Laura Brumbaugh has worked as an Extension Agent for the LSU AgCenter for over 9 years, focusing on 4-H Youth Development programming. She has delivered educational programs on topics such as healthy living, character education, safety, financial management, science and technology, Louisiana agriculture, and cyberbullying. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing 4-H programming for over 890 members through club meetings, workshops, contests, and other activities. She strives to use evaluation and feedback to create engaging, meaningful programs that teach youth important skills and knowledge.

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Laura M. Brumbaugh
100% Extension Appointment
Requested Action: Promotion from Associate Extension Agent to Full Extension Agent
St. Martin Parish
LSU AgCenter
114 Courthouse Street
Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
337-332-2181
lbrumbaugh@agcenter.lsu.edu
Documentation of Major Program Areas and Initiatives
Laura Brumbaugh received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Louisiana State University in Family,
Child, and Consumer Science with a concentration in Human Services in December 2005. Laura began
her employment with the LSU AgCenter in Natchitoches Parish in August 2006. Laura transferred to St.
Martin Parish in January 2009. Laura transferred to Ascension Parish on September 15, 2010. She
transferred back to St. Martin Parish in November 2011. She earned her Masters of Science Degree in
Human Resource Education with a Concentration in Agriculture, Extension, and Adult Education on
December 20, 2013. Her thesis topic was Adult Perceptions of Youth Leadership.
Currently Laura serves as the Associate Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development in St. Martin Parish
where her responsibilities include program development, implementation and evaluation of the 4-H
Youth Development Program within the parish. Her major work program initiatives include: Healthy
Living, Teen Leadership, Citizenship, Service-Learning, Volunteer Management, Marketing the 4-H
Program, Curriculum Development Recruitment and Retention of youth and adults, and identifying the
knowledge, skills and competencies essential to conducting 4-H Youth Development through
professional development.
Laura is responsible for delivering educational programs to approximately 890 4-H Club members and
has reached over 2,000 youth through school enrichment, project clubs and other youth serving
organizations teaching opportunities. She makes use of a variety of teaching methods to meet
programming efforts and tailors educational programs to meet the needs of her clients. She believes in
evaluating programs and making necessary changes to stay relevant with the youth she serves.
Programs are based on issues, needs, and interests of her clientele. Issues are identified through formal
evaluations, reviews of literature, 4-H Youth Advisory Leadership Council(s), observations, and informal
feedback from clientele. Laura strives to deliver age-appropriate programming with a focus on being
intentional during planning. She always looks for innovative and creative ways to make learning fun,
meaningful, and engaging to youth and adult audiences.
In an effort to better market the 4-H Program and increase community awareness of 4-H, Laura has
taken on the leadership role of increasing public value within the parish. Laura uses a variety of
marketing outlets to publicize the 4-H Program. Those include social media (Facebook, Twitter, and
Pinterest pages), parish newspaper, the LSU AgCenter website and word of mouth. Laura strives to not
only report what happened in her marketing items she authors, but the goals of the program. She
shares what the participants learned and strives to give the programming public value through her

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reporting. Pictures are also used when Laura is marketing the program, as this is the best way to
illustrate the story being told. Ms. Brumbaugh has also expanded programming efforts to include
community members as both planning partners and event participants.
Laura has also been successful in marketing the 4-H Program. Her work has been recognized by LAE4HA.
She understands the importance of marketing to specific age groups and is willing to change formatting
depending upon who she is marketing to. For instance, in St. Martin Parish, she developed a 4-H
monthly newsletter for Cloverbuds (3rd
graders), 4th
– 6th
grades and 7th
-12th
graders. Each publication
was geared to that age group. She also has produced numerous fliers, brochures and displays to
promote the 4-H Program and activities. In 2010, Laura was asked to serve as co-chairperson of the LA
4-H Strategic Plan Marketing Committee. At the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year, Laura
developed three marketing videos that were used at the September club meetings for recruitment. The
videos were a better method of marketing the opportunities to youth through the 4-H program. Club
enrollment increased by 4%.
Working with the LSU AgCenter for over 9 years, Laura has come to appreciate the job as a youth
development professional. She is empowered by the youth she works with and constantly improves
programming for them. Program development and implementation are her favorite parts of her job.
Laura’s favorite quote molds her leadership style that she uses while working with clientele in her
parishes, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are
a LEADER.” By John Quincy Adams. Laura truly aspires to inspire the clientele she works with to dream
more, learn more, do more and become more through programming that she creates.
1. Educational Programming
Laura understands the value of having an educational focus throughout each 4-H year. This includes
club meeting presentations, contests, and workshops. To maintain an increase in awareness of
knowledge, a high quality, cohesive program must be delivered to clients that incorporate intentional
planning for an impactful program. The following are Laura’s major work program initiatives in
educational programming from 2006-2015:
A. Yearly Club Educational Programming and Curriculum Development
B. Healthy Living Programs
C. Teen Leadership Development
D. Citizenship-Service-Learning Projects
E. Agriculture Awareness
F. Volunteer Management
G. Regional, State, and National Involvement
A. Yearly Club Educational Programming and Curriculum Development:
Laura is responsible for creating yearly club educational programming. She strives to make club meeting
lessons filled with research-based content delivered in a fun and informal context. She writes many of
her own lessons to use at club meetings. Laura also understands that to make the most impact, the
yearly program has to be connected with additional opportunities offered in the parish, i.e. workshops,
contests, Achievement Day stations, etc. Using the logic model, Laura excels at creating a cohesive
program where there are numerous opportunities for club meeting topic reinforcements for youth to
learn as much as they can about the topic.

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2006-2007 Healthy Living Focus – Natchitoches Parish
Youth were given opportunities to be actively engaged in learning and gaining mastery in health and
fitness through the following club meeting presentations: Fruits and Vegetables – You be the Judge; Get
the Scoop on Fat and Snack Right; Grains – The whole picture; Get Real – Get Moving; and Search for the
Hidden Sugars. Also, youth were given the opportunity to participate in cookery contests that
promoted food safety and creative thinking in the kitchen. Laura planned Achievement Day with a
healthy living focus. Achievement Day sessions included: Food Amazing Race, Crocodile Race, and
Fitness Bowling.
2007-2008 Agriculture Awareness – Natchitoches Parish
Youth were given opportunities to be actively engaged in learning and gaining mastery in Louisiana
agriculture through the educational programs that were offered. Club meeting programs presented
were: A Value Meal of LA Products; Commodity Trading Cards; DVD: Ten Things Kids Want to Know
about Farming; Careers: Ma, What You Got in Da Gumbo Pot, and DNA for Dinner: Biotechnology.
Other learning opportunities included educational programs at the cookery contest that focused on
production of food – from farm to table. Also, an Ag Contest Day was held which included a commodity
ambassador illustrated talk contest, Ag commodity display board contest, a pet show and commodity
cookery contest. Also, during the Natchitoches parish Fair, several activities were used to teach about
Louisiana Agriculture. Those included a Fair display contest in which schools highlighted a LA
Commodity and a Kids “AgCellent Agventures” Day at the Fair. Laura was also instrumental in
establishing a kid’s activity zone at the Natchitoches Parish Ag Day. The kids’ zone provided youth
opportunities to visit hands-on learning stations that covered such topics as farm animals, LA
commodities, hunting, and farm games. Laura played an integral role in carrying out an after-school
program with an agriculture focus at the kid’s city program. Laura presented a series of lessons using LA
Ag in the Classroom materials. Lastly, Laura planned Achievement Day with an agriculture focus.
Stations included the following topics: Forestry, Gardening, Vet Science, Petting Zoo, Louisiana
Commodities, Centennial Celebration, and State Fair.
August 2008 – December 2008 – Character Focus – Natchitoches Parish
Youth were given opportunities to be actively engaged in learning and gaining mastery in Character
education. In an effort to educate youth and volunteers in Natchitoches Parish about civic engagement
through character education the following 4-H Club meeting educational programs were presented by
Laura: Character Counts Overview, Tower of Trust – Trustworthiness, 4-H Rules – Responsibility, and RC
Mix – Respect and Caring. Also, Laura asked clubs to partner with civic organizations to complete a
service project together. Laura was instrumental in starting a service-learning project at Marthaville
Junior High as well entitled “Safety Crew-Teens Constructing a Safer Tomorrow” (see service-learning
section for more information). Lastly, character lessons were taught at the kids’ city after-school
program that focused on the 6 pillars of character (Trustworthiness, Caring, Fairness, Respect,
Responsibility, and Citizenship).
January 2009 – May 2009 – Healthy Living – St. Martin Parish
Youth were given opportunities to be actively engaged in learning and gaining mastery in Healthy Living.
In an effort to raise awareness of the obesity epidemic to youth, the following 4-H Club educational
programs were presented: Hand washing, Aim for a Diet Low in Sodium, and Re-Think Your Drink. Also
healthy living workshops were conducted at a Fun Day workshop and cookery contests. Lastly, Laura
implemented an educational aspect to Achievement Day, by coordinating “Pyramid Posse” nutrition
curriculum stations for Cloverbuds. The stations were manned by Jr. Leader Club members. The
stations covered topics such as exercise, portion control, and fruit and vegetable consumption.

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2009-2010 – Safety Focus – St. Martin Parish
Youth were given opportunities to be actively engaged in learning and gaining mastery in Healthy Living-
Safety Focus. In an effort for youth and adults to gain knowledge and skills associated with personal and
community leadership Safety was chosen as the educational focus. At Cloverbud meetings, the
following lessons were presented: Safe at Home, Food Drive: Jumping-Jack-a-thon, Weather Fun, and
Fishing Safety. The following lessons were presented at 4th
– 8th
grade 4-H Club meetings: Safety on the
Net, Don’t Be a Target (Bullying), Get Fired Up about Outdoor Cookin, and Fishing Safety. For 9th
– 12th
grade clubs, the following lessons were presented: Safety on Cyber Island, Get Fired Up about Outdoor
Cooking, Don’t Be a Victim of Identity Theft, and Fishing for Safety.
In addition to club meeting lessons, Laura and her co-worker also incorporated safety learning
opportunities in the following ways: Safety Poster Contest at Fall Fest; Safety-themed Fun Day with a
trip to the Fire Station, kitchen safety, home alone safety and hunting safety; Kids Chef Camp – This
taught kitchen safety and food safety; Chicken Queuing Contest – participants were judged on fire safety
and food safety; Commodity Cookery contest – the contest teaches the importance of food safety and
kitchen safety; and Achievement Day – through total community collaboration, Achievement Day had
safety sessions for all youth attending. Those sessions included: Flipped Car from the State Police which
taught safe driving, Drug Dog Demonstration, CSI sessions, Food safety – Ice Cream in a Bag session, Pet
Safety, Science Safety, Internet Safety, Fishing Safety, Germ Cave, Drunk Goggles, and Kitchen safety.
Laura and her co-worker also co-presented a bullying session at the LAE4HA Convention to raise
awareness of current bullying statistics and ways 4-H can partner with local schools to help address the
problem.
2010 – 2011 – Financial Management – Ascension Parish
Youth were given opportunities to be actively engaged in learning and gaining mastery in Financial
Management. In an effort to address the need for financial education due to the current state of the
country’s economy in 2010, the Ascension Parish 4-H Advisory Committee advised to make financial
management the educational focus for the year. The following lessons were taught at 4-H Club
Meetings: I Wanna be a Billionaire, Creating a Budget Tree, and Vacation Destination. 4-H members
were also given the following learning opportunities: Financial poster contest promoting saving and
investing; and a monthly trivia question contest in the newsletter about financial management.
2011-2012-SET-St. Martin Parish
Youth were given opportunities to be actively engaged in learning and gaining mastery in Science,
Engineering, and Technology (SET). In an effort to address the need for SET education due to the low
science scores on standardized tests nationwide, St. Martin parish focused on SET education.
The club meeting lessons were focused on science topics such as: Oxidation, Plant Science, Farm to
Table (plant science and food science) and The Butter Side of Moo (animal science and food science).
The parish SET board members also held the annual SET Fun Day. Fifty youth were exposed to the
following science concepts: wetlands, environmental conservation, energy, and polymers. The Jr. Leader
club also focused on the environment as their service focus. Members held a trash bash, had a guest
speaker talk about Lake Martin, and did a lesson from the Youth Wetlands week curriculum.
2012-2013-Louisiana Agriculture-St. Martin Parish (3rd
-6th
Grade Audience)
3rd
-6th
grade youth were given opportunities to be actively engaged in learning and gaining mastery in
Louisiana Agriculture (in particular local parish commodities). In an effort for youth and adults to gain
mastery youth were given the opportunity to understand the importance of agriculture in their daily
lives and gain an appreciation for local agriculture, Louisiana agriculture was chosen as the educational

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focus for 3rd
-6th
grade club members. Laura wrote curriculum for this topic using Ag in the Classroom
lessons and adapted them to be specific to St. Martin parish agriculture. In 2012-2013 she presented
five lessons that directly taught youth about Louisiana agriculture. The lessons were: Introduction to 4-
H; 10 Questions Kids Have about agriculture DVD; Living History of Sugar; Beef By Products and
Demonstration; and lastly a Source Search. Other opportunities for learning about agriculture included:
SET Fun Day; Barnyard Bash; contests; and Achievement Day stations.
She planned twenty four Achievement Day stations for 3rd
-6th
graders to rotate through. She also
recruited community partners to help teach the stations along with over fifty five youth and adult 4-H
volunteers to teach the stations. Some of the stations directly related to increasing awareness of
Louisiana agriculture were as follows: Ice Cream in a Bag (Louisiana Dairy); Bee Keeper (Bernard
Aperies); Living Necklace (Gardening); Baseball & Agriculture Charm; LA Stone Gumbo Skit; Germ Cave
(USDA Food Safety); Poultry (Dr. Jackie Simon advertising the 4-H poultry project); Whooping Crane
awareness (youth wetlands associate); Honey-How Dense Can It Be? (Louisiana commodity
awareness and science); The Berry Race (Louisiana commodity and physical activity); Gardening
(Stuart Gauthier); Stick Horse Rodeo Events (4-H livestock project); Petting Zoo (4-H livestock
projects); How Did that Get In My Lunchbox Story Time (Ag in the Classroom Literacy Project); My
Plate Game (Louisiana commodities and healthy living); Bee Dance (Louisiana commodity and
physical activity); Bumble Beans (Louisiana soybean commodity); and Backyard Bass (4-H Project
Fishing Sports).
2012-2013-Cyberbullying-St. Martin Parish (7th
-12th
Grade Audience)
7th
-12th
grade youth were given opportunities to be actively engaged in learning and gaining mastery in
Cyberbullying. In an effort for youth and adults to gain mastery youth were given the opportunity to
define cyberbullying, distinguish possible consequences of cyberbullying and demonstrate a change in
their behavior in regards to social media and cell phone usage. Laura identified a cyberbullying
curriculum to be used during the 2012-2013 year. The curriculum was written by 4-H agents in the
Northwest region, entitled, SAFE curriculum. During 2012-2013 three different lessons were presented
during 4-H club meetings’ educational program times. Those lessons were: Cyberbullying: What is It and
How to Cope with it; What is Your Status?; and What Message are you Sending? These club lessons
allowed for youth to work in small groups and discuss the topic being focused on. Also, there were
additional learning opportunities offered to 7th
-12th
grade youth throughout the year. Those
opportunities offered were: Cyberbullying speech contest; Cyberbullying PSA contest; Anti-Bullying
Poster Contest at Achievement Day; monthly trivia question in the newsletter relating to cyberbullying.
Achievement Day sessions were offered that built confidence and ways to resist bullying.
2013-2014-Healthy Living Initiative-St. Martin Parish (3rd
-6th
Grade Audience)
3rd
-6th
grade youth were given opportunities to be actively engaged in learning and gaining mastery in
Healthy Living. Through new approaches to teaching, youth and adults will have the opportunity to learn
how to incorporate fun, interactive physical activity into their daily lives. Laura wrote club meeting
lessons and presented them to 3rd
-6th
grades on the following topics: 4-H Treasures with a Fitness Twist;
My Plate Introduction and Body Stir Up Fitness Game; Aerobic Exercise with Animal Action Bingo; and
Smart Snacking with focus on strengthening exercises. To reinforce healthy living concepts the following
opportunities were offered to youth: Monthly Newsletter that had a healthy living supplemental page
for youth to do activities individually and as a family; incorporated healthy living into the existing
Pumpkin Decorating Contest by including a healthy pumpkin category. Monthly Trivia Question; Fitness
Essay Contest; Move 4 Health Project Club; Wellness Bingo Game ; Destined For Adventure 4-H Fun
Day; Service project led by Jr. Leader club members; Mardi Gras Gleaux 5K and Fun Run; and the 2014

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Achievement Day. For Achievement Day, she wrote lesson plans for stations and coordinated
volunteers. Through community collaborations, youth participants had a day focused on Healthy Living.
There were eighteen stations that focused on healthy living and fitness that approximately five hundred
youth rotated through. Sessions included: Veggie Grow Necklace, Fitness Wheel Game, United
HealthCare & Dr. HealthEHound, Aerobic Dance Party, Healthy Puppets, Germ Cave, and Gardening.
Laura created Achievement Day exhibit contests to extend learning opportunities about healthy living. A
Meal Plan Category and Healthy Snack Category were offered to 3rd
-4th
grade 4-H members. She asked
Hands 4 Art club volunteer leader to incorporate a physical activity at each art club meeting, which she
did.
2013-2014-Career Development-St. Martin Parish (7th
-12th
Grade Audience)
7th
-12th
grade youth were given opportunities to be actively engaged in learning and gaining mastery in
Career Development. 7th
-12th
grade youth were given the opportunity to gain awareness of soft skills.
Laura wrote club meeting lessons using the Skills to Pay the Bills curriculum for the 7th
-12th
grade
meetings. The topics included: Intro to 4-H with Human Bingo Game to appreciate diversity among
members; Life is Full of Hard Knocks-Enthusiasm and Attitude; Interview Role Play; Portfolio How To-
Getting ready for scholarships; and Professionalism in the Workplace. She offered Project Club
mentoring opportunities to build soft skills and allow for possible career development. A total of fifteen
youth served as mentors of the Hands 4 Art club, Discovery Leadership Academy, SET club, and Move 4
Health club. During their experiences they were allowed to lead sessions and to help plan the upcoming
sessions. Laura created Achievement Day Life Skills exhibit categories for 7th
-12th
graders. The contests
included the following categories: Leadership Essay Category and Resume Category. Lastly, she
incorporated life skill development sessions at Achievement Day for 7th
-12th
grade audiences. Laura
invited the LSU College of Agriculture recruiter to give a presentation to youth about the opportunities
at LSU with the College of Agriculture. Also, Dr. Jackie Simon presented a session on Career Exploration-
How to Become a Vet.
2014-2015-Healthy Living Initiative-St. Martin Parish
Youth were given opportunities to be actively engaged in learning and gaining mastery in Healthy Living.
To help fight the obesity epidemic, innovative programming must be used that taught new behaviors to
adopt while youth have fun and take ownership of their health. Laura applied for the Fit4theFuture
grant offered at the state level to provide funding for the St. Martin Parish 4-H healthy living initiative.
St. Martin Parish 4-H received the grant in the amount of $8,000. She wrote club meeting lesson plans
for 3rd
grade clubs, 4th
-6th
grade clubs, 7th
-12th
grade clubs using the following curricula pieces:
MyPlage.org, Healthy Steps 4-H curriculum series, CHEFF series, Get UP and Move, Up for the Challenge,
Get Fit 4 Life, Eat Healthy *Be Active Community Workshops, and a variety of Learning ZoneXpress
curriculum pieces.
The following club meeting lessons were taught at 3rd
grade club meetings:
September 4-H Club Meeting Lessons-introduction to the healthy living initiative to 4-H members and
their families through an introductory video made by the Jr. Leader club planning team and through the
September Cloverbud and Bayou Gazette newsletter’s healthy living pages. October 2014’s lesson was
entitled, “Get in the Movement Groove & the Family Health Break Challenge”. The goal of this lesson is
for youth to identify three types of exercise and to construct a fitness game with the awareness they
gained. In November Laura presented a lesson entitled, “Types of Physical Activity & Physical Activity
Charades”. The goal of this lesson is for youth to identify different types of exercises and demonstrate
examples of these types of exercises through a game of charades. February 2015’s club lesson was

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entitled, “Introduction to MyPlate & MyPlate Game”. The goal of the lesson is for participants to name
the MyPlate food groups and recall examples from the food groups through a game experience.
The following club meeting lessons were taught at 4th
-6th
grade club meetings:
September 4-H Club Meeting Lessons-introduction to the healthy living initiative to 4-H members and
their families through an introductory video made by the Jr. Leader club planning team and through the
September Bayou Gazette newsletter’s healthy living pages. The October 4th
-6th
grade Lesson was
entitled, “Exercise & Your Heart”. The goal of this lesson is for youth to identify exercise benefits to the
heart, to compute their heart rate before and after exercise, and to compare their heart rate before and
after exercise. In November 2014, the lesson presented to 4th
-6th
grade club members was entitled,
“Energy & Calories: The Balancing Act”. The goal of this lesson is for youth to describe how the body
uses food as energy and conclude that fats take more time to break down in the body than
carbohydrates and proteins. Lastly, in February 2015, the lesson entitled, “Introduction of MyPlate &
Focus on Fruits & Vegetables” was presented. The goal of this lesson plan is for youth to recognize and
apply ways to eat a variety of foods from the five food groups identified on the MyPlate illustration, in
particular fruits and vegetables.
The following club meeting lessons were taught at 7th
-12th
grade club meetings:
September 4-H Club Meeting Lessons-introduction to the healthy living initiative to 4-H members and
their families through an introductory video made by the Jr. Leader club planning team and through the
September Bayou Gazette newsletter’s healthy living pages. In October 2014, “Go, Slow, Whoa Food
Choices & Blender Bike” was presented. The goal of this lesson is for youth to identify foods that should
be consumed in moderation. Youth will choose foods that are nutrient-dense and evaluate snacks prior
to choosing so they can identify a healthier choice. The November 2014 4-H Club Meeting Lesson was
“Healthy Diet Game”. The goal of this lesson is that youth will identify the main functions of major
nutrients and name foods that contain those nutrients within each group. Lastly, in February 2015,
“Physical Fitness Options” was presented. The goal of the lesson is that youth will define intensity
categories of physical activity and youth will identify why physical activity is important throughout life.
Laura established and worked with a Healthy Living Advisory Committee. The healthy living advisory
committee was created with a board of youth and adults from St. Martin parish to help implement the
grant programs. This committee allows community members to be engaged in the educational efforts
made possible by the grant. The committee is made up of six adult and six youth members. The
committee met seven times throughout September 2014-April 2015. The major projects of the
committee were planning the Gleaux 4-Health 5K and Fun Run and Super Fit Super Families Health Fair
Expo.
Also, throughout the year Laura included healthy living supplemental pages for youth to complete
individually and with family members in the monthly 4-H newsletter. The activities included physical
activity, STEM topics, cooking/recipes, and nutrition. She planned, organized, marketed, and
implemented the first Healthy Living “Meet Up”; Hula 4-Health Fun Day workshop for 3rd
-6th
graders,
Monthly Trivia Contests; Wellness Bingo Challenge; Family Health Break Challenge; #iam4Health essay
contest; Super Fit 4-H Amazing Race Contest; Gleaux 4-Health 5K Race and Fun Run; Super Fit Super
Families Health Fair Expo; and 4-H is a Twist of Fun Achievement Day educational stations. (See healthy
living section for complete details of events)
On April 20, 2015 the annual 4-H Achievement Day was held at Breaux Bridge High school.
Approximately seven hundred twenty five youth, volunteers, and adults attended the event. During the

