By Gillian MacDougall
In rural communities 4-H is a familiar name and is often thought to be a group reserved solely for farm kids and showing livestock, but 4-H today has expanded and developed to offer far more than that to its members. A youth organization that promotes leadership and encourages its members “to learn to do by doing” 4-H Canada has developed four pillars to their program — Community Engagement and Communications, Science and Technology, The Environment and Healthy Living and the fourth pillar Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security. 4-H offers a variety of opportunities and endless possibilities to its members.
Like many groups, the members of the Shawville 4-H Club have been very excited to return to in person activities following a year and a half of on-line meetings. Despite the challenges of COVID and the cancellation of many annual 4-H activities these young members persevered and adapted to the new norm by hosting on-line meetings with guest speakers from across the country.
In Quebec, 4-H members range in age from six to 25-years-old and locally members have completed projects such as square dancing and gardening, in addition to many livestock projects. In addition to working on their project throughout the year, local members have also welcomed guest speakers to their meetings to speak about mental health, being agricultural advocates and a variety of different professions in the agricultural industry.
This year Shawville members also participated in the Provincial Innovated Ag Tour, held virtually this past spring, where members were able to visit farms and agri-business across Canada. Twelve of the Shawville members also participated in the Provincial Rally this summer, which was held virtually, with the exception of the livestock show that was done in person by region.
While members are currently unable to participate in square dancing, many are growing giant pumpkins to compete with this fall or practicing with their animals for the upcoming Shawville Fair. This year for animal projects members have beef, dairy, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, market steer and market lambs.
In addition to learning how to grow or raise their project successfully, members have the opportunity to develop their public speaking skills, their leadership skills, organization, problem solving, as well as being able to run a successful meeting following parliamentary procedure. Members also hold the executive positions in the club, learning how to take minutes, present financial reports and plan the meetings.
The club looks forward to being able to continue in person activities this fall such as showing at fall fairs, their annual farm bus tour, the giant pumpkin weigh off, their annual general meeting and end of year banquet, as well as being able to attend provincial activities again with their friends from across the province.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining 4-H don’t hesitate to reach out. Members will be displaying their livestock projects at the fair and are happy to answer questions or you can reach out to Gillian, the overall leader, at gillian.macdougall@hotmail.com. Our membership year runs January to December and we are always happy to welcome new members.
