N.S. Hosts Canadian 4-H Council Annual Meeting

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES–-N.S. Hosts Canadian 4-H Council Annual Meeting

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Nova Scotia 4-H Council will co-host the 70th Annual Canadian 4-H Council general meeting from Thursday to Sunday, May 24-27, in Dartmouth.

“Some of the finest leaders in our rural communities have 4-H training -- strong evidence that this is a valuable leadership development program for young people,” said Ernest Fage, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. “Hosting this event is a privilege for Nova Scotia, as many of our youth have benefited from a strong provincial 4-H program.”

The council will focus on making improvements to the national 4-H program in an era of change and increased demands on volunteers. The meeting will focus on sharing stories, new programs and projects from each province, including successes in public relations, resource development, fund-raising and national programs.

Delegates will include 4-H leaders, staff and corporate members from across the country.

They will also participate in a charity golf tournament and will attend a banquet at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

On Saturday, they will travel to the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro to participate in the provincial 4-H Weekend and celebrate with Nova Scotia 4-H members who have won public- speaking contests, demonstration prizes, scholarships and travel awards.

“We are pleased that our 4-H volunteers have the opportunity to attend this annual meeting to see how the program is conducted on the national level,” said Elizabeth Crouse, provincial manager for 4-H and Rural Organizations. “I am also pleased that the delegates from across the country will be able to experience the varied and exceptional talent of Nova Scotia’s members.”

The council meetings will be held at the Holiday Inn Harbourview, Dartmouth.

4-H is an international youth organization dedicated to the growth and development of both farm and non-farm rural youth. Today, the 4-H program focuses on developing technical skills related to agriculture and life skills such as citizenship, leadership, responsibility and independence.

Last year, more than 36,000 members and 10,500 leaders in 3,000 4-H clubs across Canada completed approximately 55,000 club projects.

The Canadian 4-H Council enhances 4-H in Canada by providing national programs and services in partnership with stakeholders.