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event youth rotate through educational stations and then enjoy the afternoon with a song & yell contest
and awards. The objective of the 4-H Achievement Day stations is to reinforce concepts that were
taught at 4-H club meetings to the youth at the end of the year. 3rd
grade stations included: Fruit
Consumption with Sorbet with a Fruity Twist; Ali’s Swamp Tour physical activity; H2O café to increase
water consumption; Laughter Yoga for Emotional Health; Get Moving Away from the Screen
Fruit/Veggie Toss; What’s in the Grocery Bag Fruit and Vegetable Consumption; and My Sleep for ten
hours each night. 4th
grade stations included: Aerobic Exercise Party; Fruit Consumption with Sorbet
with a Fruity Twist; Germ Cave Hand Washing; Planning with MyPlate; and Everybody Needs Physical
Activity. 5th
/6th
grade stations included: Aerobic Exercise Party; Smell Sleuth with Fruits, Vegetables, and
Herbs; How Microbes are Spread Germ Party; Rock the Bike Fruit Smoothies; Butterfly Whole Grain
Trail Mix; Grow a Garden with Cement Blocks; and Happy or Sad Tooth Dental Health Activity. 7th
-12th
grade stations included: Games To You physical activity; Alcohol and Tobacco Control presentation;
Express Yourself Stress Management Painting; Great Grains Trail Mix and Food Preference Survey; and
Nutrient Wars Game. The stations were presented by adult and teen volunteers and AgCenter co-
workers.
B. Healthy Living
Healthy Living is an extremely personal program initiative for Laura. Through her work in the area of
healthy living, she has adopted lifestyle changes in her personal life and is making better health choices.
It is through her work that Laura has improved her health. Her work in the healthy living mission
mandate area has evolved over the years from offering Smart Bodies to schools to developing a healthy
living initiative with multiple opportunities offered to both youth and adults. She has incorporated
healthy living in a variety of ways in her programs, using non-traditional and innovative programming,
workshops, events, and camps.
One of the first healthy living programs she conducted early in her career incorporated her love of
cooking into the St. Martin program. With the help of Amy Juneau, FNP Area Agent, Laura held a Kid’s
Chef Camp in July 2010. Fourteen youth attended the four day camp and nine teens volunteered. The
objectives of the camp are to expose children to healthy foods, encourage participants to eat healthier
meals and snacks through hands-on cooking, involve children in all aspects of cooking, promote food
safety, promote and encourage physical activity and develop independence and self-confidence.
These objectives were met by allowing youth to create nutritious dishes in groups while at camp. On
the first day of the camp youth were introduced to the importance of hand washing by an explanation of
germs and a hand washing demonstration. Youth were also shown the differences in measuring wet
and dry ingredients and practiced while making a Hot Cocoa Mix. The physical activity for the day was a
number guessing game entitled the Hi Lo Game. Day two of camp focused on “Making My Pyramid”.
Campers were shown the Food Guide Pyramid and taught the importance of eating a variety of foods
from the pyramid. Campers also learned the proper way to chop vegetables and used their cutting skills
to prepare a Garden Pasta Salad. The physical activity for the day was a cooperative hoop contest.
On day three campers learned how to “Put it on the plate”. A review of hand washing and My Pyramid
were given. Campers also learned how to read the nutrition label on foods and what important things
to look at including fat, saturated fats and vitamins. Campers played a game called Meal or No Meal,
where they used the nutrition labels on foods to determine if the meal they were given was a good
choice or bad choice based on nutritional information given on the label. The last day of camp focused
on the family meal. Campers learned about proper meal time etiquette and about table place settings.
They participated in a table place setting relay race. Campers cooked a full meal which included Manly
meat loaf muffins, mashed potatoes, peas in the pasta salad and fruit salad. They enjoyed their meal
while practicing their etiquette skills. A graduation ceremony was held to conclude camp where

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participants were given a backpack full of cooking and physical fitness goodies along with a cookbook
and certificate. Campers had to wash dishes and clean their kitchen areas daily upon completing their
dishes. Campers surveyed reported the following statements about Kid’s Chef Camp. Regarding what
campers learned they stated: “I learned that if you want to find out something is healthy or not, you use
the nutrition facts label.” “I learned that Trans-fat is very bad.” “For food safety, I learned before
cooking always wash my hands.” “When measuring dry things and liquids you need different measuring
cups.” Regarding what they liked best about Kid’s Chef Camp they responded: “We made healthy things
and got to eat them.” “Cooking and then eating the food.” Designing the aprons.” “That I made
friends.”
Laura wanted to provide youth with a team competition involving foods, similar to reality television
shows. She created a 4-H “Iron Chef” competition at a parish contest day. Four teams of three to four
youth competed to be St. Martin parish Iron Chef. The purpose of the contest is to allow 4-H members
to work in teams to create two courses with a secret ingredient. At the end of sixty minutes, the chefs
presented their finished dishes to a panel of judges who question and critique each dish. The judges
then awarded an overall winner. The contest encouraged members to develop team work skills,
communication skills, use creativity in the kitchen to design recipes, to problem solve in the kitchen,
utilize food safety techniques and learn how to complete a task with a deadline. A key partnership was
also developed because of this contest. Ms. Brumbaugh invited local chef Colt Patin to serve as a judge.
Chef Patin is still involved in the St. Martin parish program, serving as a valuable resource. The contest
was continued in the parish.
Another unique opportunity Laura offered to 4-H youth was a chance for 4-H’ers to give demonstrations
at the Rouse’s Supermarket in Broussard, LA. Laura worked with youth to write demonstration scripts
and refine demonstration techniques. Four youth were able to participate in this 4-H marking
opportunity through Laura’s identification of outstanding 4-H youth who would strengthen their
demonstration skills.
In 2011, Laura, with the assistance of an adult volunteer and teen food and fitness board members, was
awarded the Fit 4tHe Future mini grant in the amount of $3,000. The grant allowed for the development
and implementation of the Ascension Parish 4-H Fit 4 Life Program. Under the supervision of Laura and
an adult volunteer, the Ascension Parish 4-H Food and Fitness Board was established in 2011. The board
is a youth organization headed by officers that range in age from thirteen to nineteen in which we
oversee programming and orchestrate volunteer and service opportunities. The structure was a club
within a club. The Food and Fitness Board members lead the Food and Fitness Club members made up
of 4th
through 6th
graders. Through delivering well-designed educational programs, the Ascension
Parish 4-H Fit 4 Life Program will: Promote positive mentoring relationships between caring adults and
teen leaders; teen leaders and elementary school students; Build life skills among youth participants;
Promote leadership skills in teen leaders; Engage youth and adults in service activities focused on low-
resource, minority, and other underserved populations; Increase knowledge about nutrition and healthy
food choices according to MyPlate and the USDA/US - HHS Dietary Guidelines; Increase physical activity
among youth and their families; improve nutritional behavior choices and awareness; and engage youth
ages fifteen to nineteen in overseeing programming and orchestrate volunteer and service
opportunities.
The food and fitness board started a food and fitness project club for younger 4-H members that met
monthly. The club meetings were planned by board members and included a physical activity,
nutritional lesson, and a service opportunity. The youth members of the Food and Fitness Club had

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something they could continue to learn from and be able to keep forever. The board supplied a cook
book compiled by having each member bringing in their family recipes. Under the supervision of Laura
and adult board sponsor, the Food and Fitness Board planned “The Wide World of Disney 4-H Food and
Fitness Club Day Camp”. The eight hour camp featured ice breakers, educational sessions that focused
on food science, food around the world, food safety, and food etiquette/history; fitness breaks; lunch;
nutritional food demonstration, and t-shirts for participants that were all planned and led by Food and
Fitness Board teens. The board took two study tours that helped reinforce concepts being taught within
the project club. In celebration of the board members’ hard work on the Food and Fitness camp, Laura
organized a trip to New Orleans, where youth learned about the history of food by touring the Southern
Food & Beverage Museum where they enjoyed a food demonstration. Also, the youth toured the
Farmers Market in the French Quarter. They also got their physical activity by enjoying a walking tour of
the French Quarter. The board also went to the National Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans, LA to watch
the contest and learn about the seafood industry in Louisiana.
During the 2013-2014 year St. Martin 3rd
-6th
grade youth had the opportunity to learn about ways to
incorporate fun, interactive physical activity into their daily lives. Laura presented club meetings focused
on healthy living concepts. In addition, she created and tabulated Monthly Trivia Question where youth
were invited to answer the monthly trivia question by using technology. All correct answers received a
prize and certificate at their club meetings. She organized and advertised a Fitness Essay Contest. The
contest invited youth to share how their family stays healthy and incorporates fitness into the daily lives.
Winner received a trip to Food and Fitness camp for them and a family member. Ms. Brumbaugh also
created the Move 4 Health Project Club. The club met in November, December, February, and March.
The club had ten participants with three Jr. Leader mentors. At the club meetings the following topics
were covered: Smart Thanksgiving Desserts, Eating Whole Grains, Fiber, Fruits and Vegetables-Eating a
variety, Smart Snacking, Writing recipes, MyPlate guidelines. Participants also prepared recipes that
included: Pumpkin Cookies, Whole Grain Chocolate chip cookies, Pumpkin Parfaits, Breakfast Whole
Grain Banana Quesadillas, Strawberry Smoothies, Low-Fat Ranch Dip, Homemade Lighter King Cake, and
Fruit Art. She created and tabulated a Wellness Bingo Game for 3rd
-12th
grade youth. Youth were
challenged to keep track of the healthy choices they made from February-April. Each time they made a
bingo on their card, there name was entered into a drawing. The winners were announced at
Achievement Day and given a healthy prize pack which included a basketball, jump rope, pedometer,
water bottle, etc.
Laura wrote lesson plans, organized supplies, and coordinated volunteers for the 2013 Destined For
Adventure 4-H Fun Day-Healthy Living Themed. Sessions that were taught by Jr. Leader volunteers,
reflected health and fitness topics with a Disney theme. Sessions included: Cars Fitness Speedway,
Veggie Avengers, Pirates of the Caribbean Scavenger Hunt, Monsters University Fitness Leaders, and
Incredible Self Defense. She worked with the Jr. Leader Club’s service learning project on healthy living.
The Jr. Leader club adopted healthy living as their service-learning project. They served as mentors to
the healthy living project club, they volunteered at the food for families food drive, they had a monthly
educational program on healthy living, they organized a personal hygiene drive at Achievement Day,
they led stations at Fun Day, they served on the Mardi Gras Gleaux Race Committee, and lastly they
planned a Trash Bash to clean up the environment and as a way for members to exercise together.
Laura led the planning committee for the Mardi Gras Gleaux 5K and Fun Run. To encourage 4-H youth,
their families, and the community to incorporate fitness into their everyday lives and that fitness can be
fun, with the help of a 4-H parent and a committee of Jr. Leader club members, a 5K Race and Fun Run
were organized. There were one hundred twenty three participants. With the registration form, the
volunteer parent created a five week fitness plan to help participants get ready for the race. Due to the

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impact of the 2013-2014 healthy living initiative, the advisory committee wanted Laura and her co-
worker to continue their programming efforts in 2014-2015 (for impact results see section #4).
In 2014, Laura applied for the Fit4theFuture grant offered at the state level to provide funding for the St.
Martin Parish 4-H healthy living initiative. St. Martin Parish 4-H received the grant in the amount of
$8,000. Laura established and worked with a Healthy Living Advisory Committee that is made up of both
youth and adults to help manage the grant activities. She wrote club meeting lesson plans for 3rd
grade
clubs, 4th
-6th
grade clubs, 7th
-12th
grade clubs using the following curricula pieces: MyPlage.org, Healthy
Steps 4-H curriculum series, CHEFF series, Get UP and Move, Up for the Challenge, Get Fit 4 Life, Eat
Healthy *Be Active Community Workshops and a variety of Learning ZoneXpress curriculum pieces. In
addition to club meeting lessons, she included healthy living supplemental pages for youth to complete
individually and with family members in the monthly 4-H newsletter. The activities included physical
activity, STEM topics, cooking/recipes, and nutrition.
Laura planned, organized, marketed, and implemented the first Healthy Living “Meet Up”. The first 4-
Health “Meet Up” was held on Sunday, October 5, 2014 to kick off the Healthy Living 4-H Initiative and
National 4-H Week. Approximately seventy five youth and adults attended the event. The meet up
offered participants three stops to choose to attend. The first stop was at Cecilia Jr. High in Cecilia. The
second stop was at Magnolia Park in St. Martinville. The last stop of the day was at Tractor Supply in
Breaux Bridge. Activities included: A Welcome Table with Goodie Bags and registration for Grand Prize
Drawings. The Blender Bike was a huge hit where youth made smoothies and almond butter. There were
games for youth to participate in as well including: Calories In/Calories Out Matching Game, Make A
Happy MyPlate Game, and a Fitness Wheel Spinning Game. All games had prizes that reinforced the
concepts being taught. There was also a “Try a New Food Table” where kiwis, golden tomatoes, and star
fruit were highlighted. Youth who tasted a new food received a sticker proclaiming so. Lastly, to increase
physical activity a Scooter Obstacle Course was set up and balls were available to youth to play with.
She planned, organized, marketed, and implemented the Hula 4-Health Fun Day workshop to 3rd
-6th
graders, with 7th
-12th
grade session teachers. Hula 4-Health Fun Day was held on Tuesday, November 25,
2014, fifty youth in grades 3rd
-6th
attended the annual 4-H Fun Day. Fun Day’s theme was Hula 4-Health,
again reinforcing the healthy living initiative of 2014-2015. Youth leaders served as session presenters,
group leaders, registration team, and timekeepers. There was an opening session that was youth led,
five educational session group participants rotated through, and a life size game celebration ended the
workshop. Youth were presented goodie bags to bring home so that they could share what they learned
with their families and implement some of the activities at home. Door prizes were also given out as a
reinforcement of concepts presented at Fun Day. Below is a description of each activity held at Fun Day
and the goal of each activity.
Opening Session: Beach Ball Party. Goal: Youth will identify different strengthening exercises that can
be done at home with their families.
Session 1: MyPlate Hula Toss. Goal: This station promotes the use of MyPlate when developing a
daily eating plan. Youth will be able to identify the five food groups that make up the MyPlate visual
and determine the food group of a food.
Session 2-Shake Your Grass Skirt Aerobic Exercises. Goal: Youth will hear the meaning of aerobic
exercise, the history of the hula dance, and learn a hula dance using a 4-H poem. Youth will illustrate
aerobic exercise by performing dances.
Session 3-Edible Island Fruit Fish. Goal: Youth will discuss smart snacking and the importance of
including fruits into their daily diet. Youth will construct an edible fruit fish using different types of fruits.
Session 4-Island Exercises – Strength & Flexibility Training. Goal: In this station youth will learn about

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strength exercises and flexibility exercise. They will rotate through a circuit training where they will do
the following exercises:
Circuit 1: Flexibility-Hand to Shoulder Reaches, Back Stretches, and Quadriceps Pull
Circuit 2: Strength-Toe Stands, Arm Curls, and Basic Burpees
Circuit 3: Flexibility-Limbo
Session 5-Hydration Relay Race. Goal: Youth will discuss the importance of drinking water, especially
during exercise. They will participate in a relay race that will show them how much water they need a
day.
Closing Session: Life Size Games Party. Goal: Youth will identify different exercises while playing
games that can be done at home with their families.
Laura created, marketed, implemented, and collected results for the Monthly Trivia Contest from
September 2014-January 2015. The trivia contest encouraged youth to work with their families to
answer trivia questions found in their 4-H newsletter to reinforce club meeting topics. The contest also
serves as a way for youth to practice technology skills such as self-inquiry learning; internet research;
and emailing. Each youth that follows directions and answers the question correctly received a
reinforcement item at their next club meeting.
She continued the Wellness Bingo Challenge for 3rd
-12th
graders. The bingo challenge is a fun and
interactive way to challenge youth to make healthy choices and include their families. Thirty four 3rd
-12th
graders participated in the bingo challenge and reported making one thousand twenty healthy choices.
The youth receive a bingo card in the monthly newsletter and can select as many activities that they
want to complete in a two month period. For each “bingo” on the card the youth were entered into a
drawing for reinforcement items that included things to encourage physical activity. Five youth were
randomly selected and rewarded for their participation in the Wellness Bingo Challenge.
Laura also created the Cloverbud (3rd
grade) Family Health Break Challenge where 3rd
grade (Cloverbud)
4-H members were invited to participate with their family members from October 2014-December
2014. The health break challenge was a fun way to encourage families to adopt healthy practices by
doing physical activities or making healthful recipes together. There were seventy two health break
activities included that are meant to encourage adopting a healthy lifestyle for the entire family. For
each health break that was completed as a family, youth had to enter it on the reporting form included
in the packet. Seven families of twenty four participants reported one hundred twenty nine activities
completed as a family. Every family was recognized at the 2015 4-H Achievement Day where they
received reinforcement items to continue physical activities and healthy cooking with their families. The
Health Break Challenge was adopted from the “Take Time with Your Kids for a Health Break” which was
provided by the LSU AgCenter’s Community Nutrition Programs and the 4-H Youth Development
Program.
Laura continued the #iam4health Essay Contest for 4th
-6th
grade members. The essay topic was
“#iamhealthy”-Tell what being “healthy” means to you and how has 4-H helped you to be healthy.
Youth had to submit a one page essay addressing the topic. There were six contest entries. Josie
Blanchard and Janell Howard were awarded a camp registration for the State 4-H Food and Fitness camp
for themselves and a parent.
Laura was instrumental in the development of the 4-H Amazing Race contest. The contest focuses on
the educational focus for the year. The Super Fit 4-H Amazing Race contest’s objective is to teach
healthy living concepts to youth and adults in a fun, interactive manner. The race offers hands-on

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learning opportunities in a competitive format where teams of 4-H members compete to complete eight
challenge stations. Scores are based on the quickest time and correct answers turned in at the end of
the race from the challenge stations. This year the rules of the race were changed to allow adults and
non 4-H members to participate. On March 28, 2015 twenty three teams with sixty participants ran the
race of “super heroes” while they learned about making healthy food choices, nutrition, and physical
activity. Challenge Stations included MyPlate Movie and Questions; Avengers Bowling Challenge; Under
the Cone Physical Fitness Challenge; Fruity Smoothie Challenge; Eggcellent Activity Challenge; Obstacle
Course; MyPlate Toss and Color; Wonder Woman Discovery Walk Challenge; Aquaman Water
Consumption Challenge; and finally the Super Hero Pose Finish Line.
She worked with volunteers that organized and implemented the 2015 Gleaux 4-Health 5K Race and Fun
Run. The objective of the Gleaux 4-Health 5K race and Fun Run is to offer an opportunity to 4-H
members, families, and community members that will increase the amount of physical activities in the
community. The event was organized by a committee made up of youth, volunteers, and 4-H agents. On
Saturday, March 7, 2015, St. Martin Parish 4-H sponsored the second annual “Gleaux” 4-Health 5K race
and family fun run. A night dedicated to families, fitness, and fun in which one hundred sixty five people
attended the event. The event is a culmination of a year-long 4-H healthy living initiative. The intent of
the event is to encourage 4-H members, their families, and the community to participate in a fitness
activity, connecting what has been taught at 4-H club meetings about fitness to a real-life situation. The
intent is to also show how much fun physical activity can be. The event included a pre-party where
hands-on learning educational stations were offered; Outdoor games to encourage physical activity;
music; and a one mile fun run. The 5K race was offered at 6:00 pm. After the race participants enjoyed
fruit samples; jambalaya meal and water; as well as three physical activity challenges for both youth and
adults (jump rope, jumping jacks, and sit ups) and a costume contest.
Laura saw a need for a health fair in St. Martin parish. There was only one offered to the senior citizen
community. She implemented the first annual Super Fit Super Families Health Fair Expo. The 1st
annual
St. Martin Parish 4-H ‘Super Fit Super Families’ Health Fair Expo was held on April 11, 2015 from 9am-
3pm hosted by the St Martin Parish 4-H Healthy Living Advisory Committee. This event was held at
Breaux Bridge High School. The target audience for this event was the families of St. Martin Parish;
including children, parents and grandparents. The event included twenty vendor booths; a kid’s area
with six activities; demonstrations and presentations; and door prizes. There were one hundred thirty
participants to the first annual Super Fit Super Families Health Fair Expo. Vendors included: Acadiana
Breastfeeding Coalition, Inc.; Breaux Bridge Chiropractic-Dr. Ben Thibodeaux; Growing Up Fit Together;
Kid's Gym; Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Site; Louisiana 4-H Food & Fitness Board; Louisiana
Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control; Lourdes After Hours; My Food Coach; Nature's Link Wellness
Center; Nursing Specialties Home Health & Hospice; St. Martin Hospital; LSU AgCenter-St. Martin Parish
ANR Agents; St. Martin Parish Early Childhood Network; St. Martin Parish Library Summer Reading
Program; St. Martin Parish School Based Health Centers; St. Martin Sheriff's Department; Susan G.
Komen Acadiana; Blender Bike Demonstration; Sugar Shockers H2O Café; and United Healthcare
Community Plan. Kids’ Area booths included the following topics: Germ Cave, MyPlate Super Shield
Toss; Veggie/Fruit Consumption Toss; Happy/Sad Tooth Dental Care; Physical Activity Ball Toss;
Emotional Health Clover; Veggie Grow Necklace. T-Shirts were given to each person who completed the
Kids’ area scavenger hunt. Demonstration/Presentations included: Food Demo by MyFood Coach
Daphne Olivier; Self Defense by 4-H member Peter Harris; Healthier Lunch Ideas by 4-H member Erin EJ
Blanchard; Basic CPR/First Aid by Red Cross Volunteer; Group Dance Exercise by 4-H member Jaylyn
Thomas; and Cajun Music Aerobic Exercise Jam by 4-H members Peter, Georgie Mae, and Mary Harris.
The event was sponsored by the Fit4tHeFuture Grant; St. Martin Hospital; Sheriff Ronald Theriot

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Community Projects; Breaux Bridge Chiropractic; St. Martin Parish School Nutrition Association; Hollier’s
Family Pharmacy; and St. Martin Parish 4-H Foundation.
The healthy living initiative was celebrated at the 4-H is a Twist of Fun 4-H Achievement Day. Laura
applied for the ConAgra Healthy Living grant offered from Louisiana 4-H and was awarded the $8,500
grant for the 2015-2016 year to continue the healthy living parish initiative.
C. Teen Leadership Development
One of Laura’s passions is working with teens to help them develop critical leadership and life skills.
Laura believes that if given the opportunity, youth will use their power to change the world. She puts an
emphasis on not only giving youth opportunities to practice leadership, but to learn about leadership.
Laura completed her thesis in December 2013 on the topic: “Adult Perceptions of Youth Leadership”.
Her teen leadership development work programs are outlined below:
*Natchitoches Parish
A teen leadership club was strengthened and expanded under Laura’s leadership in Natchitoches parish.
Laura evaluated the existing program and added key strategies to produce a successful teen leadership
program. She encouraged youth to plan their meetings and made teambuilding and ice breakers a
requirement at each meeting. Youth voice was also incorporated into program planning. Youth started
exhibiting better teamwork skills and independence through the year. Jr. Leader members were also
utilized during parish events. By the youth volunteering to help, civic engagement was fostered. The
youth begin to gain ownership of the club and the leadership opportunities membership brought. Also,
a non-conventional fundraiser was established by the youth. They raised $1,500.00 doing a “Get Your
Goat” fundraiser, where youth brought a pygmy goat to local businesses for a donation to “leave” their
business, taking the goat with them. Not only did this event raise money, it also allowed youth to build
their communication skills and market the Jr. Leader Program among the community. Officer
development was also a primary focus for Laura. She focused on providing appropriate training sessions
and a retreat so that the club officers would function independently, have ownership of the club and an
opportunity to gain mastery in leadership. The offices also wrote a set of by-laws under Laura’s
encouragement and guidance.
Laura also worked with other neighboring parish agents to increase Jr. Leader participation by holding a
tri-parish retreat. Laura worked with Grant and Winn parish 4-H agents to hold an overnight retreat for
Jr. Leader members at Camp Grant Walker. The retreat’s purpose was for Jr. Leader aged youth (7th
-12th
grade) to meet new people, gain a sense of belonging within the organization, develop skills needed to
be a successful Jr. Leader club member and to have fun. The retreat opened with a campfire, team
building activities and a movie/board game night. The retreat continued the following day with youth
rotating through three educational sessions. Topics included Finding the Leader in You!, 4-H University-
What’s It All About?, and What Not To Wear. Overall the retreat resulted in a positive, successful
experience for the youth that participated. When asked if they felt a sense of belonging during the
retreat 74% responded almost always. 41% felt they learned new skills during the retreat. 36% said
they attended the retreat to meet new people and to have fun.
Upon Laura’s departure from Natchitoches Parish in Jan. 2009, Jr. Leader membership had increased
200% to a total of thirty nine members. Also, a Jr. Leader member ran for a state executive board with
Laura’s encouragement and support.

