4-H Members Learn Life Skills at Provincial Conference

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--4-H Members Learn Life Skills at Provincial Conference

The Nova Scotia 4-H Program will host a provincial conference to teach teens about the skills needed to become successful young adults. The Nova Scotia 4-H Intermediate Conference, themed No Fear of the Future, will be held Feb. 9-10 at the AgriTech Park in Bible Hill.

Seventy 4-H members aged 13- to 15-years-old will have fun while learning about money management, successful networking, building a portfolio and enhancing their personal security. Conference delegates will also participate in a session conducted by the Nova Scotia Agricultural College to learn about the future of careers in the agri-food industry.

"Confidence can often be the key for any young person's success and the 4-H program has been proactive in teaching important life skills which lead to further confidence and self-esteem," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "4-H teaches responsibility, team work and communication skills, all of which will be invaluable as they go forward in life."

The keynote speaker for the conference is Bill Gordon, a part-time counsellor and veteran teacher from Alberta. The nickname of the Bionic Turkey was given to him by his former students and he is proud to live up to his name. He has travelled across Canada speaking to thousands of parents, students and teachers on topics such as self-esteem, leadership, communication, parenting and the power of kindness.

A former recipient of the Murray Jampolsky Award for Outstanding School Counsellor, Mr. Gordon is a firm believer in looking for the importance within yourself and others. The presentation he will give is titled May The F.O.R.S.E. Be With You. It centres on five key ingredients for building feelings of respect and self- esteem -- awareness, belief, dreams, change and esteem sharing.

"We are thrilled to offer such an exciting conference for Nova Scotia 4-H members," said Liz Crouse, the province's manager for 4-H and rural organizations. "Through entertaining and educational sessions we hope the 4-H members see the world as an opportunity not to be feared, but to be conquered."

The 4-H delegates will also participate in team challenges and social activities throughout the weekend.

Sponsors of the conference are the Nova Scotia 4-H Council, Human Resources Development Canada, the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

This year the Nova Scotia 4-H program is celebrating 80 years of educating rural youth and strengthening rural communities. Since 1922, 4-H has been in the business of developing well-rounded, responsible citizens -- tomorrow's leaders. In 4-H, young people have opportunities to learn a variety of skills, broaden their interests, meet new people and learn by doing. There are about 2,400 members, 1,000 adult leaders and 100 4-H clubs in Nova Scotia.