As an elementary school student, the most exciting time of my life was entering the fourth grade and finally being old enough to join the 4-H Club! All of the older kids that you looked up to were part of this organization, as well as, some of your friends' cooler older siblings. Joining 4-H has affected my life and work ethic in many more ways than I ever imagined. To this day, I still live my life in conformity with the 4 H's: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. I leave all of you, present and past 4-H members, with a list of 13 things that are very familiar to everyone who's a member of the 4-H program.

1. 4-H Camp at Camp Grant Walker

Whether you were attending 4-H Camp or Challenge Camp, going to camp was sure to be the highlight of your summer! From swimming in the creek, to arts and crafts, to shopping in the camp store- memories were made that will surely last a lifetime!

2. Livestock Shows

Livestock shows were a big part of the 4-H experience! Working hard all year to prepare your animals for judging taught me responsibility and patience. Although shows can be stressful at times, amazing bonds and friendships are formed in the show ring, as well as memories that I will always cherish.

3. Club Meetings at School

Everyone was excited to find out that it was meeting day at school. During this time, you were able to skip one of your classes in order to meet with all of your other friends in the club and discuss how to become the best versions of ourselves.

4. Cooking Competitions

There was nothing more exciting than staying up late at night and making a huge mess in your mom's kitchen! Cooking competitions were always very competitive. There was nothing better than being able to share your meal with judges and being critiqued on it. A plus was that you also learned some valuable cooking skills along the way.

5. 4-H University

Getting an inside look at the life of a college student for a week as you explored the LSU Campus was always an experience to be remembered! 4-H University featured various competitions, educational classes, and social gatherings that helped personal growth. Friendships were formed here as you competed to win vacations and other great prizes.

6. Junior Leaders

Upon entering your high school years as a 4-H member, you were awarded the great opportunity to become a Junior Leader. As a Junior Leader, you served as a role model to younger club members as well as lead and help with important parish events. Important leadership skills were gained through this experience.

7. State Board Elections

Whether you were running for the state board yourself or supporting your friends who were running, state board elections were always a fun experience. From the goofy costumes, to silly campaign songs and dances- elections always showcased the leadership skills of the candidate. It was always great to see 4-H members from your parish receive the honor of being elected to the state board.

8. Community Service

Whether it was planting marsh grass to help stop coastal erosion, or donating canned goods to a local food bank, the 4-H program was sure to have a community service project going on! Volunteering of your time and efforts taught us to be selfless and hard working! I am thankful for the awesome volunteering opportunities that 4-H has provided me.

9. Educational Exhibits

The 4-H fair wasn't just about livestock! A big part of the fair was the educational exhibits that taught students how to live out the 4 H's, as well as exhibits about the state that we live in. Holding a baby alligator, learning how to pick out healthy snacks from a grocery store shelf, and planting your very own sunflower from a seed were all activities to look forward to!

10. Shooting Sports

Whether it was archery, a pistol, or a rifle; shooting sports offered a little something for everyone! Hard work, dedication, and practice were all part of shooting sports competitions. Local, state and national competitions were places to showcase your skills. as well as win many awards!

11. 4-H Portfolio

At the beginning of each school year, members are given workbooks to aid in learning, as well as track progress of various projects throughout the year. Working diligently on these workbooks, taking pictures, and recording all of your achievements throughout the year, so that you could compile everything into a portfolio to be judged, was a great part of my 4-H experience! It was a great feeling to be able to look back on the past year's memories and achievements.

12. Homemaking Competitions

Homemaking competitions were always a fun way to express your creative side! You could enter into various categories, such as woodworking, baking, photography, wreath making, and even electrical work. Creating items from scratch to enter in the homemaking fair was always a fun activity.

13. Friendships and Memories Made and Life Lessons Learned

Although sometimes being a 4-H member was hard work, the club has shaped me into the person that I am today. Through the 4-H program, I made lifelong friends, as well as learned many important life lessons. Being a part of the 4-H program is a valuable gift, and your time in 4-H should be cherished. Thank you 4-H for making us into the best version of ourselves! Thank you for teaching us to live for our club, our community, our country, and our world!