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*Ascension Parish
Upon transferring to Ascension parish in 2010, Laura inherited a strong Jr. Leader club of fifty members.
While learning about the existing program, Laura instituted skill building opportunities at each club
meeting led by an officer. Several Jr. Leaders took on additional leadership roles within the parish. Eight
youth began a parish Food and Fitness Board that served as supervisors of a parish Food and Fitness
Club for 4th
-6th
grade 4-H members. Laura provided support for this program by marketing the club to 4-
H members, encouraging Jr. Leaders to deliver high quality programs and giving resources to the board.
As a reward for their hard work, Laura organized a rewards trip to New Orleans to the Southern Food
and Drink museum. Three Ascension parish youth where chosen to the Louisiana 4-H Executive Board,
one youth to the SET board, one youth to the Food and Fitness board and one to the Citizenship board.
One Jr. Leader was selected as a National 4-H Conference delegate. Laura also encouraged the current
Jr. Leader officers to hold a retreat to plan the year. The Jr. Leader president planned the overnight
retreat where youth planned the year and did some teambuilding games with the encouragement and
support from Laura. A new recruitment tool was adapted from the St. Martin parish 4-H program, Mess
Fest.
*St. Martin Parish
When Laura transferred to St. Martin parish, one of her primary responsibilities was the Jr. Leader club.
Laura studied the club’s current functioning and developed goals to improve the club. The personal
goals Laura set were to incorporate more youth voice in program planning, change meeting format,
complete a service-learning project, and train Jr. Leader officers in specific leadership skills. Through
meticulous planning in 2009, Laura worked with the Jr. Leader officers to incorporate ice breakers,
teambuilding, leadership lessons and other learning opportunities to the monthly club meetings.
Members embraced the chance to use youth voice to plan their meetings and events. The youth took
part in a trash bash, partnering with the St. Martin parish environmental department. The 2008-2009
year ended with an end of the year pool bash.
In preparation of the 2009-2010 year, Jr. Leader officers participated in a summer planning session:
Quest for Leadership Treasures. The goals of the session were: to create a new plan for the year,
understand what is expected of each officer and leave with a sense of pride and team. During the 2009-
2010 year under Laura’s leadership St. Martin Parish 4-H Jr. Leaders participated in monthly planning
meetings that allowed youth time to organize upcoming events and activities. The meetings focused on
different aspects of leadership so that youth could increase knowledge of such aspects and be able to
practice these skills. The topics covered included communication, respect, decision making and time
management.
As a result of programming efforts of having youth be engaged members of the community, Laura
provided leadership to the Jr. Leaders to complete a service-learning project benefitting the Muscular
Dystrophy Association. The club helped raised $2,000 to send two children with Muscular Dystrophy to
the annual summer camp, far exceeding their initial goal of $800.
The youth also participated in the following service projects: Toys for Tots drive, Food for Families Food
drive, NFL’s “Souper” Bowl of Caring Food drive and Care Packages for deployed military members.
Participation on the state leadership boards increased because of Laura and her coworker’s recruitment
and encouragement. Several Jr. Leader members applied to be on state boards. St. Martin parish had
nine youth on state boards. There was also a 25% increase of membership in 2009-2010.

16. P a g e | 16
Laura also planned a four day officer retreat in 2010. As a result of programming efforts for youth to
gain knowledge and utilize skills associated with personal and community leadership, the Jr. Leaders
officers were provided the opportunity to attend a four day retreat. The retreat, designed by Laura and
the Jr. Leader president, was not only used as a planning time, but also as a time for leadership
development with leadership curriculum and teambuilding activities used.
The Jr. Leaders also organized a fundraising entitled “What’s Hopping?” working in teams, youth visited
local businesses with a rabbit. They asked for a donation in order to leave. The group raised $1,000.
Laura encouraged this fundraiser because not only did it serve as a fundraiser, but it also taught
communication skills and a marketing opportunity for the club. Laura also worked with youth to go on a
trip in 2010. The youth chose a trip to the Baton Rouge area. The trip was a reward for all of the hard
work and dedication by Jr. Leaders.
In 2011, Jr. Leader membership was over eighty youth, an increase of 63%. Laura continues to
implement new strategies to build leadership skills for teens enrolled in the teen leadership
development program. When working with the St. Martin parish Jr. Leader club officers, they were
taught how to incorporate a variety of learning methods into the club meetings as well as teaching
teamwork. In 2013, a new opportunity to increase engagement in leadership was a mentoring program.
4-H’ers in 7th
-12th
graders were given the opportunity to serve as project club mentors for the following
newly established clubs: SET, Move 4 Health, Discovering Leadership Academy, and Discovery
Leadership Academy. There were five youth mentors that volunteered with the SET club. There were
four youth mentors who volunteered with the Move 4 Health club, four youth who volunteered with the
Discovery Leadership Academy, and eleven youth who volunteered with the Hands 4 Art club. These
youth assisted at club meetings by teaching lessons, overseeing stations, encouraging youth attendees
working on projects, and built personal leadership skills.
Also, Laura held a planning retreat with the Jr. Leader club officer team. The agenda included the
following lessons/activities: What Leadership Means to Me; Why Are We Here? What Are We Doing?
Presentation; Power Play; Flipping the Switch; Oh, Puh-leeeeeze!; Quit Talkin’ I Know What to Do;
Hear, There, Everywhere (Active Listening); Never Underestimate the Power of PMA; Life is Full of
Hard Knocks; Drop the Handkerchief Game; A Super Ball and A Raw Egg; Brainstorming on Service-
Learning Projects; Create Goal for the Year; Brainstorming on Meeting Program Topics; Brainstorming
on Social/Trip/Fundraisers; Handprints activity; Officer Expectations (Individual Consultations with
each officer); Values Lines; Teams and Roles; Community Mind Map; Where we have been-Service
Learning Discussion from previous years & Service Learning project ideas brainstorming discussion;
Community Action Plans; Calendar Building using Brainstorming from Wednesday; There is No “I” in
Team; I’ll Give You Some of Mine If You Give Me Some of Yours; How Many Shapes Does It Take?
She also created committee time discussions at the Jr. Leader club meetings where members were
broken into smaller groups to discuss upcoming events and activities, presented what they discussed to
overall group, and then voted on choices. This increased group member’s opportunities to speak at
club meetings and opportunities and comfort level to share thoughts and ideas. Laura allowed for youth
voice and self-evaluation of leadership skills by asking Jr. Leader planning team members to complete a
monthly evaluation on the previous month’s club meeting and their individual officer performances to
learn more about leadership and their personal leadership.
In 2013, The Jr. Leader club did a service-learning project that focused on healthy living. As a result
members participated in the Food for Families Food Drive, donated food to the St. Bernard St. Francis

17. P a g e | 17
Center, learned about the St. Bernard/St. Francis center from two volunteer guest speakers, served as
Move 4 Health project club members, held a Trash Bash that not only cleaned up the environment, but
promoted physical activity, held a dance fundraiser that promoted aerobic exercise, learned about
healthy snack choices, learned about the service-learning cycle, learned how to make resolutions and
how to keep them, and lastly organized a personal hygiene drive at Achievement Day for the St.
Bernard/St. Francis center.
She still strives to uphold the tradition of Jr. Leader club members volunteering at parish events. She
gave the Jr. Leader members the following opportunities where they volunteered: 4-H Camp as
counselors, Project club mentors, Fall Fest Contest Day, Challenge Camp Counselors, Dance
Fundraiser, Sweet Potato Fundraiser Distribution, Fun Day Presenters, Jr. Leader Trip, Jr. Leader Day
Trip to Celebration in the Oaks, Food for Families Food Drive, Super Saturday Contest Day, Barnyard
Bash, Livestock Show, Mardi Gras Gleaux 5K Race and Fun Run committee member and event
volunteers, Parish Poultry Show, Amazing Race Contest, St. Martin Parish 4-H Advisory Committee,
Achievement Day session presenters, Achievement Day Opening Performance, and Trash Bash.
In 2014, the St. Martin Parish 4-H Jr. Leader club experienced a stage of re-organization, where she
recommend that the focus shifts to teaching leadership and providing youth with the experiences that
allow them to cultivate and demonstrate leadership abilities. Laura believes that social activities must
also be included to ensure comfort level of youth to maintain participation in the program.
She organized and presented a planning retreat with Jr. Leader officers and other invited Jr. Leader
members to learn foundational leadership skills to help with their officer responsibilities and to plan the
Jr. Leader calendar on July 9-11, 2014. She held a Jr. Leader Outdoor Movie Night recruitment party,
extending invitations to all incoming 7th
grade 4-H members on August 23, 2014 with twenty youth in
attendance. Laura held monthly planning meetings where short lessons led by Ms. Brumbaugh and
other members at each meeting on the topics of organizing others, taking initiative, decision-making,
team-building, and leadership theory from August 2014-March 2015.
Laura developed and led a Discovery leadership project club that was open to 4th
-6th
graders and met
three times throughout the year with ten club members. The meetings covered communication,
leadership, planning, and organization. The intent of the academy is to build a future audience for the Jr.
Leader club where leadership skills are already beginning to be developed. Four Jr. Leaders served as
mentors of the club. The Jr. leader club also participated in the parish healthy living initiative by
completing a Service-Learning project entitled “Super Fit Super Families. (complete description of
project can be found in the Service-Learning section below.)
D. Service-Learning
Laura appreciates the possible impacts and growth that can occur in youth during a service-learning
project. She feels it necessary to incorporate service-learning into parish programming. Research shows
that having a service-learning project not only impacts the youth involved, but the community and
collaborators as well. Valuing the importance of a service-learning project in the parish, Laura worked
to establish service-learning projects in Natchitoches and St. Martin parishes. She has been asked to
present at state wide service-learning trainings, and incorporates service-learning training with the Jr.
Leader retreats she plans. Below are the top three projects Laura assisted youth with: Natchitoches
Parish-Safety Crew-Teens Constructing a Safer Tomorrow; St. Martin Parish-Jr. Leaders helping Jerry’s
Kids; and St. Martin Parish Super Fit Super St. Martin Families.

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Natchitoches Parish-Safety Crew-Teens Constructing a Safer Tomorrow
Goals: To establish a service learning project at Marthaville Jr. High with 7th
grade students during health
class to increase civic engagement among participants. To teach life skills of responsibility, self-
reflection, communication and team work among participants.
Objectives: The participants will learn about the service learning cycle through lessons taught by 4-H
agent Laura Brumbaugh and project leader Lynn LaCaze. The participants will lead class sessions by
planning team building activities and leading reflection activities. The participants will work in teams to
be taught the life skills of communication, team work and responsibility as well as do class
presentations. The participants will engage in self-reflection activities to increase self-awareness and to
value the feeling of generosity.
Collaborative Efforts: Marthaville Elementary 4th
and 5th
grade students-these students were the group
receiving the service. The Natchitoches Parish Fire District 7-provided fire safety materials to the 4th
and
5th
grade students and provided a guest speaker to the service learning classroom and two volunteers to
help with the safety trailer when the safety lessons were being taught. The City of Natchitoches Fire
Department-provided the safety trailer that was used in the severe weather and home alone safety
lessons. They also provided a volunteer to help work the safety trailer and educational fire safety
materials given to the 4th
and 5th
grade students. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries-provided a
guest speaker who was a game warden during the hunting safety lesson.
Needs Assessment: The class as a team formulated a questionnaire and distributed it to members of
their communities to identify the needs of the community. The questionnaire asked about problems
within the community, attitudes about service and general ideas for service. They also performed a self-
reflection in their journals to identify needs that they thought were important. Also they looked and
discussed news stories in the Natchitoches Times to identify issues within their communities. Lastly,
they interviewed their principal Terry Williams to identify issues within their school community. With
the assistance of the AgCenter office, the survey results were compiled. The participants then analyzed
the responses in groups and came up with the consensus of a realistic program that they could perform,
which would be to teach AgCenter safety lessons to 4th
and 5th
grade classes at their school.
Planning Steps: Youth decided to teach safety lessons to 4th
and 5th
grade students. This would also help
to develop mentor figures to these youth, which was also identified as a need during the assessment.
Youth then looked at the AgCenter safety lessons from the intranet and chose four lessons that fit in
with the needs of the assessment. The topics chosen were ATV, weather/storm, hunting and home
alone safety. Youth broke themselves up into groups that would teach lesson. Youth worked in these
groups to research their topics. They worked on their presentations and created display boards to be
used with their lessons. They also had to identify what they needed for their programs and prepare all
materials for their lessons. Throughout the preparation time they were involved in their normal health
class where safety topics were presented by teacher Lynn LaCaze. During the month of April the service
learning participants taught their lessons to the fourth and fifth grade classes at Marthaville Elementary.
The classes totaled sixty seven students that were mentored by the service learning participants.
Celebrations: At the end of the project, service learning participants went on a field trip to Lake Martin
on a swamp tour in St. Martin parish and the afternoon at the Acadian Mall in Lafayette, LA. Although
exciting, the tour was educational as the students learned about the history of Lake Martin, bird
rookery, native plants and the way of life for the natives who first settled the land. Another celebration

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was the article that was posted on the Natchitoches Parish LSU AgCenter website. The youth were able
to go onto the web and view their accomplishments.
Reflection Techniques: Large Group Reflection: Students were allowed to express their ideas, thoughts
and opinions at the opening and closing of each “service learning class session” by using Tommy the
Trust turtle. The only student who could talk would be the one holding the turtle. This tool was used as a
guide of communication as well as a symbol of trust and to build that trust among participants.
Journaling: At the beginning and end of each class session the students answer questions posed by class
leaders and adults in their journal.
Application: Lynn LaCaze and several students were asked to present on the project multiple times.
One presentation was at an Area wide training and at the Natchitoches parish advisory leadership
committee meeting.
St. Martin Parish-Jr. Leaders helping Jerry’s Kids
Goals: The overall goal of the service learning project was to help children with Muscular Dystrophy in
the Acadiana area by partnering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Objectives: The objectives of the MDA focused service learning project were as follows:
Participants will raise $800.00 to send one child with Muscular Dystrophy to camp through mobile and
raffle ticket sales. Participants will increase their awareness of muscular dystrophy diseases and the
impact the diseases have on the patients’ lives through videos and the “Walk a Mile in My Shoes”
program. Participants will increase the number of volunteer hours given in service from the previous
year.
Partnerships: Collaborative efforts during the project created a very strong youth/adult partnership
between project leader Kelli Cantu and MDA director Ms. Allgood. Collaborative efforts with the three
schools in the parish allowed for more funds to be raised for the MDA. Collaborative efforts between
youth participants and their communities while fundraising were built, as youth went out into their
respective communities and raised awareness of MDA and raised funds. 4-H agents, Laura Brumbaugh
and Hope Guidry provided support as youth set goals and planned projects. Laura and Hope also
worked with youth to emphasize learning experiences during the project.
Needs Assessment: Jr. Leader club members performed a needs assessment during the September 2009
officer retreat. During this time the officers narrowed down the focus to "kids". After that time, youth
met as a club and decided to help the MDA raise money for children to go to camp from a report given
by a club member about MDA. After that an MDA representative came to a Jr. Leader meeting and
explained Muscular Dystrophy to youth along with what the associations needs were and how the club
could help. The club set a goal of raising $800.00 for the MDA.
Planning Steps: Youth participants were the primary planners of this service learning project.
Leadership of the project was provided by Kelli Cantu and Linsey Stelly, Jr. Leader members. The first
step in planning after the youth identified the need was to become more informed about the MDA
program. Linsey Stelly invited a representative from the MDA to attend a Jr. Leader meeting. The youth
viewed a video about the summer camp that patients attend. After the meeting, the youth developed a
service learning project plan using a project connections form. Next, the group decided to sell Football
Mobiles in the months of October and November. Club members made a goal of raising $800 to cover

20. P a g e | 20
the costs of one child to attend summer camp. After the first round of selling mobiles, the club
members wanted to do more. Kelli Cantu set up a meeting with representatives from the Acadiana
Chapter of the MDA. Kelly Allgood and Ava Hebert attended the meeting with Kelli and Laura
Brumbaugh. Ms. Allgood invited the group to participate in the Stride and Ride event and sell
shamrocks and raffle tickets in order to raise more funds. At the next Jr. Leader club meeting, Ms.
Allgood attended to explain to the club members what the Stride and Ride event was and invited them
to sell Shamrock Mobiles and Raffle Tickets to increase the funds raised by the club. The group
members then began selling the items through a variety of ways. Local clubs in St. Martin parish were
also invited to participate. Three local clubs sold shamrocks to help with the effort (Parks Middle, St.
Bernard and Cecilia High School). The youth also incorporated the service learning project into their
club meetings during the special program. In February program chairperson, Jordan Guidry showed a
film entitled, "Father & Son Iron Man Competition". The film showed how a father helped his son, who
is in a wheelchair; imagine his dream of competing in an Iron Man competition. After the video,
program chairperson, Jordan Guidry and club president, Kelli Cantu led a large group reflection about
dealing with difficulties in life. Youth were also asked to reflect internally as well through posing a series
of questions to the youth. The Jr. Leader club, under the leadership of Kelli Cantu as team captain,
organized a team of Jr. Leaders to attend the Stride and Ride event in March. Seventeen Jr. Leaders and
their friends attended the event and turned in the $2,000 donation they had raised through selling
football and shamrock mobiles and raffle tickets. The Jr. Leaders who attended Stride and Ride were
treated to lots of food, fun and dancing. They also had the opportunity to meet children with MDA and
complete the walk-a-thon with one of them. To close out the project, the April Jr. Leader club meeting
was dedicated to learning more about dealing with a disability. The youth presented a program entitled,
"Walk a Mile in My Shoes" where Jr. Leader club members were given a disability and they had to
complete a teambuilding activity with that disability. President Kelli Cantu then led a large group
reflection after the activity. The celebration occurred at the Jr. Leader End of the Year Banquet were it
was announced how much money was raised for MDA and the member who raised the most money was
recognized. Throughout the planning process, youth were exposed to many life skills and teachable
moments of these life skills. Youth learned about communication through selling the mobiles and raffle
tickets. Youth also learned how to become advocates for a cause through fundraising. Participants also
learned compassion while learning about the challenges that Muscular Dystrophy patients encounter
through the Walk a Mile in My Shoes activity. Youth also learned how important it is to work as a team
to accomplish a goal and the feeling of victory when you surpass a goal. Overall, youth verbally stated
that this was a positive experience and felt a great sense of accomplishment at the conclusion of the
project.
Celebrations: Stride and Ride served as an exciting celebration of the youth's accomplishments. During
the event, St. Martin Parish Jr. Leaders were recognized for having the most team members at the
event. The St. Martin Parish Jr. Leaders were also recognized in the MDA newsletter that was published
on April 13, 2010. The awards banquet served as another celebratory moment as the project was
recognized in front of an audience of both Jr. Leader members and their parents and the top fundraiser
was recognized. On September 6, 2010, Jr. Leader members were invited to present their check at the
Jerry Lewis Telethon on air live. Fifteen members volunteered to help answer phones during the
telethon and made a special presentation on air during the telethon.
St. Martin Parish Super Fit Super St. Martin Families
Goals: The overall goal of the initiative was to develop a healthy living educational plan to reach youth,
volunteers, and community members that will educate about the importance of food choices, food
groups, and physical activity and ways to incorporate these ideas into a family’s daily routine to develop

