Weekend Showcases 4-H Skills

Three hundred youth between the ages of 9 and 21 will gather at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Bible Hill on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7, to compete in provincial communications competitions and to showcase their speaking skills during the 4-H Weekend.

"The communications training that 4-H members receive throughout the year builds their self confidence, leadership abilities and poise," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "The calibre of contestants at the provincial competition is impressive and the 4-H program has taught them this valuable life skill."

But communication skills will not be the only ones on display. Weekend activities include the woodsman and square dancing competitions, the 4-H Weekend Challenge, and the Nova Scotia Horse Classic. The 4-H Weekend Challenge tests members' knowledge of farm safety, agriculture awareness and the 4-H program. In the Nova Scotia Horse Classic, teams of four enrolled in the light horse, draft horse or non-horse project, compete in the horse bowl, the marketing competition, horse judging, identification stations and the horse quiz. The woodsman competition sees teams of five boys and girls compete in the cross cut saw, swede pulp saw single and double, and water boiling contests. The square dance teams include eight young people who compete in modern and compulsory dance competitions.

"4-H Weekend is a great way to kick off the summer program," said Liz Crouse, manager, 4-H and Rural Organizations. "It provides an opportunity for 4-H families to get together and view the variety of technical and communications skills mastered by the members throughout the year, and to share plans for the upcoming year."

The highlight of the weekend is 4-H Night in Nova Scotia on Saturday, May 7 at the Cobequid Educational Centre in Truro. Activities during the evening include speeches, demonstrations, entertainment and award presentations. The provincial 4-H host and hostess -- official youth representatives for Nova Scotia's 4-H program -- will also be chosen that night.

The public is welcome to attend the weekend's activities. More information is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/4h/ .