Acadia Parish 4-H agents, youth leaders visit Kiwanis

Agents and youth leaders from Acadia Parish 4-H visited with the Eunice Kiwanis Club Thursday, and each of the 4-H members shared what being a member of the club has taught them.
“Benjamin Franklin said ‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn,’” said Trace Gaspard, a 2015 graduate of Notre Dame High School. “One day my dad came home with a little calf. It was then I learned that I was to enroll in 4-H and show this little calf. That calf would lead me to a new world and all that 4-H has to offer. I have learned many skills that I will use in life.”
Gaspard is going into his ninth and final year as a 4-H member, and his years in 4-H have included serving as a youth ambassador and a camp counselor and involvement in the club’s livestock community.
“It was hard walking out of the (livestock) ring that last time, but I have met many people,” he said.
Braille Cormier, a sophomore at Midland High School, has been heavily involved in volunteer projects as a 4-H member.
“I am proud to be part of the club,” Cormier said. “It’s a very diverse club. It truly does have something to offer for everyone. The club has taught me to reach for my goals.”
Kayla Segura and Megan Sarver, the two Acadia Parish 4-H agents, also spoke to Kiwanis members.
“People hear 4-H and think pigs, chicken and cooking,” Segura said. “That’s not all we do. We also do public speaking, demonstrations and many other things.”
According to Segura, Acadia Parish 4-H has about 1,100 members, 200 adult volunteers and 100 youth volunteers. Students are allowed to join 4-H at the age of 9 and may remain members until they reach the age of 19.
“4-H is the largest youth organization in the United States and in the world,” Segura said. “There are so many opportunities, and members get to meet students from all around the state and other states.”
Segura said it is the organization’s hope that members who are no longer eligible to be in the club due to age assist the organization in the future as volunteers.
One of the more recent opportunities Acadia Parish 4-H members took part in was 4-H University. The program allows members to experience what it is like to live in a college dorm room and explore the Louisiana State University campus. During the three day event, 4-H members may compete in competitions in subjects including public speaking, consumer decision making, computer science, dog care and fashion. Members can also attend Clover College, which are workshops on topics including Forensic Science, Project Runway, K-9 Connections, Tiger Chef, Lights, Camera, Action!, Health Professionals 101. Members may win trips and prizes during the event.
According to Segura, 81 Acadia Parish 4-H members attended this year’s 4-H University, and Acadia Parish students participated in the majority of the competitions at the event.
“They learn skills and independence through these events,” Segura said. “They learn leadership and service all year round.”
“We enjoy being able to work with kids.”
4-H members also have the chance to attend camp each summer at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock. While there, students can learn about hunter safety and canoeing and kayaking.
Two of Acadia Parish’s top 4-H programs are shooting sports and livestock.
“We had about 100 cattle exhibitors this past year, but now we also have programs for things like food and fitness and robotics,” Segura said. “We are working to keep the livestock program as strong as we can.”
“Our shooting sports program is our fastest growing program. It has double and tripled over the years. We had 300 participants this year. Members don’t even have to have their own gun. We purchase firearms with grants.”