21. P a g e | 21
a healthy life style. The initiative sought to engage youth in activities that encourage healthy eating and
active play. To ensure that the goals of the initiative were upheld a healthy living advisory committee
was created of agents, adults, and teens. Also, the Jr. Leader club had two service-learning chairpersons
to help with the two big events planned and implemented during the project.
Partnerships: Super Fit Super Families Partners included: Acadiana Breastfeeding Coalition, Inc.; Breaux
Bridge Chiropractic-Dr. Ben Thibodeaux; Growing Up Fit Together; Kid's Gym; Longfellow Evangeline
State Historic Site; Louisiana 4-H Food & Fitness Board; Louisiana Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control;
Lourdes After Hours; My Food Coach; Nature's Link Wellness Center; Nursing Specialties Home Health &
Hospice; St. Martin Hospital; LSU AgCenter-St. Martin Parish ANR Agents; St. Martin Parish Early
Childhood Network; St. Martin Parish Library Summer Reading Program; St. Martin Parish School Based
Health Centers; St. Martin Sheriff's Department; Susan G. Komen Acadiana; United Healthcare
Community Plan; Louisiana 4-H Executive Board; Hollier's Family Pharmacy; St. Martin Parish School
Nutrition Association; Sheriff Ronny Theriot Community Projects Fund; and Coca Cola Bottling Company
of Lafayette.
Needs Assessment: Childhood obesity is a problem among youth and teens. “The percentage of children
aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012.
Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to nearly
21% over the same period” (http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm). St. Martin Parish is
ranked 35th out of 64 in the health factors in Louisiana. The parish is ranked 35th in quality of life, 40th
in health behaviors with a 36% of adults are considered obese and 30% of adults are considered physical
inactive (http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/louisiana/2014/overview). To help fight the obesity epidemic,
we must use innovative programming that teaches new behaviors to adopt while youth have fun and
take ownership of their health. Also, there was a need in the parish Jr. Leader club program to increase
the number of volunteer opportunities that youth were offered to build youth voice with newer club
members.
Planning Steps: July 9-11, 2014: Identified major service projects that would be implemented during the
school year at the Jr. Leader planning retreat. August 25, 2014: Held planning meeting for September
club meeting that would include physical fitness opportunities. September 22, 2014; October 14, 2014;
November 3, 2014; December 8, 2014; January 5, 2015; February 2, 2015; March 2, 2015; April 6,
2015 :Jr. Leader planning meeting was held to work on club meeting agenda and program. At these
meetings expectations of service-learning events were also discuss. Members would do progress reports
throughout to identify areas of improvement, weakness, and strengths. August 13, 2014: The two
service-learning chairpersons attended a Fit4tHeFuture grant training to learn more about the grant that
St. Martin Parish 4-H would be participating in during the year. Participants brought back ideas to
incorporate with the Jr. Leader club. September 16, 2015; November 18, 2014; January 20, 2015; March
3, 2015; March 17, 2015: Held a healthy living advisory committee meeting that included Jr. Leader
members and adult committee members to planning the Gleaux 4-Health 5K race and Fun Run and the
Super Fit Super Families Health Fair Expo. September 29, 2014: Held 1st
Jr. Leader meeting of the year to
recruit new members and included life size outdoor games where youth were encouraged to get at least
30 minutes of play during the meeting. October 20, 2014: Held Jr. Leader club meeting where
participants learned about choosing healthy snacks by making healthier Halloween choices by working in
groups to create treats that were lower in calories, fats, and sugars than traditional Halloween treats.
The youth prepared the following treats: Monster Sandwiches; Spooky Popcorn Hand; Cheese Eyeballs;
Mini Pumpkin Quesadillas; Cheese Witches’ Brooms; Healthy Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Smoothie; and Easy
Pumpkin Hummus. After all groups completed their treats, all youth could taste the results. Each youth

22. P a g e | 22
was given a recipe book of all recipes to prepare with their families at home. Youth also voted and
decided on the following during the October meeting: 4-H Fun Day theme and station topic ideas. The
theme selected was "Hula 4-Health" and the following topics were identified: dancing; exercises;
cooking; drinking water. November 17, 2014: Jr. Leader club meeting where youth learned about calorie
counting by a presentation by the Vice President. The youth also discussed and voted on the following:
Health Fair Theme and Booth Ideas; Gleaux 4-Health 5K and Fun Run educational booth ideas; and Toys
for Tots drive ideas for toys that promote physical activity. December 6, 2014: Went on a Jr. Leader day
trip to the Celebration in the Oaks lights display. The activity allowed for participants to be active
because they had to walk through the displays. December 15, 2014: Jr. Leader club meeting where
participants learned about "Rethinking Your Drink" from a presentation by the Vice President. Youth
participants also signed up for the Gleaux Race committee and/or the Health Fair Expo committee.
January 12, 2015: Jr. Leader club meeting where youth learned about Nutrients of Different Foods with a
program presented by the Vice President and they also learned about "Super Foods Vs. Villain Foods"
with an icebreaker led by the club secretary. The Gleaux Race and Health Fair events were discussed as
well. February 23, 2015: Jr. Leader club meeting was held where youth learned about group process
and decision making with a program entitled, "Artic Mission" led by the Vice President. Club members
then worked in groups to work on Health Fair Kids Area Station outlines. March 16, 2015: Jr. Leader club
meeting where youth worked in groups to prepare their Health Fair stations and supply lists. March 23,
2015: Due Date for the Health Fair Station outlines developed by youth which included goals for the
stations; supply lists; directions for stations; and script. April 2, 2015: Health Fair set up-youth
volunteered to set up for the Health Fair. April 13, 2015: Jr. Leader club meeting where youth learned
facts about exercising and how to measure heart pre and post exercise heart rates from a presentation
by the club secretary. One of the service-learning chairs led a 1 mile walk around downtown Breaux
Bridge to encourage 60 minutes of physical activity.
Service Experiences: Hula 4-Health Fun Day workshop was held on Tuesday, November 25, 2014, fifty
youth in grades 3rd
-6th
attended the annual 4-H Fun Day. Fun Day’s theme was Hula 4-Health, again
reinforcing the healthy living initiative of 2014-2015. Twenty one youth leaders served as session
presenters, group leaders, registration team, and timekeepers. There was an opening session that was
youth led, five educational session group participants rotated through, and a life size game celebration
ended the workshop. Other sessions included: MyPlate Hula Toss; Shake Your Grass Skirt Aerobic
Exercises; Edible Island Fruit Fish; Island Exercises – Strength & Flexibility Training; Hydration Relay Race;
and the Closing Session: Life Size Games Party. Toys for Tots Toy Drive: The Jr. Leader club members
donated toys at the December Jr. Leader club meeting that encouraged physical activity. Toys included
jump ropes, balls, bike helmets, and hula hoops. Over twenty five toys were donated to the Toys for
Tots program in St. Martin Parish. Twenty one Jr. Leader club members helped set up for the Gleaux 5K
and fun run; educational station presenters; helpers along the race route; served water; served food;
helped with physical challenges; and helped cleaned up. The objective of the Gleaux 4-Health 5K race
and Fun Run is to offer an opportunity to 4-H members, families, and community members that will
increase the amount of physical activities in the community. The event was organized by a committee
made up of youth, volunteers, and 4-H agents. On Saturday, March 7, 2015, St. Martin Parish 4-H
sponsored the second annual “Gleaux” 4-Health 5K race and family fun run. A night dedicated to
families, fitness, and fun in which one hundred sixty five people attended the event. The event is a
culmination of a year-long 4-H healthy living initiative. The event included a preparty where hands-on
learning educational stations were offered; Outdoor games to encourage physical activity; music; and a
one mile fun run. The 5K race was offered at 6:00 pm. After the race participants enjoyed fruit samples;
jambalaya meal and water; as well as three physical activity challenges for both youth and adults (jump
rope, jumping jacks, and sit ups) and a costume contest. The 1st
annual St. Martin Parish 4-H ‘Super Fit

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Super Families’ Health Fair Expo was held on April 11, 2015 from 9am-3pm hosted by the St Martin
Parish 4-H Healthy Living Advisory Committee. This event was held at Breaux Bridge High School. The
target audience for this event was the families of St. Martin Parish; including children, parents and
grandparents. The event included twenty vendor booths; a kid’s area with six activities; demonstrations
and presentations; and door prizes. There were one hundred thirty participants to the first annual Super
Fit Super Families Health Fair Expo. The kids’ area booths were led by thirty Jr. Leader club members
and included the following topics: Germ Cave, MyPlate Super Shield Toss; Veggie/Fruit Consumption
Toss; Happy/Sad Tooth Dental. Two Jr. Leader members led presentations/demonstrations. EJ Blanchard
led a presentation on Choosing Healthy Lunch Options. Peter Harris did a self-defense demonstration.
4-H is a Twist of Fun 4-H Achievement Day: On April 20, 2015 the annual 4-H Achievement Day was held
at Breaux Bridge High school. Approximately 725 youth, volunteers, and adults attended the event.
During the event youth rotate through educational stations and then enjoy the afternoon with a
song & yell contest and awards. The objective of the 4-H Achievement Day stations is to reinforce
concepts that were taught at 4-H club meetings to the youth at the end of the year. The stations were
presented by adult and 25 Jr. Leader volunteers and AgCenter co-workers. 3rd
grade stations included:
Fruit Consumption with Sorbet with a Fruity Twist; Ali’s Swamp Tour physical activity; H2O café to
increase water consumption; Laughter Yoga for Emotional Health; Get Moving Away from the Screen
Fruit/Veggie Toss; What’s in the Grocery Bag Fruit and Vegetable Consumption; and My Sleep for 10
hours each night. 4th
grade stations included: Aerobic Exercise Party; Fruit Consumption with Sorbet
with a Fruity Twist; Germ Cave Hand Washing; Planning with MyPlate; and Everybody Needs Physical
Activity. 5th
/6th
grade stations included: Aerobic Exercise Party; Smell Sleuth with Fruits, Vegetables, and
Herbs; How Microbes are Spread Germ Party; Rock the Bike Fruit Smoothies; Butterfly Whole Grain Trail
Mix; Grow a Garden with Cement Blocks; and Happy or Sad Tooth Dental Health Activity.
Collaborative Efforts:
Hula 4-Health Fun Day Workshop, The Gleaux 4-Health 5K and Fun Run; Super Fit Super Families, and
the Healthy Living Advisory Committee were all collaborative efforts of both youth and adults.
Collaborators: Gigi Harris, Courtney Pourciau, Clair Blanchard, Louisiana Food and Fitness Board, St.
Martin Parish ANR Agents, Acadiana Breastfeeding Coalition, Inc.; Breaux Bridge Chiropractic-Dr. Ben
Thibodeaux; Growing Up Fit Together; and Kid's Gym.
Celebration: Each youth who volunteered at the Super Fit Super Families Health Fair Expo received a t-
shirt. A closing celebration is scheduled in June to bring thirty youth to SkyZone in Lafayette, LA. The
location ties physical activity to the celebration.
Reflection Techniques: Youth reflected at club meetings through questions and answers led by
presenters. Youth also used their 4-H portfolios as a means of reflection when they reported on their
work and spoke about their experiences within their 4-H story.
Examples are below:
 “My favorite part of 4-H would definitely be the Jr. Leader club and its numerous volunteering
opportunities. The Jr. Leader club provides so many opportunities to help out in the community
and the people in it. I love that I get to help out younger 4-H members and give them a positive
attitude about 4-H and hopefully influence them to want to join 4-H again.”
 “I learned a lot about healthy lifestyles and what you need to do to maintain one. I think this
was one of my best years in 4-H, because of all the healthy activities we did this school year.
Now I will watch what I put into my body because I do want to be healthy and I do want to make
sure everything is ok with my body.”

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 “One thing I learned this year is how to be more confident when speaking in front of a large
group of people. As my 4-H club president I had to lead our group in meetings. Also, being a Jr.
Leader member has helped me to become more comfortable when speaking and interacting
with my peers.”
 “I love volunteering for events for Junior Leaders, it feels good to know that other little 4-H’ers
are having as much fun as I did in 4-H.”
 “I volunteered at the 4-H Fun Day and I really enjoyed working with the little kids. It really made
me want to work with kids when I grow up.”
 “The Jr. Leader club is all about the opportunity of learning about many qualities and
competencies needed to become a leader. It’s a very fun opportunity for many teen 4-H’ers.”
 “I loved the multiple opportunities to volunteer with young children.”
This project was awarded 3rd
place in the 2015 State Records Service-Learning contest. The club
received a $50.00 prize.
E. Agriculture Awareness
Being an alumni of Sigma Alpha, agriculture sorority at LSU, Laura has a deep passion for educating
youth about agriculture to form an appreciation and respect for the industry and way of life. Therefore,
Laura took the opportunity to create an Ag Awareness program in Natchitoches parish with local
community partners. The City of Natchitoches approached Laura and her co-workers to begin a
Natchitoches Parish Ag Day due to the large amount of row crops grown in the parish and the need to
educate and promote Ag to the parish residents. The partnership also included the Natchitoches parish
Farm Bureau. Laura was asked to do a Kid’s Zone at the event. In its first year, Laura arranged for the
Body Walk to come to the event to correspond with the Healthy Living educational focus of the 4-H
program. She also created educational materials to be given to participants.
At the second annual Ag Day, Laura used the event as Natchitoches Parish 4-H’s centennial celebration.
Laura developed many hands-on stations in the Kids Zone. The stations included: Wetlands, Forestry, Ag
Charm Bracelets, Ag Careers Take Home Matching Game, Glow Germ Food Safety, Birthday Celebration
Hat Decorating, Barnyard Busters, Clover Toss, Outdoor Skills Hunting Simulator, Petting Zoo and
Birthday Cake. Laura also developed a Natchitoches parish Ag Coloring book for youth to take home.
She designed all pages of the book, researching Natchitoches agriculture facts. Over one thousand
people attended the event. Laura recruited twenty five volunteers to make the event possible.
In St. Martin parish, Laura wrote curriculum for this topic using Ag in the Classroom lessons and adapted
them to be specific to St. Martin parish agriculture. During 2012-2013 she presented five lessons that
directly taught youth about Louisiana agriculture. The lessons were: Introduction to 4-H where youth
learned about how agriculture influenced the history of 4-H in Louisiana; Ten Questions Kids Have about
agriculture dvd and accompanying questionnaire; Living History of Sugar-Louisiana sugar history skit and
showing the youth the different processes of sugar once it is cut and taken to the sugar mill; Beef By
Products and Demonstration lesson where youth learned about beef by-products that we use daily
along with the proper procedures when giving a demonstration through a Bubble Beef By-Product
demonstration and lastly a Source Search where youth working in small groups identified the “source”
of common items used every day. Through these lessons youth were given the opportunity to
understand the importance of agriculture in their daily lives and gain an appreciation for Louisiana
agriculture. In an effort to increase livestock exhibitors in the parish, youth were given two
opportunities to see live animals at SET Fun Day and at the 2013 Achievement Day (petting zoo and
poultry presentation). Laura has planned a barnyard bash to be held in conjunction with the parish
premier exhibitor contest. She designed the barnyard bash to increase the feeling of belonging to youth

25. P a g e | 25
participants as well as adults. Also, there were additional learning opportunities offered to 3rd
-6th
grade
youth throughout the year. Those opportunities offered were: monthly agriculture newsletter trivia
question; newsletter ag topic pages for youth to read, learn and apply the knowledge gained; ag poster
contest at Fall Fest contest day; Louisiana Ag poster contest at Achievement Day; commodity
ambassador illustrated talk contest at Super Saturday and commodity cookery contests held at Fall Fest
and Super Saturday contest days. Laura also recruited youth to attend the Southwest Ag Day in May
2015.
F. Volunteer Management
Laura understands the importance of recruiting and utilizing volunteers within the 4-H program. She
uses the ISOTURE model to help refine her volunteer management plan. The following is a synopsis of
Laura’s work with volunteers while working in Natchitoches, Ascension, and St. Martin parishes.
Laura has identified volunteers using various methods including: the volunteers were already active in
the program, they were identified by co-workers or other volunteers, contacted the program,
volunteered with other LSU AgCenter organizations (i.e. Master Gardeners), work with other community
organizations, positions within organizations (i.e. experts in a field), indicated interest on various parish
forms (i.e. Camping Registration Form; Volunteer Form), they signed up at public events, they heard
about 4-H program volunteer opportunities through various media through various media outlets
including newspaper, radio, email, website, Facebook, and word of mouth.
Laura has selected volunteers using various methods including: preference of volunteers, skills and
interests of volunteers, recommendations from outside sources, personal observations and/or a need in
a specific area.
Laura has oriented volunteers to the program using various methods including: one-one visits, position
descriptions/expectations, verbal orientations/explanations, Leader Handbook, publications that she has
created (i.e. handouts), update emails, AgCenter literature (i.e. such as brochures, parish website,
publications), and online orientation on the Volunteer Management Online system.
Laura trained volunteers using various methods including: parish wide trainings such as overnight
chaperon trainings, event trainings and one-on-one trainings; region-wide trainings such as Area Leader
Training and state-wide trainings such as LA4-HVLA and service-learning workshop; Nation-wide training
such as Rock Eagle conference and the online Volunteer Management System online courses.
Throughout the eight years of work, Laura utilized volunteers in various ways including: Over three
hundred fifty adults have served as club leaders for local 4-H clubs; Over five hundred adults have
served as episodic volunteers such as judges, workshop leaders, office assistants, overnight chaperones,
chaperones at events, presenters, contest coordinators, and helpers at events; Over two hundred youth
have served as event workers, office assistants, project club leaders, judges, event registers, workshop
leaders and program planners; Over one hundred fifty volunteers have helped at parish Achievement
Days. Laura also utilized volunteers from various community collaborations she formed. These
partnerships included Northwestern State University students, Northwestern State University Athletic
Department staff, Natchitoches Master Gardeners, St. Martin Sherriff’s Office, Ascension parish Master
Gardeners, and St. Martin Parish School Board.
Enhanced Utilization of Volunteers-Laura also relied on several volunteers for enhanced volunteer
duties in various ways including: Over forty youth and adults have served on advisory committees in

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Natchitoches, Ascension, and St. Martin Parishes while she was employed; two adults served as
president of the LA4-HVL Association; one adult served on LA4HVLA board; one adult served on the
Louisiana 4-H Foundation; nine adults attended the Rock Eagle conference; four adults served on the
Rock Eagle Planning committee when Louisiana hosted the conference; forty six adults served as
shooting sports instructors and coordinators; two adults served as cookery contest coordinators; six
youth and two adults coordinated a Healthy Living project club; one adult coordinated science
workshops and a robotics project club and Science Workshop; one youth coordinated a Wetlands
project club incorporating service-learning into the club; one volunteer was certified as a Master 4-H
Volunteer; eight adults and three youth serve on Ascension parish 4-H Foundation; three adults serve as
Ascension parish check signers; one adult serves as cookery coordinator; three adults taught the Parish
Library summer gardening week long program; one adult taught an Overnight Training session; one
adult trained three commodity ambassador illustrated talks for the state and national contests; three
adults entered 4-H enrollment in online system; one adult started a parish Home and Style project club;
two adults served as chairpersons for the Ascension Parish 4-H Foundation skeet shoot fundraiser; five
adults served as co-advisors to the Ascension Parish Jr. Leader club; six Youth and one adult coordinated
an Ascension Parish Food and Fitness project club for younger youth; one adult served as a co-advisor
for the Jr. Leader club; one adult donates honey from her business to use for fundraising; three adults
serve as St. Martin parish 4-H check signers; one adult served as a co-advisor for the Jr. Leader club; one
adult donates honey from her business to use for fundraising; one adult serves as a Hands 4 Art project
club leader; three adults serve as helpers for the Hands 4 Art project club; one adult co-chaired the
Mardi Gras Gleaux 5K Race and Fun Run committee; thirty four youth serve as project club mentors; one
volunteer presented a session at the 2013 SW Region Volunteer and Leadership Development
Workshop; one volunteer serves as a committee member of the SW Region Volunteer and Leadership
Development Workshop planning committee; eight adults and youth serve on the Healthy Living
Advisory committee; two adults co-chaired the Super Fit Super Families Health Fair Expo; one adult was
awarded the Innovator Award for her work on the Gleaux 4-Health 5K race in 2014 by the LA4HVLA.
Laura recognized volunteers in various methods including: thank you notes, appreciation gifts,
newspaper and web articles, spotlight section in parish 4-H newsletter, recognized at Honors
Nights/Appreciation banquets, awards (i.e. years of service), nominated individuals for awards (state
records contests, 4-H Hall of Fame nominations, state LA4-HVLA awards), verbal thank you’s, Facebook
posts, leader incentive awards for increase in enrollment and club meeting scores.
Laura evaluated volunteers using various methods including: one-on-one interviews, personal
observations, youth’s opinion about adult volunteers, competition of volunteer module online tests,
online volunteer training certificates. In 2010, through increased marketing and recruitment strategies a
5% increase in volunteers was sought by Laura and Hope Guidry. Programming efforts to recruit more
volunteers within the program were successful. During the 2008-2009 4-H year there were 170 adult
and youth volunteers in the St. Martin parish volunteer enrollment system. During the 2009-2010 4-H
year, there were 207 adult and youth volunteers enrolled in the system. That is an increase of 37
volunteers or 22%.With the increase in volunteers led by Laura and Hope Guidry’s recruitment
techniques, more youth were reached, created a greater opportunity for youth and adult partnerships
to form and an overall greater sense of belonging for both youth and volunteers.
Regional, State and National Involvement:
Not only has Ms. Brumbaugh been active on the parish level, she has also been active at the regional,
state and national level. Laura has presented numerous professional development and educational
workshops throughout the region and state. She has served on numerous committees on the regional

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and state levels. She is a team player that believes in assisting others in order to serve the youth of the
state.
Laura’s committee work is very important to her. She understands that by serving on regional and state
committees allows for the delivery of high quality programs and opportunities for youth. While in the
Northwest region, she served as co-chair of the first annual 4-H Day at the State Fair (Ag Magic at the
State Fair) where she coordinated the stations and the leaders of these stations and helped with
registration the day of the event. While in the Southwest Region, Laura served on the Southwest Region
Volunteer Leader Committee that identified and addressed needs of both youth and adult volunteers in
the southwest region and to develop an annual training to address those needs. She was asked to serve
as co-chair of the committee in 2011, but transferred to a different region in 2010. Laura also served on
the Southeast Region Volunteer Leader committee that identifies and addresses the needs of both
youth and adult volunteers. She has also served on regional interview committees. In 2014, Laura
served on the Southwest Regional 4-H Professional Development Training committee that addressed the
needs of agents through developing professional development trainings. She is currently serving on the
2015 Southwest Regional Volunteer Development Committee and assisting with the August 2015
training. Lastly, Ms. Brumbaugh is currently serving as the 2015 Southwest Regional Challenge Camp
Chair.
On the state level, Laura serves as a co-sponsor of the Louisiana 4-H Citizenship Board. Her main
responsibilities while serving as a co-sponsor have been to plan a fall board trip, Co-sponsor of
Citizenship camp for two years, and works with the service-learning committee. Through her work with
the service-learning committee, she assisted with the development of a supplemental packet for the
state-wide service-learning focus for 2014-2015, bullying and special needs awareness. The packet was
compiled through a collaboration of board members, another board sponsor, and Laura. Also, Laura has
served as Assistant Camp Manager and Camp Manager during 4-H camp. Ms. Brumbaugh served on the
4-H University committee which helps make decisions concerning 4-H University from recommendations
from the previous year. Laura has served on the state Curriculum Committee. She has also been a
member of the curriculum writing team and has developed curriculum pieces in the areas of medicine
and art. She served on the Volunteer Management Committee that was a small sub-committee of the
Volunteer Strategic Planning committee that assisted with the development of a new volunteer
handbook and volunteer structure for project clubs.
Laura has also given numerous presentations on the regional and state level. She has presented at
Regional Leader Trainings, Camp Counselor Trainings, Camp Roughin It, Challenge Camp, New Agent
Orientation, Quarterly Trainings, Service-Learning Trainings, and LAE4HA conventions. One of Laura’s
proudest accomplishments is getting a presentation proposal accepted at the 2010 NAE4HA convention
on teen leadership programming. She was not able to attend due to budget constraints, but two co-
workers gave the presentation at the conference.
2. Advisory Process and Critical Issue Responsiveness
A. Advisory Process:
Laura values the importance of having a 4-H advisory leadership committee to help identify the needs of
the youth and adult volunteers in the parish. She has gone to several trainings in an effort to establish
effective advisory committees. In each parish that Laura has worked in, she has worked with a parish 4-
H advisory leadership committee to identify needs of the youth of the parish. Committee members
were recruited using a one third method, meaning one third of the membership would be 4-H
volunteers/adults, one third would be adult community leaders and one third would be youth, both 4-H

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and non 4-H. The committees meet at least twice of year, sometimes more depending upon the needs
identified.
Laura has utilized a unique method in identifying needs. Instead of a general brainstorming session to
identify needs, Laura uses the Mission Mandates of 4-H to help curb needs into three main areas. The
areas are healthy living, science, engineering and technology, and citizenship. She also allows for a
general 4-H area to identify programming and volunteer needs. This method of focused brainstorming
allows Laura and co-workers to identify needs that coincide with the 4-H mission mandates and can
provide an educational focus to the parish program that is realistic and relevant. Also, Laura values
opinions of committee members, even if they cannot attend a meeting. She started sending a survey to
compile brainstorming ideas so that board members who cannot attend a meeting can have their
opinions included in the discussions. Laura has utilized this method for three years.
In 2014, Laura organized a healthy living advisory committee to enhance the parish wide healthy living
initiative. The healthy living advisory committee was created with a board of youth and adults from St.
Martin parish to help implement the grant programs. This committee allows community members to be
engaged in the educational efforts made possible by the grant. The committee is made up of six adult
and six youth members. The committee met seven times throughout September 2014-April 2015. The
major projects of the committee were planning the Gleaux 4-Health 5K and Fun Run and Super Fit Super
Families Health Fair Expo. Laura also has worked with Livestock Advisory committees, Jr. Leader club
committees, and Shooting Sports Advisory committees.
B. Critical Issue Responsiveness:
Throughout her career, Laura has used advisory committee recommendations extensively in yearly
programming. Here are some examples of some of Laura’s critical issue responsiveness to needs
identified by advisory committee.
While in Natchitoches, the advisory leadership committee identified Ag education for the yearly focus.
While focusing on agriculture education, an opportunity to partner with the City of Natchitoches and the
Natchitoches Farm Bureau to hold a Natchitoches Ag Day was available. Not only did 4-H members get
educated about agriculture, but Natchitoches parish residents were given the opportunity to increase
their awareness and appreciation of Louisiana agriculture.
In Ascension parish, the need for financial management was identified. Programming efforts included
financial club meeting lessons, monthly trivia questions about financial management and a financial
poster contests at January club meetings.
In St. Martin parish, safety was identified as a key need in programming. Laura and Hope Guidry
expanded the annual St. Martin achievement day to include hands-on learning sessions regarding safety.
Youth learned about food safety, pet safety, science safety, crime scene investigations, driving safety
and internet safety. Through this focus, partnerships with the Louisiana State Police and the St. Martin
Parish Sheriff’s office were formed. Another critical issue response was the focus of cyberbullying for 7th
-
12th
graders. A school counselor came to the 4-H agents asking for assistance in addressing bullying at
her school. Through the advisement of the advisory committee, it was decided to do a parish wide
educational program on cyberbullying. And lastly, the best example of Laura’s response in addressing
critical issues is her healthy living initiative that was established in 2013 and will continue through 2016.
(The impact of the program can be found in Section #4.)

