton Rouge Parish and more Click here!

IN SCHOOL PROGRAMMING

SCHOOL GARDENS

4-H school programs are offered before school, during school hours and/or after school. In-school programming typically runs in conjunction with the school year. Meetings begin in September and will typically wrap in April. These 4-H programs directly support school curriculum and offer enrichment activities beyond the classroom.

East Baton Rouge Parish currently offers two types of in-school programming, which are:

Traditional 4-H Clubs: In this setting, members will elect club officers and conduct meetings using proper rules of order. An educational program will be given by the 4-H meeting and a club member. Traditional Clubs really enhance leadership and teamworking skills, while providing various opportunities for members to learn, grow, and share.

Club in the Class: This type of programming is uniquley original to East Baton Rouge Parish. Club in the Class Programming allows for more one-on-one interaction, as meetings take place within the classroom. A 4-H agent will provide a program within a specific class period(s). Programming typically follows the instruction currently taking place, but can be specifically designed through callobartive efforts by the teacher and 4-H Agent.

Gardening projects for children in a school setting provide an extraordinary learning opportunity, and their popularity is increasing. Through school gardening, children can learn science, mathematics, English, environmental studies, health, family and consumer sciences and art. They learn first-hand about plants, nature and the outdoors, and they learn how fresh food is grown. Teachers have an excellent opportunity to enrich the educational experience and the lives of children through the use of school gardens.

The school gardens program can be offered as part of a traditional club, club in the class, or enrichment program. The decision is made by the school principal and coordinating teacher/leader.

For more information on school gardens, you can visit the LSU AgCenter's School Gardens Portal by clicking here.

For resources to help prepare and implement a school garden, please click here.

YOUTH WETLAND'S PROGRAM

SCHOOL ENRICHMENT

The 4-H Youth Wetlands Education and Outreach Program (4-H YWP) is a statewide LSU AgCenter program sponsored by the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA). The program is designed to heighten students’ awareness of Louisiana’s wetland loss through an organized educational program of outreach, empowerment and advocacy.

Program materials – including structured lesson plans and supplies used to teach lessons – are provided at no cost to participating educators. These lessons are implemented throughout the academic year with the program culminating during our promotional week, known as Youth Wetlands Week (YWW). The program curriculum is endorsed by the Louisiana Science Teachers Association (LSTA) and the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission (LEEC,) and lessons are designed to follow Louisiana’s Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) and the Common Core State Standards. Pre- and post-tests are completed by participating students, and the results reflect increased knowledge of main science concepts.

The Youth Wetland's Program can be offered as part of a traditional club, club in the class, or enrichment program. The decision is made by the school principal and coordinating teacher/leader.

To sign up for the Youth Wetland's Program click here.

School enrichment programs are educational experiences offered to any student, 4-H member or non-member. Enrichment programs are designed to supplement in school instruction and provide an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, secured environment. Enrichment programs provide a minimum of 6 instructional hours throughout the year and can be done by a trained leader, teacher, volunteer, or 4-H Agent. For additional information on the enrichment topics and availability, please contact a 4-H agent.

COMMUNITY CLUBS

Community Clubs are open and available to any group wanting to start a 4-H Club that may be otherwised limited to do so. A minimum of 10 members and 1 volunteer leader is required to begin a community club.

Community Clubs have a planned program that runs throughout the year and focuses on a variety of self-chosen learning experiences and activities. Examples include photography, robotics, gardening, animal science, ecology, rocketry, textiles, and cooking. 4-H community clubs typically meet after school or early evenings (3:00-6:00 PM).

Community Clubs can take place just about anywhere! Pending approval of the governing bodies, meetings can be held at a local libraries, a community center, apartment complex meeting room, the 4-H Office, etc.

To start a community club, please contact a 4-H agent.

4-H CLOVERBUDS

The 4-H Cloverbuds program is focused at fostering the development of the whole child by helping them learn to better get along with each other, explore many interests, practice skills, and build self-confidence and self- esteem.

Cloverbuds is a program for boys and girls who are not yet old enough to become a 4-H member. Cloverbuds can begin in Kindergarten and work thought 3rd grade. There are no membership dues required of Cloverbud members.

Cloverbud groups meet once a month, like traditional 4-H programs, and provide programs that include fun games, interactive educational material and connected crafts. All Cloverbud activities are non-competitive.

For additional information regarding 4-H Cloverbuds, please visit the LSU AgCenter's Cloverbuds Portal by clicking here. To sign up a group or individual for the Cloverbuds program, click here.

PROJECT CLUBS

Project clubs provide planned programs that run throughout the year and focus on one specific project area. These clubs typically meet in the evenings or on the weekend. 4-H special interest groups are short-term, focused on a specific learning experience and are not limited to members of 4-H clubs.

East Baton Rouge 4-H currently offers the following project clubs:

Livestock Club: This project club focuses on animal systems, most specifically the raising and showing of livestock. Livestock projects include cattle, sheep, hogs, goats, chickens, and rabbits. This group meets once a month in the evenings in Zachary. For more infomation, click here.

Backyard Buddies: The Backyard Buddies program is an extension of the Livestock Club and is focused on Cloverbud and younger 4-H members. In this project club, participants are provided a small animal project (hen or rabbit) to care for and show. These projects are small and can be easily cared for in a backyard. The group meets periodically throughout the fall and spring. For more information, click here.

Horse Club: This project club focuses on animal systemts, most specifically the raising and showing of horses. Participants meet once a month for a hands-on, fully interactive meeting that focuses on elements of owning a horse, from nutrition and daily care to show day prep and competing. While this club is open to anyone, those who own or lease a horse are best suited. For more information, click here.

Shooting Sports Club: This project club is an educational activity to teach firearm safety to 4-H youth and to help them improve their marksmanship and help them enjoy outdoor activities. Participants choose a discipline (archery, shotgun, air pistol, air rifle, and/or bb) and work with trained professional volunteers to improve their skill set. Practices take place on Saturday mornings throughout the fall and spring. In the spring, qualifying youth are eligible to compete at various competitions. For more information, click here.

Junior Leaders' Club: This program is for 4-H members in grades 7-12 interested in refining leadership skills, doing community service, working with younger 4-H Club members, having fun, socials, award trips and making new friends. Anyone wanting to join is welcome at the group's monthly meetings. For more information, click here.