Nova Scotia Celebrates National 4-H Week

Nova Scotia 4-H members and leaders are celebrating their achievements and saluting the 4-H program during National 4-H Week, Nov. 2-8.

"4-H is a youth organization which encourages care and responsibility for our resources and builds positive life skills to secure the future of rural Nova Scotia," says Agriculture and Marketing Minister Ed Lorraine. "In our rural organizations, it's easy to recognize a former 4-H member. They learn many skills that make them community leaders."

The 4-H movement has been bringing leadership and development programs to Nova Scotia's rural young people for 76 years. The first 4-H seeds were sown in 1922 in Heatherton, Antigonish Co. with a Boys' and Girls' Club consisting of an Ayrshire heifer and swine club with 14 members.

Since its founding, the 4-H program has evolved into a youth development program offering leadership development, public speaking, parliamentary procedure and practical skills.

Today 2800 young Nova Scotians and one thousand adult leaders participate in exciting club activities and projects. 4-H members can choose from over 40 projects, such as photography, foods and livestock that encourage skill development as members "Learn To Do By Doing."

4-H opportunities go beyond the club level. Members have the opportunity to participate in provincial, national and international events as well as applying for university entrance scholarships. Both 4-H members and leaders can also apply for award trips and exchanges.

During 4-H week, six Nova Scotian youth delegates will attend the National 4-H Members Conference and six adult leaders will be attending the National 4-H Leaders Conference in Toronto.

Sixteen members will also take their livestock to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto during National 4-H Week. Eight members will be competing in the Knob Hill National Junior Beef Heifer Show and eight members will be competing in the Scotiabank Hays Classic Dairy Show.

This year, National 4-H Week salutes the contributions made by 4-H members and leaders to agriculture, communities and rural Nova Scotia.

Celebrate Youth, Celebrate Agriculture, Celebrate 4-H!