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3. Innovative Teaching methods, knowledge and application of new technology
Laura understands the importance of teaching clientele with the most up to date applications
and technology. She has always modified materials and teaching methods to stay current with trends.
Not only does she use the experiential learning model when conducting programs but incorporates the
4-H essential elements as well. By staying current in new technology, the youth involved in the program
can learn more and stay connected to the program. Ms. Brumbaugh knows that everyone learns in
different ways. So she has a great understanding of incorporating different learning opportunities to
address the learning styles of her clients.
A. Learning:
Laura utilizes experiential learning into her programs that she presents. She also believes in having goals
and objectives for programming so there is a purpose. She has applied various learning principals to her
programming, which benefit the youth because she believes “all students can learn and succeed, but
not all on the same day in the same way” by William G. Spady. Some of those learning principals are
VAK learning styles, Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences and the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets.
Laura also understands age appropriate learning opportunities in program development. She and Hope
Guidry worked to develop Cloverbud specific lessons for St. Martin parish Cloverbud meetings. In the
past, the same lessons were being used for elementary students and Cloverbuds. Additionally, Laura re-
wrote the St. Martin parish Officer Training to incorporate experiential learning opportunities that were
not present in the previous program. Laura developed age appropriate newsletters as well, producing a
3rd
grade, 4th
-6th
grade, and 7th
-12th
grade edition each month. Club meeting lessons are also written or
modified specifically for certain audiences.
B. Marketing:
Laura has utilized several new technologies to enhance a marketing program in all three parishes she
has worked in. She has utilized PowerPoint, publisher, Facebook, Prezi, Infographic development, I-
Movie program, QR codes, and video to create high quality and age appropriate marketing tools.
C. Application of New Technology:
Laura has included the application of new technology to help teach the youth and adults in her
programs. She utilizes online volunteer trainings with her volunteers, in particular the volunteers
attending camp. She also conducts a monthly newsletter trivia question where the youth submit
answers via email. This program not only promotes mastery of the educational focus being presented
during the school year, but allows youth to become proficient in email usage and communication. Laura
also uses the survey tool, Zoomerang to conduct surveys for adult leaders and Jr. Leader club members.
The data collected can easily be summarized with a touch of a button. Laura also has shared
information via the parish Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest pages. In an effort to promote self-guided
learning for youth, Laura has utilized QR codes in the newsletter to allow youth to visit websites to play
games, read, and watch videos. Ms. Brumbaugh also includes Apps in the newsletters that reinforce
concepts that are being taught at club meetings. Laura is always looking for ways to expand learning
opportunities through application of new technology within her 4-H program.
4. Program Delivery Effectiveness Demonstrated by evaluation, change and application
Laura strives to provide high quality programs to the youth and adults she works with. She wants
participants to learn while having fun and gaining life skills. Laura uses both formal and informal
methods to evaluate the effectiveness of programs in her parishes that she has worked in. A mixed
method of evaluations allows Laura to gather formal data and use observations and interviews to re-
evaluate programming. The following outcome significances are reported below:

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A. Belonging & Retention Rates
B. Healthy Living
C. Teen Leadership
D. Citizenship
E. Service-Learning
F. Social Media
G. Mastery through Project Club Participation
A. St. Martin Parish Belonging & Retention Outcome Significance:
Youth development research indicates that the development of a sense of belonging is connected to
psychological well-being. Youth who feel they belong have a greater sense of independence and are
more intrinsically motivated. Some research also indicates that youth who are involved in positive
experiences where they develop connections with peers and adults have fewer behavior problems in
school. As a result of Laura and Hope Guidry’s programming efforts for adult and youth to learn
techniques and/or utilize skills to create an atmosphere of belonging:
The re-enrollment rate for St. Martin parish 4-H members has steadily increased over the past five years.
The average years in 4-H has also increased over five years. The average is higher than both the
Southwest and State averages. These two outcomes provide a strong indicator to member engagement
in St. Martin Parish 4-H.
St. Martin Parish Re-Enrollment:
Year Member Re-Enrollment
2010 49%
2011 58%
2012 58%
2013 61.9%
2014 63%
St. Martin Parish Average Years in 4-H:
Year St. Martin Parish Southwest Region State
2010 2.38 years N/A N/A
2011 2.60 years 2.28 years 2.13 years
2012 2.60 years 2.19 years 2.15 years
2013 2.64 years 2.17 years 1.87 years
2014 2.69 years 2.43 years 2.27 years
Laura and her co-worker distributed a survey to St. Martin Parish 4th
-6th
graders during the 2009-2010
year to evaluate belonging (n-54). Baseline data indicates that the mean Belonging score for 4th
– 6th
grade youth in St. Martin Parish 4-H is:
 100.00% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they felt included in the group.
 100.00% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they felt liked by the group.
 98.15% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they respected the other kids in the group.

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 98.08% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that adults in the group helped them feel safe.
 98.15% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they respect the adults in the group.
 96.30% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that adults in the group cared about them.
 96.30% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that adults in the group helped them with the things
they were doing.
 94.44% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they felt wanted in the group.
 92.45% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they felt welcome in the group.
 90.74% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that adults in the group are important to them.
 90.57% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that the other kids in the group are important to
them.
 90.38% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they felt close to the adults in the group.
 88.89% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they felt like they were important to the adults
in the group.
 87.04% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that the other kids in the group helped them with
the things they were doing.
 87.04% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they felt close to the other kids in the group.
 87.04% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they helped the other kids in the group.
 85.19% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that it was okay to be him/herself in the group.
 81.13% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they felt like they were important to the other
kids in the group.
 81.48% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that other kids in the group cared about them.
 79.63% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that other kids in the group helped them feel safe.
With the implementation of the 4-H Honor Cord, data was collected to measure how many youth
participated in state wide events. The following outcomes were self-reported by youth on their
application:
 88% of the 2013 graduating senior 4-H members participated in a least 1 state level 4-H event in
the last 3 years. (22 out of 25 youth)
 40% of the 2014 graduating senior 4-H members participated in a least 1 state level 4-H event in
the last 3 years. (10 out of 25 youth)
 62.5% of the 2015 graduating senior 4-H members participated in a least 1 state level 4-H event
in the last 3 years. (10 out of 16 youth)
Laura established club leader incentives to recognize volunteers’ efforts throughout the year and to help
increase total club enrollment. The following data was gathered from the club enrollment incentive
contest:
In 2013-2014, 10 4-H clubs increased their enrollment by 10% or more this year, increasing a sense of
belonging to more members in their recruitment efforts.
In 2014-2015, 48.38% of St. Martin Parish 4-H clubs increased their enrollment by 10% or more this year,
increasing a sense of belonging to more members in their recruitment efforts. (15 out of 31).
B. Healthy Living Program Outcome Significance:
In 2011, the Ascension parish Food and Fitness Board conducted monthly meetings for a Food and
Fitness Club where they focused on nutrition, health and physical fitness. An evaluation was
administered to both board and club members and the following data was collected:
 100% agreed or strongly agreed as a result of the Ascension parish 4-H Food and Fitness Board I
learned more about nutrition.

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 100% agreed or strongly agreed as a result of the Ascension parish 4-H Food and Fitness Board I
have tried to eat more nutritious food.
 100% agreed or strongly agreed as a result of the Ascension parish 4-H Food and Fitness Board I
learned about fitness.
 90% agreed or strongly agreed as a result of the Ascension parish 4-H Food and Fitness Board I
have tried to be physically active.
 100% agreed or strongly agreed as a result of the Ascension parish 4-H Food and Fitness Board I
have learned about new foods.
 100% agreed or strongly agreed as a result of the Ascension parish 4-H Food and Fitness Board I
have tried some of the foods we tried at our club meetings.
 100% agreed as a result of the Ascension parish 4-H Food and Fitness Board I will participate in
the club next year.
As a result of the Ascension Parish 4-H Food & Fitness Camp on October 17, 2011:
 96% of the youth learned something new about food customs around the world. (30/31)
 87% of the youth learned something new about good manners. (24/31)
 77% of the youth learned something new about food safety. (24/31)
 74% of the youth tried a new food today. (23/31)
 61% of the youth learned something new about food science. (19/31)
Comments:
“Fun, hands on, Japan slurps, in Scotland dinner means lunch, Canada they burp, China does not clean
their plate, Spain throws their trash on the floor.”; “Food & Fitness was really fun!! I like it cause you get
to try new food. You also get to learn about fungus and washing your hands. My favorite part was eating
new foods. “; “Food and fitness was fun. I like it.”; “I loved that we got free lunch. We tried new stuff
that we could eat. I loved that we had lots of fun. Danced to Zumba. We played lots of games. We made
a rocket out of vinegar, water, and baking soda and group one’s rockets flew but group two, three and
four’s rockets did not pop and fly. We were group three.”; “Food and Fitness camp was great. We
learned etiquette in other countries like when you burp in Canada it’s a compliment. I also learned that
when baking soda and vinegar mix it makes it pop.”; “I thought that food and fitness was awesome
because we got to see germs, learn about other countries manners and shot a rocket! We learned about
other countries’ foods. I had lots of fun and I might come next year.”; “I thought that it was fun. I like
everything. I learned that you slurp your noodles to say it’s good. The funniest game was learning about
the other foods around the world. This was the funniest day I ever had. I want to do this again one day.”;
“I thought it was awesome! All of the teachers here I liked, but my favorite was Minnie Mouse. My
favorite thing to do was when did Zumba thing! I loved this camp. 4-H is awesome!”; “I loved it! Disney
characters were great! I liked learning about the world. I liked eating tasty food from other places. I
learned how to use good manners in other places. Fun when we ate sushi.”
As a result of Laura’s 2013-2014 healthy living programming the following were significant outcomes of
3rd
-6th
grade 4-H youth:
45.85% (188 youth) exhibited mastery by participating in the monthly trivia question contest and
submitting correct answers.
Wellness Bingo Challenge resulted in 464 healthy choices being self-reported by youth participants from
February 2014-April 2014.
123 participants took part in the 1st annual Mardi Gras Gleaux 5K Race and Fun Run. All 82 5K
participants finished the race. The intention of the 5K and Fun Run was to connect what was taught at

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club meetings to a real experience where youth could participate with their families. The event also
gave the community an opportunity to do a fun fitness activity.
Achievement Day Outcome Significance:
Through a voluntary survey, club leaders were asked to evaluate Achievement Day. There was a
response rate (n) of 14.
Overall experience
 78.57% described their overall 2014 Achievement Day experience as great.
 21.43% describe their overall 2014 Achievement Day experience as good.
Overall effectiveness of the Achievement Day sessions
 85.7% rated the overall effectiveness of the Achievement Day sessions as Very Effective.
 14.28% rated the overall effectiveness of the Achievement Day sessions as Somewhat Effective.
Organization of Achievement Day
 85.71% said that Achievement Day was very organized.
 14.28% said that Achievement Day was organized.
Laura performed an informal study by collecting statements from the 2013-2014 4-H portfolios that
were turned in for judging. I am using some of the quotes collected to show outcome significance in the
words of the 4-H members in the program: “I learned this year in 4-H is number one a healthy body is
just as important as a healthy mind, number 2 is that our best can get even better with hard work.” 4th
grader; “I learned that exercising is good for your bones and muscles.” 3rd
grader; “I learned that you
need 60 minutes of exercise.” 3rd
grader; “Eating healthy leads to a smart head, with a huge heart, and
open hands to live a happy life.” 3rd
grader; “The thing I like most is learning to make healthy choices.”
3rd
grader; “One thing I learned this year in 4-H was how to keep my plate healthy and exercise.” 5th
grader ;“4-H has helped me learn what foods to eat more often.” 5th
grader; “I learned exercise helps
you stay fit and healthy and you can do more. Eating right can keep you from getting sick as much.” 5th
grader.
The goal of the 2014-2015 St. Martin Parish healthy living initiative is to develop a healthy living
educational plan to reach youth, volunteers, and community members in St. Martin parish that will
educate about the importance of active living, healthy eating, and ways to incorporate these ideas into a
family’s daily routine. The following were additional significant outcomes as a result of my work on the
parish healthy living initiative: As a result of Ms. Brumbaugh’ s healthy living initiative programming the
following impacts were reported:
According to the 2015 4-H Common Measures Healthy Living assessment given to 350 4-H club members
in 4th
-7th
grades, the following was reported as a result of participating in a 4-H healthy living program:
95% of respondents strongly agreed and agreed that they learned the foods that they should eat
everyday (M=3.48). 91% reported strongly agreeing and agreeing that they learned what makes up a
balanced diet. 95% of respondents strongly agreed and agreed that they learned how to make healthy
food choices as a result of their participation in the 4-H healthy living program. And lastly, 93% agreed
that being active is fun and being active is good for them; while 92% reported that physical activity will
help them stay fit.
During the 2014-2015 year, Laura focused on recruiting and engaging youth and adult volunteers-
through the establishment of a healthy living advisory committee, there has been more volunteers
helping us to educate youth and their families about leading a healthy lifestyle. Also, the 5K race and
health fair have become established community projects rather than just a “4-H” project only open to

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youth. The volunteers have become quite engaged in the program and have started volunteering for
even more roles within the program. They also learned more about the 4-H program and healthy living
along the way.
During the 2014-2015 year, Laura wanted an overall Increase of Engagement in Program Activities-
throughout the year, the healthy living initiative activity participation has increased from the previous
year(s). This is in part due to the expanded efforts and funds made possible by the grant. Here are some
examples of increased engagement in program activities:
Hula 4-Health Fun Day- The annual 4-H Fun Day was a high quality educational program offered to
3rd
-6th
grade 4-H members. Workshop participation increased by 25% to 50 youth attending this year.
The number of youth volunteers also increased from last year’s totals. With the use of grant funding,
not only were Fun Day participants given the chance to learn, but to bring reinforcement items home so
that their families could participate in the physical activities that were presented to participants. The
theme of Fun Day, decided upon by the Jr. Leader club members, was Hula 4-Health. Under the Jr.
Leader member’s supervision, Hula 4-Health Fun Day offered participants an opening session, 5
stations that they rotated through, and a closing life size game party. What made Fun Day successful
was the “extras” we were able to offer the youth to teach about making healthy food choices and ways
to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. One example was doing Beach Ball exercises as
the opening event. Youth then were able to take the beach balls home to continue the exercises.
Monthly Trivia Question Contests- The monthly trivia question contest is a tool that combines the use of
technology with reinforcing the club meeting educational program topic discussed at the monthly club
meeting. The contest also involves the assistance of parents, making it a learning opportunity for both
youth and adults. Trivia contest participant numbers have increased from last year because of the
enhanced reinforcement items made possible by the grant. As a result of the monthly trivia contest, in
2013-2014, 188 youth showed an increase in mastery by correctly answering the questions and
submitting their answers using the internet. The number increased in 2014-2015, with 233 youth
answering the questions correctly. That is a 24% increase in participation.
Wellness Bingo Challenge-The wellness bingo challenge contest engagement also increased from the
previous year. In 2014, 464 healthy choices were self-reported by 17 youth participants. This year
there were 1,020 healthy choices being self-reported by 34 participants. The number of participants
increased by 100%. The number of healthy choices reported increased by 120%.
#iam4health Essay Contest-an essay contest was offered to 4th
-6th
graders. The essay topic was
“#iamhealthy”-Tell what being “healthy” means to you and how has 4-H helped you to be healthy.
Youth had to submit a one page essay addressing the topic. There were 6 entries and two 4-H’ers
Josie Blanchard and Janell Howard were awarded a camp registration for the State 4-H Food and
Fitness camp for themselves and a parent. As a result of attending the camp Janell Howard and her
mother Ebony Martin reported the following: “You can do different exercises,” said Janell Howard, 9, of
St. Martin Parish. “They don’t have to be the same. You can make up your own.” Janell said she also
plans to eat less junk food and limit herself to one snack a day. Janell’s mother, Ebony Martin, said she
realized the importance of being a role model. Although she’ll have to make extra time to get educated
on topics like portion sizes and to exercise together, Martin said she knows “seeing Mom do more” will
motivate her daughter. National 4-H is using Janell’s story in national marketing for the 4-H healthy
living program.

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Family Health Break Challenge-3rd
grade (Cloverbud) 4-H members were invited to participate in a
“Health Break Challenge” with their family members from October 2014-December 2014. The health
break challenge was a fun way to encourage families to adopt healthy practices by doing physical
activities or making healthful recipes together. There were 72 health break activities included that are
meant to encourage adopting a healthy lifestyle for the entire family. For each health break that was
completed as a family, youth had to enter it on the reporting form included in the packet. 7 families
of 24 participants reported 129 activities completed as a family.
Gleaux 4-Health 5K Race and Fun Run-the objective of the Gleaux 4-Health 5K race and Fun Run is to
offer an opportunity to 4-H members, families, and community members that will increase the amount
of physical activities in the community. The event was organized by a committee made up of youth,
volunteers, and 4-H agents. On Saturday, March 7, 2015, under the leadership of Ms. Brumbaugh, St.
Martin Parish 4-H sponsored the second annual “Gleaux” 4-Health 5K race and family fun run. A night
dedicated to families, fitness, and fun in which 165 people attended the event. The event is a
culmination of a year-long 4-H healthy living initiative. The intent of the event is to encourage 4-H
members, their families, and the community to participate in a fitness activity, connecting what has
been taught at 4-H club meetings about fitness to a real-life situation. The Family 1 mile fun run had 37
participants. Brady Fontenot was the first person to complete the one mile lap with a time of 8:40. The
5K started with a dance party and included 113 participants. All 113 participants finished the 5K race in
less than one hour. From a post evaluation sent to 5K race participants the following responses were
given to the question “As a result of participating in the Gleaux 4-Health 5K race 4-H healthy living
activity, what did you learn?”:
 “I learned that I need to be prepared for the next one.”
 “That running with a friend will keep you motivated to keep running.”
 “I learned that if you push way too hard you will get sick.”
 “Running a night time 5K is a LOT more fun than a morning run!!”
 “That is feels great to get my heart rate up.”
Laura performed an informal qualitative study by collecting statements from the 2014-2015 4-H
portfolios that were turned in for judging. I am using some of the quotes collected to show outcome
significance in the words of the 4-H members in the program:
It was evident when judging 4-H portfolio books that the impact of the healthy living initiative was far
greater than first anticipated. Below are examples of what was reported in the portfolios by the 4-H
youth to the question, “what did you learn in 4-H this year?”.
 “I learned how to eat healthy.” (150 responses)
 “I learned the importance of getting 60 minutes of physical activity each day.” (127 responses)
 “I learned how to be healthy.” (121 responses)
 “I learned the food groups represented in MyPlate.” (44 responses)
 “I learned how to measure my heart rate/pulse.” (13 responses)
 “I learned about calories.” (10 responses)
 “Healthy living is fun.” (9 responses)
 “I learned how wash my hands properly for 20 seconds.” (7 responses)
 “I learned the importance of drinking water.” (5 responses)
 “I learned about portion sizes/serving sizes.” (3 responses)
 “I tried new foods.” (3 responses)
 “I learned about reading food labels.” (1 response)
 “I learned about food safety.” (2 responses)

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Below are some direct quotes of what 4-H members learned as a result of participating in the 2014-2015
healthy living initiative:
 “I learned that my health is important.” 3rd
grader
 “I learned how to make healthier choices. I learned you are supposed to exercise for 60 minutes
each day.” 4th
grader
 “One thing I learned is that if you don’t exercise off a meal before your next meal it is stored as
fat.” 4th
grader
 “I learned that you can have a better life eating healthy and exercising.” 4th
grader
 “I learned to stay healthy is actually fun because you can find fun activities that you and your
loved ones can do.” 5th
grader
 “I learned that many alternatives to unhealthy foods do taste good.” 6th
grader
 “I learned that some foods that I thought only had 100 calories actually have 400.” 5th
grader
 “I learned how to be healthy and how to choose healthier foods to eat instead of junk foods.” 6th
grader
 “Two things I learned this year are that healthy eating is important and I also learned that some
foods have more calories than others.” 6th
grader
 “I learned about fruits and vegetables and I learned healthier choices for snacks.” 5th
grader
 “I learned the affects and benefits of healthy living and also how to exercise.” 6th
grader
 “I learned what is on MyPlate and I learned that being healthy should be an important part of
every child’s daily life.” 8th
grader
 “I learned about MyPlate which illustrates the five food groups that are the building blocks for a
healthy diet.” 7th
grader
 “One thing I learned is to try new things. I didn’t like spinach before and I tried it in a smoothie.”
7th
grader
 “I learned that staying healthy is important. We need to eat healthy because our body takes
nutrients from the foods we eat.” 8th
grader
 “This year in 4-H I learned about the importance of exercise. Before this year I rarely exercised,
but after Ms. Laura and Ms. Hope came along and taught me about how much sixty minutes of
exercise a day could do, I started exercising twice as much as I used to.” 7th
grader
 “I learned how to live a healthy life. I learned the different types of exercise such as light,
moderate, and vigorous.” 8th
grader
 “One of the many things I learned in 4-H this year is how to choose low calorie, healthy snacks,
like pretzels instead of chips.” 8th
grader
 “One thing I learned this year in 4-H is how to prepare healthy foods for my family.” 7th
grader
 “I learned that I should use what I learned about being healthy in my own everyday life.” 8th
grader
 “This year I learned how to stay healthy while having fun.” 7th
grader
C. Teen Leadership Outcome Significance:
Laura had provided much time and effort in improving the St. Martin Parish 4-H Jr. Leader club’s
enrollment and educational value. The St. Martin Parish Jr. Leader club meets monthly and are offered
numerous opportunities to practice leadership on the parish, regional and state levels. When evaluating
enrollment and retention rates of the St. Martin Parish Jr. Leader club over a 4 year period there were
notable outcomes.
In 2008, membership enrollment was 44 club members. In 2011, membership enrollment was 80
members. That is an 81.81% increase in membership from 2008 to 2011.

