Cooperative Extension reports active 4‑H program; board votes to hold this year’s show at Burton

Parish Cooperative Extension staff updated the Cameron Parish Police Jury on a busy year for 4‑H, including volunteer training, camp participation and a new community food‑pantry box planned for Grand Lake.

S7, the extension office lead who addressed the jury, said the office is filling the position once held by Kevin Savoy and that the parish used an 8‑acre site to support a shooting‑sports program with roughly 40 youth participants. Michelle (S8), who has worked with 4‑H for about a year, said the parish’s six clubs have more than 200 members and that dozens of youth attended regional camps and competitions, with several placing in top ranks.

During Q&A, jurors and community members pressed staff about whether county 4‑H shows would remain in Calcasieu or return to Cameron. S7 said the 4‑H board voted 10–4 on Aug. 26 to hold the show at Burton for this year while staff prepares a budget, equipment list and procurement timeline intended to support returning the show to Cameron in future years. Extension staff invited jurors and other stakeholders to participate in facility walkthroughs and planning.

Why it matters: 4‑H activities provide youth development and community service in largely rural parishes and rely on local facilities, volunteers and coordination with schools. Bringing the show home would increase local economic and civic engagement but requires funding and lead time.

Staff asked jurors to be available to provide support as the extension finalizes the budget and bid schedule; no formal board vote was taken on the agenda at the meeting.