Lafayette Parish 4-H

10/16/2026

🚨 Leadership Opportunity for Lafayette 4-H Shooting Sports Sh***un Members! 🚨

Lafayette 4-H is excited to launch the Shooting Sports Ambassador Pilot Program for the 2026-2027 year! This new leadership opportunity is designed for outstanding Shooting Sports members who want to serve as mentors, promote the program, and help develop the next generation of Lafayette 4-H Shooting Sports participants.

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a current Lafayette 4-H Shooting Sports member in grades 9-12
• Must have at least three years of experience in the Shooting Sports Program
• Submit two letters of recommendation with the application
• Complete required ambassador trainings if selected
• Participate in an interview

As a Shooting Sports Ambassador, you may:

��Mentor younger Shooting Sports members
��Assist with discipline practices and educational activities
��Support Hunter Education courses
��Lead and assist at parish, regional, and state competitions
��Promote the Shooting Sports program and recruit new members
��Represent Lafayette 4-H at special events and community programs throughout the year

📋 Apply Today: https://tinyurl.com/Shooting-Sports-App

⏰Application Deadline: Monday, October 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

🎤 Interviews: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

This is an excellent opportunity to build leadership, communication, and service skills while representing Lafayette 4-H and helping grow the Shooting Sports program. If you're ready to lead, mentor, and make a difference, we encourage you to apply!

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10/15/2026

10/10/2026

As we wrap up National 4-H Week, we're celebrating the volunteers whose lives have been shaped by 4-H and who now pour that same passion back into the next generation. 💚 🍀

Today, we're spotlighting Colleen Callender, whose 4-H journey began as a young livestock exhibitor and grew into a lifelong commitment to youth development. Through 4-H, she found family, friendships, leadership opportunities, and even met her husband. Today, she's helping her own children and countless 4-H members discover those same opportunities.

"I like being able to find opportunities for each 4-H member, help them set a goal, and then watch them work towards achieving it."

For Colleen, 4-H has been a part of every stage of life, from member to volunteer to parent, and her dedication continues to inspire the young people she serves.

"4-H is important to me because it's shaped my life as a member, helper, volunteer, and now as a parent." 💚

Thank you, Colleen, for helping Lafayette Parish 4-H members become leaders, achievers, and citizens who are ready for the future.

🍀 💚

10/10/2026

💚 🍀 As National 4-H Week comes to a close, we're honored to celebrate the volunteers whose lifelong commitment to 4-H continues to inspire the next generation. 🍀 💚

We asked some of our 4-H "lifers" to share their WHY, and today we're proud to spotlight Mrs. Wanda Zerangue.

Wanda's 4-H journey began as a member in Evangeline Parish, where she embraced every opportunity 4-H had to offer, from Camp Grant Walker and 4-H Short Course to Achievement Day and judging contests. Today, her 4-H story has come full circle as she helps not only her grandchildren, but countless other young people grow and succeed through her volunteer service at Youngsville Middle and Ernest Gallet Elementary.

As a retired educator of 34 years, Wanda credits 4-H with teaching many of the skills that guided her career, including record keeping, public speaking, leadership, and organization. Yet for her, the greatest lesson is that the skills learned through 4-H last a lifetime.

"That is the thing about 4-H... the lessons you learn live within you your entire life."

Wanda is passionate about helping young people develop essential life skills while having fun, building friendships, and gaining confidence. She believes 4-H provides experiences that teach responsibility, independence, and leadership in ways that stay with members long after their 4-H years have ended.

"4-H is important to me because it teaches young people life skills they will use their entire lives."

We are truly blessed to have volunteers like Wanda serving Lafayette Parish 4-H. Thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and the countless lives you have impacted through your service. 💚

🍀✨

10/10/2026

💚 🍀 As National 4-H Week comes to a close, we're celebrating the volunteers whose passion, dedication, and service continue to make a lasting impact on the youth of Lafayette Parish. 🍀 💚

We asked some of our 4-H "lifers" to share their WHY, and today we're proud to spotlight Steve Dupuis.

Steve's 4-H journey began in the 7th grade through the livestock program, where a mentor helped shape the course of his life. As he became more involved, he discovered that 4-H was about much more than projects and competitions. It was a place where every young person could belong, grow, and pursue their passions.

Through his years of service, Steve has developed a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for youth and treasures the opportunity to watch them learn, grow, and find their place in the world.

"4-H offers all kids the chance to belong and be a part of something while pursuing an interest they love."

What inspires Steve most is how 4-H instills the values of hard work, responsibility, accountability, and respect. These are the same principles he has passed on to his children and grandchildren, and he believes 4-H provides the blueprint for building strong, successful lives.

We are truly blessed to have volunteers like Steve serving our community and investing in the next generation of leaders. Thank you, Steve, for your dedication to helping Lafayette Parish youth become their very best.

💚 🍀

10/09/2026

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible volunteers, teachers, club leaders, Junior Leaders, camp counselors, parents and grandparents who dedicate their time, talents, and hearts to the Lafayette Parish 4-H Program. Their passion for youth development helps cultivate leadership, character, citizenship, and life skills in the next generation.

Thank you to the volunteers who embody the 4-H motto, "To Make the Best Better," by guiding, inspiring, and empowering our members every day. Your commitment makes a lasting difference, and we are grateful for all you do to help our young people grow and thrive.

💚🍀

10/08/2026

🍀 Happy National 4-H Week from Lafayette Parish 4-H State Livestock Ambassador, Mackenzie Begnaud!🍀

For Mackenzie Begnaud, our Lafayette Parish State Livestock Ambassador, 4-H has been about so much more than livestock. It’s taught her responsibility, hard work, patience, confidence, and the importance of never giving up.

We’re proud to have her share why 4-H means so much to her and encourage others to give it a try!

To Make the Best Better. 💚🍀💚🐮🐷🐑🐐

10/08/2026

🍀💚 Thankful Thursday: Hands for Larger Service! 💚🍀

Today we're shining the spotlight on our incredible Lafayette Parish 4-H Junior Leaders for putting the 4-H pledge into action through service to others!

Our Junior Leaders recently volunteered at the 20th Anniversary NAMIwalks Acadiana, lending their time, energy, and helping hands to support mental health awareness and community wellness. Their commitment to serving others demonstrates what it means to be a true leader and make a positive difference right here in Acadiana.

We are grateful for these young leaders who continue to live out the 4-H motto,"To Make the Best Better," through meaningful acts of service.

👏 Thank you, Junior Leaders, for representing Lafayette Parish 4-H with pride and compassion!

🍀

10/07/2026

🐰🎉 Hop into the Fun at the 2026 4-H Fall Fest Rabbit Show! 🎉🐰

Hey 4-H Rabbit Project families!
Get ready to show off your fluffy friends at this year’s 4-H Fall Fest — it’s going to be a hopping good time!

📅 Important Dates to Remember:
Oct. 9 – 🐇 Rabbit Possession Deadline
Oct. 9 – 📝 Online Form Submission Deadline
Nov. 7 – 🎪 Fall Fest & Rabbit Show Day!

✨ To join the fun, make sure you:
🐰 Have your rabbit(s) at least 30 days before the show
✍️ Tattoo or ear mark the left ear for ID
📬 Submit your online form on time (one entry per rabbit)
🩺 Bring current health papers to check-in

Complete instructions can be found in Fall Fest Rules!
https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/our_offices/parishes/lafayette/features/4-h/contest/2009-4h-fall-fest-contest-day

Please contact the LSU AgCenter Office with any questions at 337-291-7090!