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Re-enrollment percentages have increased as well in the four year span. In 2009-2010, there was a
45% re-enrollment rate from the previous year. During the 2010-2011 year, the re-enrollment total was
42.5%. In 2011-2012, the re-enrollment rate was 63.75% from the previous year. This data tells us that
not only did we enroll more members in the last four years, but the members are staying in the program
longer.
The average year as a Jr. Leader member is 2.25. In 2012-2013, the average number of years enrolled as
a Jr. Leader club member is 2.56. The average number of years enrolled as a Jr. Leader club member is
2.6 for the 2013-2014 membership. The average number of years enrolled as a Jr. Leader club member
is 2.7 for the 2014-2015 membership.
As a result of the 2010-2011 Leadership exit survey,
 92.1% of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed that they combine their ideas with
someone else’s idea to create a better plan.
 89.5% of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed they set goals.
 89.5% of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed they speak up.
 89.5% of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed they have the ability to present their case
in a controversial situation.
 94.7% of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed it is their responsibility to be a role model
for their peers.
 97.4% of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed it is their responsibility to listen to others.
 94.7% of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed they feel good about themselves when
they are involved as a leader in 4-H.
 94.7% of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed they are comfortable with being a leader.
Some significant outcomes from Laura’s work during the 2012-2013 year are as follows:
As a result of leadership programming efforts, St. Martin Parish has 11 state board members. Youth are
represented on the State Executive committee, Citizenship Board, SET Board, Fashion Board
and Shooting Sports Ambassadors.
Ms. Brumbaugh performed an informal study by collecting statements from the 2012-2013 4-H
portfolios that were turned in for judging. I am using some of the quotes collected to show outcome
significance in the words of the 4-H members in the program:
• “Jr. Leaders is fun because my opinion will be heard and considered.” –SBS 7th
grader
• “In 4-H I have learned to work better as a team. I never thought workings as a team would be so
important, but I think it is. I know that this will help me later in life and I am grateful our leaders and
agents took the time to teach this to us.” – BBHS 9th
grader
• “I learned that to accomplish anything you have to try hard and not let others influence you in the
wrong way. If you set your mind to something you can do it.” TC 7th
grader
• “You have to be on your “A” game. You have to act like a leader if you want to be a leader.” – SMJH
6th
grader
• “One thing I learned this year in 4-H happened to be about myself. Being a Jr. Leader and taking part
in volunteering opportunities dealing with younger 4-H members, showed me that I’m good with
children and has put me on a path of what I want my future career to be. 4-H has helped me so much in
confirming my career choice.” BBHS 10th
grader

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The following were significant outcomes as a result of her work on leadership with 7th
-12th
grade
4-H youth in 2013-2014:
The total enrollment for the Jr. Leader club was 61 members. 10 Jr. Leader club members are
graduating this year. This is the second year in a row where the club has had 10 seniors are more in it.
This outcome is significant because it shows that by instituting such things as a Jr. Leader officer retreat;
Jr. Leader trip; Jr. Leader service-learning projects; as well as give them opportunities to practice
leadership will positively affect club membership enrollment and retention.
As a result of leadership programming efforts, St. Martin Parish has 5 state board members. Youth are
represented on the Citizenship Board, SET Board, and Shooting Sports Ambassadors.
Laura performed an informal study by collecting statements from the 2013-2014 4-H portfolios that
were turned in for judging. I am using some of the quotes collected to show outcome significance in the
words of the 4-H members in the program:
• “I learned that teamwork is so important. If you are in a team and you make decisions without asking
the team you are bound to fail. When people work together we can combine each other’s talents to get
a beautiful result.” 10th
grader
• “4-H teaches us the importance of leadership and many other things. Leadership is the key to
everyone’s future. You aren’t going to become a leader overnight, it takes time.” 10th
grader
• “In 4-H I have learned to work as a part of a team. I never used to think that being a part of a team
was important, but now I know better. I know this will help me later in life, and I am thankful our leaders
and agents have taken the time to teach this to us.” 10th
grader
• “I’ve learned through my participation in the Jr. Leader club that listening is so important. During all
meetings, if you don’t listen to directions, you could get it all wrong and have a total misconception of
what was really meant. It is a life lesson. If you don’t listen, you could miss out on something extremely
important.” 11th
grader
The following were significant outcomes as a result of Laura’s work on leadership with 7th
-12th
grade
4-H youth in 2014-2015:
As a result of leadership programming efforts, St. Martin Parish has 6 state board members. Our youth
are represented on the SET Board, Food and Fitness Board, Executive Board, Fashion Board, and
Shooting Sports Ambassadors.
Youth Voice is recognized as a pivotal component of successful youth leadership development
programs. The life skill of communication was taught at various levels to the youth in the club. 23 youth
participated in the “Youth Voice Evaluation” in May 2014. The following was significant results reported
by the respondents:
 100 % of youth agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I want to be a part of this
program.”
 100% of youth agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I think the activities that we are
involved in with this program are valuable.”
 100% of youth agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I feel good about myself when I
am involved in this program.”
 100% of youth agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I trust the adults in this club”.
 95.65% of youth agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I am proud of the work we do
in this program”.

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 95.65% of youth agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “It is important that I participate
in meetings”.
 95.65% of youth agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I can make a difference through
my work in this program.”
 95.65% of youth agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “Adults in this program involve
youth in making decisions about our program”.
The respondents can be described as 47.83% female and 52.17% male. The average age was 15.30
and the average grade in school was the 9th
grade.
She performed an informal study by collecting statements from the 2014-2015 4-H portfolios that were
turned in for judging. I am using some of the quotes collected to show outcome significance in the
words of the 4-H members in the program:
 “One thing I learned this year is how to be more confident when speaking in front of a large
group of people.”
 “One thing I have learned this year in 4-H would be that I am a role model to the younger
children and even to some of the other ones. I like to have fun and enjoy giving pointers and
helping anyone.”
 “This year in 4-H I learned that it is important to be a good leader many young 4-H’ers look up to
us as Junior Leaders and will one day follow in our footsteps”
 “The best thing I learned this year is how to believe in myself it is always better to be a leader
and role model to others than to sit back and miss out on opportunities.”
 “I loved the multiple opportunities to volunteer with young children.”
 “I volunteered at the 4-H Fun Day and I really enjoyed working with the little kids. It really made
me want to work with kids when I grow up.”
 “The Jr. Leader club is all about the opportunity of learning about many qualities and
competencies needed to become a leader. It’s a very fun opportunity for many teen 4-H’ers.”
 “I love volunteering for events for Junior Leaders, it feels good to know that other little 4-H’ers
are having as much fun as I did in 4-H.”
 “Being a Jr. Leader member has helped me to become more comfortable when speaking and
interacting with my peers.”
 “My favorite part of 4-H would definitely be the Jr. Leader club and its numerous volunteering
opportunities. The Jr. Leader club provides so many opportunities to help out in the community
and the people in it. I love that I get to help out younger 4-H members and give them a positive
attitude about 4-H and hopefully influence them to want to join 4-H again.”
 “4-H opportunities have helped contribute to who I am today by making me more confident in
myself and my abilities. I have been lucky enough to be a presenter at a couple of 4-H functions.
As a presenter I was able to teach younger 4-H’ers basic self-defense techniques. It was very
nerve racking and just plain scary to get up in front of people and attempt to teach them
something. Right after I finished the presentation, I felt like I had done a terrible job, but then I
realized that I had done okay because the kids felt like they had learned something and they
seemed to have a good time. It’s not easy to put yourself out there and leave yourself open to
being laughed at or criticized, but sometimes 30 seconds of courage is all it takes to get you
going!”
D. Citizenship Outcome Significance:
Laura serves as a co-sponsor of the Louisiana 4-H Citizenship board. Under the board sponsors’
leadership, board members received a comprehensive citizenship and leadership training throughout

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the three board meetings. Board sponsors provided board members with citizenship and leadership
material and support through the year to develop their knowledge and skills. Supporting the Citizenship
Board and promoting citizenship concepts, the Citizenship board webpage got 472 hits within a year.
Board opportunities were structured to give members leadership opportunities.
As a result of the 2010-2011 State 4-H Citizenship Board Exit Survey (n=9),
 78% of the respondents strongly agreed and 22% agreed that they increased their knowledge of
subject matter related to citizenship.
 78% of the respondents strongly agreed and 22% agreed that they have a positive feeling about
their future.
 78% of the respondents strongly agreed and 22% agreed that they increased their knowledge of
4-H.
 67% of the respondents strongly agreed and 33% agreed that they have taken advantage of the
opportunities they learned from their board participation.
 78% of the respondents strongly agreed and 11% agreed that they increased their public
speaking skills.
 78% of the respondents strongly agreed and 11% agreed that they improved their ability to
communicate with others.
Comments included: “I know how to plan a service-learning project and camp on a much larger scale.”
“This board has amazing members, sponsors and ideas. Citizenship Board has become another “4-H
Family” for me. Everything is always filled with fun and memories! I absolutely loved every moment on
this board, including the late night meetings to plan our JLC song and camp!” “Learning about Heifer
village in Arkansas was definitely a new experience being that I didn’t know such a thing ever existed.
This made a difference because it’s something different that I can bring to my parish and educate others
I know on the benefits of the organization.” “The connections I made as well the opportunities gave me
hope for my generation. The opportunities 4-H offers for youth voice are unique and important!”
A 4 year study was conducted to see the impact the board has on its members. Based on their
participation in the State 4-H Citizenship Board over the last four years, 54 out of 96 board members
responded to a State 4-H Citizenship Board survey resolving in an 56% return rate.
As a result of their involvement in the State 4-H Citizenship Board, participants reported the following:
 94% of the participants increased their citizenship subject matter knowledge.
 91% of the participants mastered skills related to the board.
 93% of the participants increased their knowledge of 4-H opportunities.
 90% of the participants improved their ability to communication with others.
 92% of the participants increased their decision-making skills.
 91%of the participants mastered leadership skills.
 95% of the participants implemented a project related to the board.
 95% of the participants would recommend the board to a friend and 89% of the youth indicated
that serving on the board was one of the best experiences in their 4-H career.
Through Laura’s work as a Citizenship board state co-sponsor, she assisted with the planning of
Citizenship Camp, Extreme Makeover: 4-H Edition, where 50 youth from 18 parishes attended the camp.
Evaluations were administered to all 50 participants and the following data was gathered:
 92.5% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they have a greater understanding of their role as
a 4-H member.

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 82.5% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they gained an understanding of the importance
of how my character affects others.
 84.5% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they increased their motivation to become an
active citizen.
 87.5% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they have a greater understanding of how their
personal actions impact my community.
 82.5% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they utilized problem solving skills to identify
solutions to problems presented.
 85% of youth plan to use the information and knowledge gained from the Citizenship Camp to
enhance a local 4-H club, parish, area or state 4-H project.
 77.5% of youth plan to use the information and knowledge gained from the Citizenship Camp to
recruit new members or encourage current members to re-enroll.
The second Citizenship Board sponsored camp “Louisiana Connections Camp” showed an increases in
participation. Participants from Acadia, Ascension, Bienville, Caddo, Cameron, East Baton Rouge,
LaSalle, Livingston, Natchitoches, Pointe Coupee, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas,
Terrebonne, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, West Carroll and Webster parishes enjoyed the many aspects of
Louisiana Connections. During the cultural fair, 4-H members got to visit the Louisiana Crossroads, Cajun
Country, Plantation Country, Greater New Orleans and the Sportsman’s Paradise without leaving camp.
From playing capture the flag during WWII Maneuvers to voting on a real voting machine during the
Government Track to painting our state bird with Louisiana soil in the Creative Arts track to making dog
treats for our State Service Project in the Service-Learning workshops, participants from across the state
had fun with hands-on learning activity. Campers, 4-H volunteers, staff and Louisiana Association of
Extension 4-H Agent members got their hands dirty in planting over 60 trees on the grounds of Camp
Grant Walker. Campers celebrated the end of camp with a dance, parade and attached awesome
PowerPoint presentation.
Evaluations were administered to all 50 participants and the following data was gathered:
 92% of the youth broadened their knowledge about leadership
 92% of the youth were motivated to get more involved in 4-H
 88% of the youth were more confident in their leadership ability
 84% of the youth broadened their knowledge about citizenship
 84% of the youth broadened their knowledge about service-learning
 84% of the youth were motivated to get more involved in service
 84% of the youth were motivated to expand their leadership role in my parish
 80% of the youth broadened their knowledge about history
 80% of the youth broadened their knowledge about government
These were just a few comments from campers and adults who were in attendance at Louisiana
Connections. From Campers….“Best camp ever, fun and energetic!”; “Excellent camp” and “It was
good. I enjoyed it.” From Adults…..“I have to say that this weekend’s camp was one of the best events,
outside of 4-H U, that my teen 4-H members have had the opportunity to participate in. Great job!” and
“Camp was GREAT!!! All of mine want to know when the next camp is.”
E. Service-Learning Outcome Significance:
Laura coordinated a service-learning project with a 7th
grade health class at Marthaville Jr. High entitled,

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“Natchitoches Parish-Safety Crew-Teens Constructing a Safer Tomorrow”. The following are quotes
from the youth that participated in the service learning project, “I liked it and felt that I learned more
about my community and way of life.” “It felt great because we got to teach little kids responsibility.” “I
feel I learned a lot. Also as future leaders of America we need to participate.” “I felt very good about
this project. I felt good about it because I believe the kids that we taught actually learned something.”
The quotes were submitted by anonymous surveys.
As a result of participating in the Safety Crew Mentoring Service-Learning project the following
outcomes were reported:
 100% are agreed or strongly agreed that they respect authority
 91% agreed or strongly agreed that the project made them more aware of their responsibility to
help others
 82% agreed or strongly agreed that they are more aware of their community
 82% agreed or strongly agreed that they have a desire to serve others
 81% agreed or strongly agreed that they want to serve their community in the future
Ms. Brumbaugh coordinated a Service-Learning project in St. Martin Parish with the Jr. Leader club
entitled, “St. Martin Parish-Jr. Leaders helping Jerry’s Kids”. As a result of participating in the MDA
service-learning project:
 78% are more likely to get others to share in leadership through the service-learning project
 78% are more likely to recruit others to get involved in the service-learning project
 78% are more likely to feel responsible for accomplishing the project goals
 78% are more likely to involve others in the project
 78% are more likely to adapt to change in the project
H. Social Media Outcome Significance:
Laura, along with her co-worker, developed and maintain the following social media pages: Facebook
Page; Twitter Page; Instagram Page; and Pinterest Page. Through the use of social media, Laura is able
to provide 4-H members, their families, and community members with up-to date information. Laura
used social media pages to educate users regarding the educational focus for the year, remind users
about upcoming events and activities, and recognize 4-H members and volunteers.
The following is an outline of Facebook page “likes” from 2011-2015. The page has seen a 174%
increase in the number of “likes” from 2011. This would indicate a bigger outreach using social media as
an educational delivery mode.
Year Likes (Reach)
2011 427
2012 556
2013 778
2014 1,014
2015 1,222
The current Facebook page audience is 77% female and 23% male. 31% of the audience is 35-44 year
olds, 20% of the audience is 18-24 year olds, and 19% of their audience is 25-34 year olds. To view the
Facebook page, click the following link: https://www.facebook.com/St.Martin4H?ref=tn_tnmn.

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I. Mastery through Project Club Participation Outcome Significance:
Laura and her co-worker began incorporating project clubs into their 2013-2014 4-H year. They started
a SET club, Hands 4 Art club, Move 4 Health club, and Discovery Leadership Academy for 4th
-6th
graders.
Ms. Brumbaugh worked directly with three out of the four clubs, Hands 4 Art, Move 4 Health, and
Discovery Leadership Academy.
The average number of participants for each club was as follows:
Hands 4 Art: 23 youth
Move 4 Health: 6 youth
Discovery Leadership Academy-16 youth
The Hands 4 Art participants were given a voluntary survey to complete. The response rate was 12.
The results are as follows:
 100% reported that the Art club meetings made them feel very happy.
 100% reported that they would attend Art club meetings next year.
 100% reported as a result of attending Art club meetings they were able to express their
creativity.
 100% reported as a result of attending Art club meetings they completed a craft independently
 100% reported as a result of attending Art club meetings they had fun.
 97% reported as a result of attending Art club meetings they met a new friend.
 97% reported as a result of attending Art club meetings they learned a new skill.
 97% reported as a result of attending Art club meetings they helped others.
 94% reported as a result of attending Art club meetings they felt confident.
 94% reported while attending Art club meetings they were helped by an older 4-H member.
She conducted a qualitative observation through records judging. Here are some quotes from the 4-H
members about their experiences attending the project club meetings (Hands 4 Art, Discovery
Leadership Academy, and SET):
 “This year has been the best year because I go to the Hands 4 Art club meeting every month. My
friend
 was right, 4-H is fun.” 4th
grader
 “My favorite 4-H activity is the art club project.” 4th
grader
 “I liked most about 4-H this year-the 4-H Arts and Crafts and leadership clubs.” 4th
grader
 “What I liked most about this 4-H year was the Arts and Crafts club and the Discovery
Leadership Academy club.” 4th
grader
 “I learned how to work in teams to figure out things.” 4th
grader
 “I learned leadership and communication.” 4th
grader
 “I learned how to work with others at the fun SET activities.” 5th
grader
 “The most I liked about 4-H this year was SET because I discovered something new there all the
time.” 6th
grader
 “I learned how to be a good leader in Discovery Leadership Academy.” 5th
grader
 “I enjoyed the Hands 4 Art sessions the most because we got to make all sorts of cool crafts.” 6th
grader
 “I learned how to be a bigger, better, and stronger leader.” 5th
grader
5. Development and presentation of research-based materials
Brumbaugh, L., Fruits and Vegetables-You be the Judge, Natchitoches Parish 4-H Clubs, October 2006.
Brumbaugh, L., Get the Scoop on Fat and Snack Right, Natchitoches Parish 4-H Clubs, November 2006.

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Brumbaugh, L., Grains-The Whole Picture, Natchitoches Parish 4-H Clubs, February 2007.
Brumbaugh, L. and Lafollette, L. Viewpoint in the Media. Northwest Challenge Camp, Pollock, LA,
February 2007.
Brumbaugh, L., Get Real-Get Moving and Search for the Hidden Sugars, March 2007.
Brumbaugh, L., Kelley, B. and Lafollette, L. What’s All This Hocus Pocus? Northwest Area Leader
Training, Coushatta, LA, September 2007.
Brumbaugh, L. Why Join 4-H. Parent’s Night, NSU Middle Lab School, September 2007.
Brumbaugh, L., A Value Meal of LA Products, Natchitoches Parish 4-H Clubs, October 2007.
Brumbaugh, L., Commodity Trading Cards, Natchitoches Parish 4-H Clubs, November 2007.
Brumbaugh, L., DVD: Ten Things Kids Want to Know about Farming Careers, Natchitoches Parish 4-H
Clubs, December 2007.
Brumbaugh, L., Ma, What You Got in Da Gumbo Pot, Natchitoches Parish 4-H Clubs, February 2008.
Brumbaugh, L., DNA for Dinner: Biotechnology, Natchitoches Parish 4-H Clubs, March 2008.
Brumbaugh, L. Sorting and Recycling Race. Provencal Earth Day celebration, Provencal, LA, April 2008.
Brumbaugh, L., Character Counts Overview, Natchitoches Parish 4-H Clubs, September 2008.
Brumbaugh, L and Lafollette, L. 4-H: It’s More Than Just Getting out of Class. Northwest/Northcentral
Area Leader Training, Coushatta, LA, September 2008.
Brumbaugh, L., Tower of Trust-Trustworthiness, Natchitoches Parish 4-H Clubs, October 2008.
Brumbaugh, L. Hunting Public Policy. Survival Camp, Winnfield, LA, October 2008.
Brumbaugh, L. Pledging 4-H’s Essentials. Natchitoches Lions Club meeting, Natchitoches, LA, October
2008.
Brumbaugh, L., 4-H Rules-Responsibility, Natchitoches Parish 4-H Clubs, November 2008.
Brumbaugh, L., RC Mix-Respect and Caring, Natchitoches Parish 4-H Clubs, December 2008.
Brumbaugh, L., Proper Hand Washing, St. Martin Parish 4-H Clubs, February 2009.
Brumbaugh, L., Aim for a Diet Low in Sodium, St. Martin Parish 4-H Clubs, March 2009.
Brumbaugh, L., Re-Think Your Drink, St. Martin Parish 4-H Clubs, May 2009.
Brumbaugh, L. and Juneau, A. Smart Bodies Teacher Training. Smart Bodies Teacher Training, St.
Martinville, LA, September 2009.
Brumbaugh, L., Safe at Home, St. Martin Parish 3rd
grade clubs, October 2009.
Brumbaugh, L., Safety on Cyber Island, St. Martin Parish 9th
-12th
grade clubs, October 2009.
Brumbaugh, L., Safety on the Net, St. Martin Parish 4th
-8th
grade clubs, October 2009.
Brumbaugh, L., Food Drive: Jumping Jack-a-thon, St. Martin Parish 3rd
grade clubs, November 2009.
Brumbaugh, L., Don’t be a Target (Bullying Awareness), St. Martin Parish 4-H 4th
-8th
grade clubs,
November 2009.
Brumbaugh, L., Get Fired Up About Outdoor Cooking, St. Martin Parish 9th
-12th
grade clubs, November
2009.
Brumbaugh L., Weather Fun, St. Martin Parish 3rd grade clubs, December 2009.
Brumbaugh, L., Get Fired Up about Outdoor Cooking, St. Martin Parish 4-H 4th
-8th
grade clubs, December
2009.
Brumbaugh, L., Don’t be a Victim of Identity Theft, St. Martin Parish 9th
-12th
grade clubs, December
2009.
Brumbaugh, L., Fishing Safety, St. Martin Parish 3rd
grade clubs, February 2010.
Brumbaugh, L., Fishing Safety, St. Martin Parish 4-H 4th
-8th
grade clubs, February 2010.
Brumbaugh, L., Fishing for Safety, St. Martin Parish 9th
-12th
grade clubs, February 2010.
Brumbaugh, L. Developing the Board’s Pitch. Citizenship Summer Board Meeting, Port Allen, LA, July
2010.
Brumbaugh, L.; Fusilier, R.; Johnson, H.; Stelly, G.; Thibeaux, J. Slam Dunk-Teens as Facilitators,
Southwest Area Leadership and Volunteer Training, Lafayette, LA, August 2010.

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Brumbaugh, L. Strategic Plan Discussion Facilitator. LAE4-HA Convention, Bossier City, LA, August 2010.
Brumbaugh, L., I Wanna Be a Billionaire, Ascension Parish 4-H Clubs, October 2010.
Brumbaugh, L.; Fusilier, R and Stelly, G. Louisiana 4-H State Boards, Southern Region Teen Leadership
Conference, Crossville, TN, October 2010.
Brumbaugh, L., Jones, K., & Template, J., Character Education Training for 8th
graders, Gonzales, LA,
Lamar Dixon Expo Center, October 2010.
Brumbaugh, L. Risky Behaviors: Texting and Driving. HRE 4869 class meeting, Baton Rouge, LA, October
2010.
Brumbaugh, L., Creating a Budget Tree, Ascension Parish 4-H Clubs, November 2010.
Brumbaugh, L; Fox, J. and Zammit, K. How To Have a Successful Service-Learning Program in Your
Parish, Southeast Region Quarterly Training, Hammond, LA, November 2010.
Brumbaugh, L., Vacation Destination, Ascension Parish 4-H Clubs, February 2011.
Brumbaugh, L and Fox, J. Just VAK It-Learning Styles. New Agent Orientation, Pollock, LA, March 2011.
Brumbaugh, L. Putting Meaning into Your Program. New Agent Orientation, Pollock, LA, March 2011.
Arnould, A.; Brumbaugh, L. and Myers, K. 4-H Agent Advice Panel, New Agent Orientation, Pollock, LA,
March 2011.
Brumbaugh, L. and Cater, M. Solutions Unlimited. 4-H University Training, Alexandria, LA, April 2011.
Brumbaugh, L. Overnight Chaperone Training, Ascension Parish 4-H Office; May 3, 2011.
Brumbaugh, L. Galvez Middle School 6th Grade Orientation, Galvez Middle School; May 10, 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., Fox, S., & Sutherland, C., Grow Necklace, Ag Wonders, Amite, LA, May 11-12, 2011.
Brumbaugh, L, 4-H Camp Parents Meeting, Prairieville Primary School, May 18, 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., Overnight Chaperone Training, Ascension Parish 4-H Office, June 13, 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., 4-H University Informational Meeting, Ascension Parish 4-H Office, June 16, 2011.
Brumbaugh, L. My Plate Bracelets. Bright Futures Program, Donaldsonville, LA, July 2011.
Brumbaugh, L. Ice Cream in a Bag. Ascension Parish Library Branches, July 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., MyPyramid Presentation: MyPyramid Bracelets, Bright Futures Program-Lowery
Elementary, July 11, 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., Importance of Dairy Consumption: Making Ice Cream, Bright Futures Program-Lowery
Elementary, July 12, 2011.
Brumbaugh, L. Down on the Farm-Ice Cream in a Bag, Ascension Parish Summer Reading Library
Program, Gonzales Library, Galvez Library and Donaldsonville Library Branches, July 19-21, 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., Making Meetings a Brees, Southeast Leader Training, Gonzales, LA., September 21, 2011.
Brumbaugh, L. & Guidry, H., Ideas to Brighten 4-H Achievement Day, Southwest Quarterly Training,
Lafayette, LA, September 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., 4-H Mystery Box: Introduction to 4-H, Ascension Parish 4-H clubs, September 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., Hunters Safety, Ascension Parish 4-H clubs, October 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., Oxidation, St. Martin Parish 4-H Clubs, November 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., Plant Science, St. Martin Parish 4-H Clubs, December 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., Being Proactive and Positive Thinking, Jr. Leader Club Presentation, Breaux Bridge, LA,
January 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., The Butter Side of Moo, St. Martin Parish 4-H Clubs, January 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., Source Search, St. Martin Parish 4-H 3rd
-6th
grade clubs, February 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., What Message Are you Sending, St. Martin Parish 7th
-12th
grade clubs, February 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., Gauthier, S., & Guidry, H., LSU AgCenter Listens, Breaux Bridge, LA, March 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., St. Martin Parish 4-H Update, St. Martin Parish Advisory Committee Meeting, Breaux
Bridge, LA, April 2012.
Brumbaugh, L. & Guidry, H., Grow Necklaces, Blooming on the Bayou, Breaux Bridge, LA. April 21, 2012.
Brumbaugh, L. & Guidry, H., Camp Counselor Training, Breaux Bridge, LA. April 26, 2012.

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Brumbaugh, L., Importance of Needs Assessment, Service-Learning Training, Alexandria, LA, July 9, 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., Service-Learning Cycle, Citizenship Summer Board Meeting, Baton Rouge, July 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., Distracted Driving, Citizenship Summer Board Meeting, Baton Rouge, July 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., The 4-H Mystery Box-Introduction to 4-H, St. Martin Parish 4-H 3rd
-6th
grade clubs,
September 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., 10 Questions Kids Have About Agriculture, St. Martin Parish 4-H 3rd
-6th
grade clubs,
October 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., Cyberbullying: What is it and How to Cope with It, St. Martin Parish 7th
-12th
grade clubs,
October 2012.
Brumbaugh, L. & Guidry, H., Smart Bodies Teacher Training, St. Bernard School, October 17, 2012.
Brumbaugh, L. & Guidry, H., Smart Bodies School Assembly, St. Bernard School, October 23, 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., Living History of Sugar, St. Martin Parish 4-H 3rd
-6th
grade clubs, November 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., What is Your Status?, St. Martin Parish 7th
-12th
grade clubs, November 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., Smart Bodies School Assembly, Trinity Catholic School, November 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., Beef By Products and Demonstration, St. Martin Parish 4-H 3rd
-6th
grade clubs, December
2012.
Brumbaugh, L., St. Martin Parish 4-H Update, St. Martin Parish Advisory Committee Meeting, Breaux
Bridge, LA, March 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., 4-H University Informational Meeting, Breaux Bridge, LA., March 14, 2013.
Brumbaugh, L. & Guidry H. Making Achievement Day Meaningful for All, Acadia Parish 4-H Advisory
Committee Meeting, Crowley, LA. August 6, 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., 4-H Treasures with a Fitness Twist, St. Martin Parish 3rd
-6th
grade clubs, September 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., Intro to 4-H with Human Bingo Game, St. Martin Parish 7th
-12th
grade clubs, September
2013.
Brumbaugh, L., Adult Perceptions of Youth Leadership Thesis Defense, Baton Rouge, LA., October 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., My Plate Introduction and Body Stir Up Fitness Game, St. Martin Parish 3rd-6th grade
clubs, October 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., Life Is Full of Hard Knocks-Enthusiasm and Attitude, St. Martin Parish 7th-12th grade
clubs, October 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., Communication, Jr. Leader Club, Breaux Bridge, LA, October 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., & Guidry, H., Strategies on Building Engaging Programs-Use of Social Media, Relevant
Programs, Teens as Teachers, Southwest Region 4-H Professional Development Training, Lafayette, LA.,
October 2013.
Brumbaugh, L. Aerobic Exercise with Animal Action Bingo Game, St. Martin Parish 3rd
-6th
grade clubs,
November 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., Interview Role Play, St. Martin Parish 7th
-12th
grade clubs, November 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., Relationship Building, Discovery Leadership Academy, Breaux Bridge & St. Martinville,
LA., November 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., Making Thanksgiving Desserts Healthier, Move 4-Health Project Club Meeting, Breaux
Bridge, LA., November 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., Better Grains are Whole Grains, Move 4-Health Project Club Meeting, Breaux Bridge, LA.,
December 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., Communication Building, Discovery Leadership Academy, Breaux Bridge, LA., December
2013.
Brumbaugh, L., Decision Making, Jr. Leader Planning Meeting, Breaux Bridge, LA., December 2013.
Brumbaugh, L., Portfolio How To-Getting Ready for Scholarships, St. Martin Parish 7th-12th grade clubs,
January 2014.

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Brumbaugh, L., Planning, Organization, and Group Process Skill Building, Discovery Leadership Academy
meeting, Breaux Bridge, LA., January 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Smart Snacking with focus on Strengthening Exercise, St. Martin Parish 3rd
-6th
grade
clubs, February 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Professionalism in the Workplace, St. Martin Parish 7th
-12th
grade clubs, February 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Professionalism and Communication, Jr. Leader Planning Meeting, Breaux Bridge, LA.,
February 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Fruit & Vegetable Consumption; Move 4-Health Project Club meeting, Breaux Bridge,
LA., February 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Time and Stress Management, Jr. Leader Planning Meeting, Breaux Bridge, LA., March
2014.
Brumbaugh, L., 4-H University Informational Meeting, Breaux Bridge, LA., March 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Fun in the Kitchen-Recipe Development and Food Art, Move 4-Health Project Club
meeting, Breaux Bridge, LA., March 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., & Guidry, H., St. Martin Parish Healthy Living Initiative, Southwest Regional Professional
Development Training, Crowley, LA., May 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Solutions Unlimited Training, 4-H University Training, Lafayette, LA., June 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., 4-H University Policy and Procedures, Breaux Bridge, LA., June 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Empathy, Citizenship Summer Board Meeting, Baton Rouge, July 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., St. Martin Healthy Living Initiative, Southwest Region Volunteer and Leadership
Development Workshop, Lafayette, LA., August 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Leadership Development, Albany and Zachary High School FFA retreat, Lake Fausse
Point, September 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Introduction to Healthy Living Initiative, St. Martin Parish 3rd
grade clubs, September
2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Introduction to Healthy Living Initiative, St. Martin Parish 4th
-6th
grade clubs, September
2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Introduction to 4-H and Healthy Living Initiative, St. Martin Parish 7th
-12th
grade clubs,
September 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., St. Martin Parish 4-H Update, St. Martin Parish School Board Meeting, Breaux Bridge,
LA., October 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Get in the Movement Groove & Family Health Break Challenge, St. Martin Parish 3rd
grade clubs, October 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Go, Slow, Whoa Food Choices & Blender Bike, St. Martini Parish 7th
-12th
grade clubs,
October 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Exercise & Your Heart, St. Martin Parish 4th
-6th
grade clubs, October 2014.
Brumbaugh, L. Leadership Development, Jr. Leader Planning Meeting, Breaux Bridge, LA., October 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Types of Physical Activity & Physical Activity Charades, St. Martin Parish 3rd grade clubs,
November 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Healthy Diet Game, St. Martin Parish 7th
-12th
grade clubs, November 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Energy & Calories: The Balancing Act, St. Martin Parish 4th
-6th
grade clubs, November
2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Engagement of Club Members, Jr. Leader Planning Meeting, Breaux Bridge, LA.,
November 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Famous Failures: Overcoming Obstacles, Southwest Regional Challenge Camp, Pollock,
LA., November 2014.
Brumbaugh, L., Introduction to MyPlate & MyPlate Game, St. Martin Parish 3rd
grade clubs, February
2015.

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Brumbaugh, L., Introduction of MyPlate & Focus on Fruits and Vegetables, St. Martin Parish 4th
-6th
grade
clubs, February 2015.
Brumbaugh, L., Physical Fitness Options, St. Martin Parish 7th
-12th
grade clubs, February 2015.
Brumbaugh, L., 4-H University Informational Meeting, Breaux Bridge, LA., February 2015.
Brumbaugh, L., Curriculum Development-Art Camp Example, Southwest Regional Professional
Development Meeting, New Iberia, LA., February 2015.
Brumbaugh, L., St. Martin Parish 4-H Update, St. Martin Parish 4-H Advisory Committee Meeting, Breaux
Bridge, LA., March 2015.
6. Publications (print and electronic)
Laura understands the importance of providing a high quality newsletter each month for 4-H members
and their parents. She also believes that the newsletter can serve as a tool for education as well as
promoting events and activities. She has strived to create interactive, appealing publications in all
parishes she has worked in. She has even created separate newsletters for different age groups, to
make them more age appropriate. Laura has created parish 4-H newsletters, Jr. Leader newsletters, Art
Club newsletters, Move 4-Health Project Club newsletters, and Volunteer newsletters, always including
educational information in them. She also includes pictures and a list of participants from each contest
held that parish 4-H members were a part of. Laura believes in not only recognizing those that win
contests, but all who participated in an effort to create a greater sense of belonging.
Throughout her career, Laura has produced over thirty educational brochure/handout publications. She
has produced one hundred fifty 4-H monthly newsletters in three parishes, including 4-H newsletter, Jr.
Leader club newsletter, and Art project club newsletter. Laura distributes information to club leaders,
volunteers, and Jr. Leader club members via an electronic format by emailing information that is
needed.
7. Mass Media and Electronic Outreach
Laura has developed an interest in developing marketing tools. She has done the following methods of
marketing:
A. Newspaper Articles-she has published on 25 articles in Natchitoches, St. Martin and Ascension parish
newspapers. The Teche News in St. Martin parish not only publishes articles in the newspaper, but also
on their webpage.
B. Radio-Laura has been involved with radio in Natchitoches by advertising the parish fair, Natchitoches
Ag Day and 4-H camp during radio programming, and with Lafayette station KSMB Sunday morning
community program where she promoted the Gleaux 4-Health 5K and Fun Run in February 2015.
C. TV-Laura was invited to present a check on the MDA telethon in 2008 at the Bass Pro Shop in
Shreveport. In 2009, she assisted Hope Guidry with a Summer Safety Tips television segment on KLFY’s
Passe Partout.
D. Webpage-Laura constantly updates the parish website with pertinent information for clients and
parents. Of particular importance is the monthly 4-H newsletter that is uploaded.
E. Social Media- Social media can be a great educational tool. In St. Martin parish Laura and Hope
Guidry worked to develop a parish Facebook page and a Jr. Leader Facebook page. Under Hope’s
leadership, Laura was motivated to post pictures and event reminders on the page. She posts to
Facebook on average 5 times a week. One way she reinforces healthy living concepts on the Facebook

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page is to post a “4-Health Tip of the Day” from MyPlate.org. She also posts recipes for families to try
along with physical activity ideas. Contests are also occasionally utilized during parish fundraisers to
increase publicity and page engagement. Laura created a parish Twitter page, Pinterest page, and
Instagram page. She uses the Pinterest page to give youth ideas for contests such as the pumpkin
decorating contest, pet show contest, and cookery contests. She also uses research-based boards (such
as USDA, etc.) to promote healthy living. The Instagram page allows for Laura to promote events and
market 4-H activities through pictures.
F. Promotional Handouts/Brochures-Laura utilizes Publisher, PowerPoint, and Easly. To develop mass
media promotional materials to market events and activities. She has created over 50 promotional
handouts and brochures. Some examples include 4-H University Promotional Packet (this packet has
been used by other parishes), Gleaux 4-Health 5K flyer, Super Fit Super Families flyer, Fundraiser
promotional pieces, etc.
8. Other educational materials such as exhibits, curriculum, lesson plans, audio tapes, videos, etc.
A. Educational Exhibits:
Laura has had the opportunity to create educational exhibits throughout her career. She enjoys using
her creativity to create an eye catching display that educates the public. Below are exhibits that Laura
has created:
 Louisiana 4-H Celebrates its Centennial Year Display, LA Society of American Foresters annual
meeting, 2008
 Louisiana 4-H Celebrates its Centennial Year Display, Natchitoches, LA, Arts Center Glass Front
Window, 2008
 State Fair of Louisiana Media Day Booth, Shreveport, LA, State Fair of Louisiana Media Day, 2008
 Natchitoches 4-H: Bringing Joy to the World Since 1908 Float Display, Natchitoches, LA,
Christmas Festival Parade, 2008
 Cloverbud Display, Breaux Bridge Primary Open House, 2009
 Broadening Horizons Through Expanded Teen Opportunities Display, LAE4-HA Convention
Poster Session, 2009
 Be the Change-Louisiana Citizenship Board Display, Southeast Regional Volunteer Leader
Training, 2011
B. Curriculum/Lesson Plans:
Laura is very passionate about curriculum development. She understands the importance of offering
research-based information in an engaging and fun way to youth audiences. She has written the
following lesson plans and curriculums:
Brumbaugh, L., “I Wanna be a Billionaire Lesson Plan”, 2010
Brumbaugh, L., “Creating a Budget Tree Lesson Plan”, 2010
Brumbaugh, L., “Vacation Destination Lesson Plan”, 2010
Brumbaugh, L., “Officer Training Workshop Curriculum”. 2012
Arnold, A., & Brumbaugh, L., “Introduction to 4-H Mystery Box” (4th
-6th
), 2012
Brumbaugh, L., “Wow That Cow Lesson Plan”, 2012
Brumbaugh, L., “Bringing Sugarcane Alive-The Living History of Sugar Lesson Plan”, 2012
Jones, Kimberly Y., Cater, Melissa W., Brumbaugh, Laura M., Evans, Kimberly A. "4-H Activity Guide:
Medicine - First Aid (Level One)". 2013, Publication No. 3220
Jones, Kimberly Y., Cater, Melissa W., Brumbaugh, Laura M., Evans, Kimberly A. "4-H Activity Guide:
Medicine - Don't Strike Out with Your Heart (Level Two)". 2013, Publication No. 3221

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Jones, Kimberly Y., Brumbaugh, Laura M., Castro, Margo. "4-H Activity Guide: Bullying Prevention (Level
One or Two)". 2013, Publication No. 3222
Jones, Kimberly Y., Brumbaugh, Laura M., Moran, Leslie. "4-H Activity Guide: Distracted Driving -
Distracted Driving (Level Two)". 2013, Publication No. 3226
Brumbaugh, L., “4-H Treasures with a Fitness Twist Lesson Plan”, 2013
Brumbaugh, L., “My Plate Introduction and Body Stir Up Fitness Game Lesson Plan”, 2013
Brumbaugh, L., “Aerobic Exercise with Animal Action Bingo Lesson Plan”, 2013
Brumbaugh, L., “Smart Snacking with a Mardi Gras Twist Lesson Plan”, 2013
Brumbaugh, L., “ Intro to 4-H with Human Bingo Game Lesson Plan”, 2013
Brumbaugh, L., “Life is Full of Hard Knocks-Enthusiasm and Attitude Lesson Plan”, 2013
Brumbaugh, L., “ Interview Role Play Lesson Plan”, 2013
Brumbaugh, L., “Professionalism in the Workplace Lesson Plan”, 2013
Brumbaugh, L., “Source Search-Using Agriculture Everyday Lesson Plan”, 2013
Brumbaugh, L., “Destined for Adventure Fun Day curriculum”, 2013
Brumbaugh, L., “Science 4-Health Series 4th
-6th
Grade Lesson Plan Series”, 2014
Brumbaugh, L., “STEPS to a Healthy Teen 7th
-12th
Grade Lesson Plan Series”, 2014
Brumbaugh, L., “Fit to Be Me! 3rd
Grade Lesson Plan Series”, 2014
Brumbaugh, L., “Dance Party Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2014
Brumbaugh, L., “Ice Cream In a Bag Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2014
Brumbaugh, L., “Healthy Puppets Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2014
Brumbaugh, L., “Thumball Move Your Body Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2014
Brumbaugh, L., “Veggie Grow Necklace Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2014
Brumbaugh, L., “Beach Blanket Volleyball Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2014
Brumbaugh, L., “Everyday Versus Sometimes Foods Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2014
Brumbaugh, L., “Hula 4-Health Fun Day Curriculum”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Sorbet with a Fruity Twist, Achievement Day Station Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “H2O Café’ Achievement Day Station Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “What’s in the Grocery Bag Achievement Day Station Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Laughter Yoga Achievement Day Station Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Get Moving Away from the Screen Achievement Day Station Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “My Sleep Achievement Day Station Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Ali’s Swamp Tour Achievement Day Station Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Germ Cave Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Planning with My Plate Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Everybody Needs… Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Smell Sleuth Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Germs Party Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Rock the Bike Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Butterfly Trail Mix Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Happy or Sad Tooth? Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Express Yourself Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Great Grains Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2015
Brumbaugh, L., “Nutrient Wars Achievement Day Lesson Plan”, 2015
C. Videos:
In 2014, Laura wanted to make the first 4-H meeting of the year more exciting and engaging. She
decided to create introductory videos for youth to learn more about the opportunities offered through
St. Martin Parish 4-H. She used I-Movie to create the following videos:

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3rd
Grade Introduction to 4-H Video, 2014
4th
-6th
Grade Introduction to 4-H Video, 2014
7th
-12th
Grade Introduction to 4-H Video, 2014
National Youth Science Day Recap Video, 2014
D. Marketing Items:
Laura enjoys creating marketing tools for events and activities of the 4-H program. She utilizes Publisher,
PowerPoint, and Word programs. Listed below are examples of marketing items that Ms. Brumbaugh
has created:
4-H: Endless Opportunities Brochure, 2008
4-H Kickoff Celebration with the NSU Demons Flyer, 2008
Natchitoches Parish Cooperative Extension Service Brochure, 2008
Natchitoches Parish 4-H Youth Development Brochure, 2008
St. Martin Parish 4-H Fact Sheet Flyer, 2009
4-H U Opportunities Promotional Packet, 2010
St. Martin Parish Fact Sheet Flyer, 2010
Leadership is Good Brochure, 2010
Explore 4-H Flyer, 2010
Ascension Parish 4-H Fact Sheet Handout, 2011
Strawberry Fundraiser Flier, 2012
4-H U Informational Promotional Packet, 2012
St. Martin Parish 4-H Fact Sheet Handout, 2012
Dr. Seuss Book Drive Flyer, 2012
Project Based Parish Programming Handout, 2012
Cloverbuddy Meeting Flyer, 2012
Sweet Potato Sale Promotional Flyer, 2012
St. Martin Parish Achievement Day Handout, 2013
Strawberry Fundraiser Promotional Flyer, 2013
4-H University Informational Promotional Packet, 2013
St. Martin Parish 4-H Promotional Flyer, 2013
Sweet Potato Sale Flyer, 2013
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler at Achievement Day Logo, 2014
Mardi Gras Gleaux 5K Race T-Shirt Logo, 2014
Gleaux 4-Health 5K and Fun Run Promotional Handout, 2014
Meet Up/Tweet Up Promotional Handout, 2014
St. Martin Parish 4-H Achievement Day Handout, 2014
2014 4-H University Informational Packet, 2014
Personal Hygiene Drive Promotional Flyer, 2014
Mardi Gras Gleaux 5K Race Promotional Flyer, 2014
Jr. Leader Banquet Invitation, 2014
Gleaux 4-Health 5K and Fun Run T-Shirt Logo, 2015
Super Fit Super Families Health Fair T-Shirt Logo, 2015
Healthy Snack Drive Promotional Handout, 2015
4-H University Informational Packet Promotional Handout, 2015
Super Fit Super Families Health Fair Promotional Handout, 2015
St. Martin Parish 4-H Achievement Day Handout, 2015

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9. Cooperation/Collaboration with other faculty
Laura is always willing to cooperate and collaborate with other faculty and parish stakeholders to offer
many opportunities for youth across the state.
She has participated in the following collaborations:
 Jr. Leader Retreat with Winn and Grant parishes
 State Fair of Louisiana 4-H Day at the Fair-co-chair of the committee to organize educational
opportunities offered
 Northwest/Northcentral, Southeast, and Southwest Regional Volunteer and Leadership
Development Committee member-helped to plan and deliver training for volunteers.
 4-H Camps-served as Assistant Camp Manager and Camp Manager
 Northwest Cookery committee-helped score recipes and assisted the day of the contest
 Southwest Cookery committee-helped with group pictures
 LAE4-HA Convention Planning committee-served on committees to help plan the 2013 and 2015
state conventions.
 Southwest Challenge Camp Manager-is currently serving as the 2015 Challenge Camp manager.
 St. Mary Healthy Living Field Day-helped St. Mary agents with healthy living lesson plans for
their annual Field Day.
 Gleaux Race-helped Jeff Davis and Terrebonne parishes by sharing event plans and activities to
implement into their races.
 Amazing Race-shared the Amazing Race resources that she created with over 10 parishes. The
race was implemented in two parishes and one county in Florida.
 Achievement Day-shared the Achievement Day resources that she crated with 2 parishes that
successfully changed the format of their Achievement Day’s to incorporate more hands-on
learning opportunities with stations for youth.
 Lesson Plans-shared lessons plans that she created with Lafayette parish to use in their healthy
living programming.
 Journal Article Writing-Laura collaborated with Dr. Melissa Cater to write journal articles from
her thesis data on adult perceptions of youth leadership.
 Citizenship Board Sponsor-Laura serves as a co-sponsor of the Louisiana 4-H Citizenship Board in
cooperation with five other faculty members.
 St. Martin & Lafayette Parish Jr. Leader Retreat-Laura worked with Lafayette parish staff in 2015
to coordinate a three day Jr. Leader retreat that focused on teaching the service-learning cycle.
10. External funding, material support and grants
Laura strives to fundraise in order to provide programs and opportunities to the youth of the parishes
she has worked in. She sought funds for the Gleaux 4-Healht 5K and Super Fit Super Families Health Fair
Expo with a letter writing campaign and the help of volunteers.
A. In-Kind Donations Laura has secured in Natchitoches, St. Martin and Ascension Parish:
Natchitoches Parish School Board-provides facilities for various meetings and events
Northwestern State University-provides facilities for various meetings and events
Blue Belle Ice Cream-donated 24 gallons of Centennial ice cream to Natchitoches Achievement Day
Louisiana Egg Commission-donated 100 promotional items to give out at Natchitoches Achievement Day
Tabasco-donated 100 miniature Tabasco bottles to give out at Natchitoches Achievement Day
State Fair of Louisiana-donated 170 state fair of Louisiana tickets to give out at Natchitoches
Achievement Day
Printable Gear-donated 48 4-H University parish pride night t-shirts

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Courtesy Ford-donated 40 4-H University parish pride night t-shirts
Ascension Parish School Board-provides facilities for various meetings and events
St. Martin Parish School Board-provides facilities for various meeting and events
Lamar Expo Center-provides facilities for various meetings and events
Poche’s Country Club-provides tables for annual Achievement Day
St. Bernard Catholic School-provides facilities for various meetings and events
St. Martin Parish Library-provides facilities for various meetings and events
Livingston Parish Library-provides facilities for various meetings and events
Dr. Katherine Bieir-donated over 30 hours training Ascension parish 4-H youth in various state and
national contests
Bernard Apiaries-donated honey for numerous fundraisers and as gifts for volunteers and stakeholders
St. Martin Parish Council on Aging-provided facilities for various meetings and events
Joie de Vivrer-provided coffee for Achievement Day volunteers and provided a meal for the Healthy
Living advisory committee meeting
Coca Cola Bottling Company-provided free water for the Gleaux 4-Health 5K Race and Fun Run and the
Super Fit Super Families Health Fair Expo. They also provided posters to advertise the health fair.
2009-2015 Volunteer Hours are totaled at a value of $$73,282
B. Monetary donations Laura has secured in Natchitoches, St. Martin and Ascension Parish:
$1,925-Natchitoches Parish Farm Bureau
$1,500-Natchitoches Jr. Leader Get Your Goat Fundraiser
$500-Natchitoches Parish 4-H T-Shirt Fundraiser
$300-Natchitoches Parish Fair Board
$250-Natchitoches Lions Club
$300-St. Martin Parish Farm Bureau
$50-St. Martin Bank and Trust
$200-Ascension Parish Farm Bureau
$460-Tractor Supply Company
$2,150-Slemco
$300-Teche Bank
$425-Farmers-Merchants Bank
$4,500-Scott Foundation
$68-Raising Canes
$900-Bernard Apiaries
$7,000-Strawberry Fundraiser
$160-Steve and Jeanise Bernard
$2,400-Sweet Potato Fundraiser
$800-Courtesy Ford of Breaux Bridge
$150-MidSouth Bank
$50-St. Martin Bank and Trust
$1015-Jr. Leader Dance Fundraiser
$25-Andrew Phillips Construction, LLC
$100-Brown & Brown of Louisiana, LLC
$450-Cleco
$100-Crownfield Oilfield Construction & Marine, LLC
$75-Pellerin Funeral Home
$500-Ronny Theriot Community Projects Fund
$25-State Senator Fred Mills

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$125-State Representative Mike Huval
$50-Joie de Vivre Café
$100-Country Place Vet Clinic
$100-SuperFit Health Club
$100-Delhomme Animal Clinic
$50-Angelle Architects
$75-Hollier’s Family Pharmacy
$180-Breaux Bridge Chiropractic
$100-St. Martin Parish School Nutrition Association
$250-St. Martin Hospital
Total: $27,808
C. Laura has been successful in grant writing to fund the healthy living programs in Natchitoches,
Ascension, and St. Martin parishes. Grant writing is a skill that takes time to develop and Laura looks
forward to obtaining more local support through grant writing.
1. $200-Mudbugs Service-Learning Grant, Natchitoches Parish
2. Fit 4 the Future: Youth Choice, Youth Voice Phase 2, $3,000, October 2011-August 2012, Ascension
Parish 4-H.
3. Louisiana 4-H Healthy Living Mini Grant, $8,000, August 2014-April 2015, St. Martin Parish 4-H.
4. 4-H Food Smart Families 4-H Healthy Living Grant supported by National 4-H and ConAgra Foods
Foundation, $8,500, August 2015-April 2016, St. Martin Parish 4-H.
11. Referred journal articles
Fox, J. E., Jones, K., Beattie, P., Brumbaugh, L., Crigler, B. (2014). A descriptive, cross-sectional
evaluation of the State 4-H Citizenship Board experience on adolescents’ leadership and civic
engagement attitudes and skills, 18-27. Baton Rouge, LA: Louisiana State University AgCenter.
Brumbaugh, L., & Cater, M. (in press). An Exploration of the Leadership Beliefs and Attitudes of 4-H
Educators in the Southern United States. Journal of Leadership Education.
*Brumbaugh, L., & Cater, M. An Exploration of the Leadership Beliefs and Attitudes of 4-H Educators in
the Southern United States. Journal of Agriculture Education.
12. Presentations at professional and clientele targeted conferences
Benoit, L., Brumbaugh, L., Guidry, H., Hebert, L. and Jones, K. Don’t Be An Ant Bully! LAE4-HA
Convention, Covington, LA, August 2009.
Brumbaugh, L. and Myers, K. Who Dat Wants to be Successful with Teens?. LAE4-HA convention,
Bossier City, LA, August 2010.
Proposal submitted and accepted: Brumbaugh, L. and Myers, K. Who Dat Wants to be successful with
Teens?. NAE4-HA convention, Phoenix, AZ, October 2010.
Becnel, E. and Brumbaugh, L. Teachable Teambuilding. LAE4-HA convention, Monroe, LA, August 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., Fox, J., Hebert, C., Roger, C. and Waits, S. Showcase of Service-Learning. LAE4-HA
convention, Monroe, LA, August 2011.
Brumbaugh, L., Guidry, H., 4-H Amazing Race, LAE4-HA convention, Alexandria, LA., August 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., Guidry, H., Parish Project Based Clubs/Activities, LSU Baton Rouge, LA., December 2012.
Brumbaugh, L., Guidry, H., St. Martin Parish 4-H Healthy Living Initiative, LAE4-HA Convention, New
Orleans, LA., August 2014.

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13. Participation in and leadership of professional organizations/committees
Laura is a member of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA). She has been a
member since 2006. She has attended two national conventions in 2007 in Atlanta, GA and in 2009 in
Rochester, NY. Laura and a co-worker, Kori Myers, submitted a proposal on Teen Leadership Clubs to
the 2010 NAE4-HA convention and it was accepted. Laura could not attend the retreat due to budget
restrictions, but Kori and Jan Morgan presented the session on her behalf.
Laura has also been a member of the Louisiana Association of Extension 4-H Agents (LAE4-HA) since
2006. She has taken on different leadership roles as a member. Laura served as chair of the
Professional Development committee from 2009-2011. She served on the Awards and Recognition
Committee from 2013-2015, where she distributed ballots and tabulated awards. She also served on
the 2013 LAE4-HA convention planning committee and served on the Seminars and Speakers
committee. Laura most recently served as the LAE4-HA Policy and Resolution Committee chairperson
from 2012-2014. She is currently serving as the Seminars and Speakers committee chair for the 2015
LAE4-HA convention, where she booked two guest speakers and coordinated workshops and poster
sessions.
14. Continued Coursework, in-service training, sabbaticals, professional improvement
A. Coursework
She earned her Masters of Science Degree in Human Resource Education with a Concentration in
Agriculture, Extension, and Adult Education on December 20, 2013. Her thesis topic was Adult
Perceptions of Youth Leadership.
She completed the following coursework while earning her degree:
HRE 7122-Program Development
HRE 7622-Evaluation Methods
HRE 4809-Service-Learning
HRE 7901-Scientific Methods in HRE
HRE 4026-Informal education programs for youth
HRE 4869-Youth Issues/Adolescence
HRE 7805-Seminar in HRE
HRE 7822-Volunteer Development in Non Profit Organizations
HRE 8000-Thesis Research (10 hours)
B. In-Service Training and Professional Improvement
Laura values professional development opportunities that are offered to her. She believes in staying
current in her field and recognizing emerging issues in youth development. She obtains professional
development by attending trainings, self-inquiry learning, reading research articles, and finding
statistical information online.
Laura has attended the following in-service trainings:
Regional 4-H Professional Development Trainings: 2006-2015
Parish Staff Meetings: 2006-2015
LAE4-HA State Conventions: 2007-2014
New Agent Orientation: 2007, 2008
4-H Summit: 2007
Project Citizen In-Service: 2007
La Carte Training: 2007
NAE4-HA Convention: 2007 & 2009
FNP Training: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

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Service-Learning Training: 2008, 2009
4-H University Training: 2008
Gulf South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement through Higher Education: 2009
Advisory Leadership Training: 2009
Volunteer Management Trainings: 2009
CPR Training: 2009, 2012, 2015
LCES Administrative Meeting: 2009
CMS Training, 2009
Safe Environment Training: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference: 2009 & 2010
LCES Public Value Effort Training: 2009
Evaluation Training: 2010
Ag in the Classroom Training: 2012
LSU AgCenter Annual Conference: 2012, 2013
Southwest Volunteer Leadership Development Training: 2014
Fit 4tHe Future Grant Management Training: 2014
Defensive Driving: 2014
Farm to School Training: 2015
15. Participation in public policy and community issues
Laura is seen as a valuable resource in all parishes she has worked in. In Natchitoches parish, she
collaborated with the Natchitoches parish fair board to provide youth and adults a high quality
educational experience during the parish fair. Also, she began to form a partnership with the
community relations division of the sheriff’s office. In Ascension parish, the library contacted Laura to
provide lessons during their summer reading program. In St. Martin, she was approached to deliver a
character program at a parish school. Additionally in St. Martin parish, she has partnered with the St.
Martin parish school nutrition supervisor on many healthy living programs. Laura not only wants to
educate the 4-H youth in her parish, but sees her responsibility of educating all youth in the parish as a
youth development agent.
Laura has worked very diligently in her career to increase public value and support for the LSU AgCenter
and the 4-H youth development program. She is always willing to speak with stakeholders about the
effectiveness of the 4-H program. She is always seeking out collaborations to address community needs.
In 2009 Laura attended a LCES Public Value Effort Training where she learned the importance of
increasing and maintaining public value of the 4-H program. She also believes in empowering the youth
she works with to get involved in public policy and community issues. This has been evident through the
St. Martin parish Jr. leader’s organizing a trash bash at Lake Martin, a common tourist attraction. She
has also encouraged both St. Martin and Ascension teens to write letters to legislators and the governor
throughout the budget crisis the AgCenter has faced.
16. Awards and Recognition
2008 LAE4-HA Excellence in Teamwork Award, Team
2009 LAE4-HA Achievement in Service Award recipient
2009 LAE4-HA Cecil McCrory Scholarship recipient
2009 LAE4-HA Communicator Award recipient-Promotional Piece, Individual
2009 LAE4-HA Communicator Award recipient-Educational Piece, Individual
2010 LAE4-HA Communicator Award recipient-Periodical Publication, Team
2010 LAE4-HA Communicator Award recipient-Power of Youth Excellence in Teamwork Award, Team

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2009 and 2010 Rosalie Bivin 4-H Youth Development Faculty Award nominee
2011 NAE4-HA Dr. Jim Duncan Award, Team
2011 LAE4-HA Excellence in Teen Programming-Team (Co-Recipient)
2011 NAE4-HA Jim Duncan Program Distinction Award for Teen Programming (Co-Recipient)
2012 LAE4-HA 5 Years of Service Award
2012 LAE4-HA Communicator Award-Promotional Piece-Individual
2012 LAE4-HA Communicator Award-Educational Piece-Team
2013 LAE4-HA Communicator Award-Periodical Publication Team
2013 LAE4-HA Communicator Award-Overall Team
2013 LAE4-HA Communicator Award-2nd Place-Promotional Piece Team
2013 LAE4-HA Specialty Award-Denise Miller Innovator Award Team
2013 NAE4-HA Specialty Award-Southern Region-Denise Miller Innovator Award Team
2014 LAE4-HA Distinguished Service Award Recipient
2014 NAE4-HA Distinguished Service Award Recipient
17. Multi-institution, agency and state collaboration
Laura has collaborated with the following individuals, institutions, and agencies to provide support to
the 4-H program and/or to offer educational experiences to youth in Natchitoches, Ascension, and St.
Martin parishes: Natchitoches Parish Kids City After-School Program; Natchitoches Parish Fair Board;
Natchitoches Parish Farm Bureau; City of Natchitoches; Northwestern State University; Natchitoches
Master Gardeners Natchitoches Lions Club; Mudbugs Hockey Team; Louisiana Egg Commission;
Northwestern State University Athletic Department-4-H Football Game with NSU Demons; State Fair of
Louisiana; Marthaville Jr. High 7th
grade Health Class taught by Lynn LaCaze-service-learning project;
Atchafalaya Welcome Center; Ascension Parish Library; Bright Futures Summer Program; Lamar Dixon
Expo Center Tractor Supply-Gonzales, LA & Breaux Bridge location; Ascension Parish Farm Bureau;
Ascension Parish School Board; Ascension Parish Library; Dutchtown Baptist Church; Dr. Katherine Bieir;
St. Martin Parish Sheriff Office; St. Martin Parish Library; Dr. Jackie Simon; Louisiana State Police;
Louisiana Office of State Parks & Historic Sites; Bernard Apiaries; Courtesy Ford; St. Martin Parish
Council on Aging; St. Bernard/St. Francis Food Bank; Ronald McDonald House-Memphis; Ronald
McDonald House-New Orleans; Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank; East Baton Rouge Sheriff Department;
Ronny Theriot Community Projects; State Senator Fred Mills; State Representative Mike Huval; Joie de
Vivre Café; Breaux Bridge Welcome Center; Country Place Vet Clinic; SureFit Health Club; Hollier’s Family
Pharmacy; Breaux Bridge Chiropractic; St. Martin Parish School Nutrition Association; St. Martin
Hospital; Coca Cola Bottling Company; Rebecca Clark-Volunteer Expert; Gigi Harris-Fitness Expert and
School Counselor; Meesha Castille-Fitness Instructor at Achievement Day; Courtney Pouriciau-Nurse;
Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control; United Health Care; LSU College of Agriculture; Breaux
Bridge Fire Department; Acadiana Breastfeeding Coalition; Growing Up Fit Together; Kid’s Gym;
Louisiana 4-H State Food and Fitness Board; Lourdes After Hours; My Food Coach-Daphne Oliver;
Nature’s Link Wellness Center; Nursing Specialties Home Health and Hospice; St. Martin Parish Early
Childhood Network; St. Martin Parish School Based Health Centers; Susan G. Komen Acadiana, and
Louisiana Ag in the Classroom Literacy Project.
18. Other scholarly or creative activities or other contributions to the profession
Laura has served as an agent mentor to five new 4-H agents to help them understand the profession and
serve as a resource to them.
Laura has served as a volunteer for the annual Ag Magic educational experience as a tour guide for two
years.

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She served on the planning committee for Mimi Stoker’s Retirement Reception.
Laura is currently working with LSU faculty member to create an online Youth Leadership Development
course on Moodle.
Laura has chaperoned the following out of state trips as part of her 4-H responsibilities:
 Citizenship Washington Focus, Washington D.C., 2008
 Southern Regional Leadership Teen Conference, Crossville, TN, 2009 & 2010
 National Seafood Cook-off, New Orleans, LA, 2010
 National Poultry Contest, Louisville, KY, 2011
 Louisiana 4-H Educational Trip, Orlando, FL, 2011
Service Activities
1. Organizations advised
Laura has advised a 4-H Advisory Leadership committee in each parish that she worked in. In providing
leadership, she contacts members to serve on this committee and ensures that their feedback was
incorporated into programming. She has also provided leadership to the Healthy Living advisory
committee that she established in 2014 as part of the Fit 4tHe Future grant.
Laura also advises the Jr. Leader teen leadership programs in each of the parishes she has worked in.
She works extensively with the officer group and encourages them to use their voice to accomplish
goals. Empowerment is a huge factor in Laura’s model of leadership development. Through her
advisement of the St. Martin Jr. Leader club, membership enrollment increased by 81.81% from 2008 to
2011. Finally, Laura serves as a co-sponsor to the Louisiana 4-H Citizenship Board. Laura has worked
with board members to put on a citizenship camp and organized a fall board meeting to Arkansas. She
has also worked with the officer committee, 4-H Day at the Capitol, camp planning, and service-learning
committees. Laura also served as the faculty advisor for Sigma Alpha sorority on LSU’s campus.
2. Recruitment of students and faculty
The LSU AgCenter’ s students are the 4-H members that Laura works with in her parish. Through
innovative marketing methods, Laura has worked to increase enrollment in 4-H and in particular, the Jr.
Leader clubs. In both Natchitoches and St. Martin, there was a significant increase in Jr. Leadership
enrollment. Upon Laura’s departure from Natchitoches Parish in Jan. 2009, Jr. Leader membership had
increased 200% to a total of 39 members. In 2008, membership enrollment was 44 club members. In
2011, membership enrollment was 80 members. That is an 81.81% increase in membership from 2008
to 2011.
3. University service (departments, region, station, parish, committees, etc.)
Laura has given service to many committees on the parish, region and state levels. She believes in
working as a team to create high quality programming for all youth in Louisiana.
She has served on the following:
Natchitoches Parish Fair Committee-Parish
Camp Roughin It Committee-Regional
Northwest Centennial Hall of Fame Ceremony Committee-Regional
Northwest/Northcentral Area Leader Training Committee-Regional
Northwest Cookery Committee-Regional
Northwest Challenge Camp Planning Committee-Regional
4-H Day at the State Fair Committee-Regional

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Southeast Regional Volunteer Development Committee-Regional
Southwest Regional 4-H Professional Development Training Committee-Regional
Southwest Challenge Camp Committee-Regional
Southwest Regional Volunteer Development Committee-Regional
Southwest Regional Cookery Contest Committee-Regional
4-H Night at the Mudbugs Committee, t-shirt committee chair, ticket chair-State
4-H University Committee-State
Volunteer Management Sub-Committee-State
Curriculum Committee-State
Camp Committee, Assistant Camp Manager and Camp Manager-State
New Agent Orientation Committee-State
4-H Strategic Plan Marketing Committee Co-Chair-State
LA 4-H Citizenship Board Sponsor-State
Curriculum Writing Team Member-State
4. Professional Service
2009-2011 LAE4-HA Professional Development Committee Chair
2012-2014 LAE4-HA Policy and Resolution Committee Chair
2013 LAE4-HA State Convention Planning Committee, Seminars and Speakers Committee
2015 LAE4-HA State Convention Planning Committee, Seminars and Speaker Committee Chair
5. Other external and community service
Sigma Alpha Sorority Alumni Member and House Corp Member
Guest speaker at Sigma Alpha Sorority Retreat-focusing on goal setting and teambuilding
Served as a judge on the Minden Jr. High school student of the year interview panel
St. Joseph Catholic Church volunteer
Served on the Student of the Year Interview Committee at Many Jr. High
Administered Premier exhibitor tests at District Livestock Show in Alexandria, LA
Administered Sheep Skill-a-thon as part of the premier exhibitor test at the Acadiana District Livestock
Show in Lafayette, LA
Natchitoches Parish Fair Board Ex-Offico Member
Winter Wonderland Committee Member
Children’s Christmas Play Director at St. Joseph Catholic Church
Served as a judge at the St. Bernard Science Fair competition