Young Nova Scotians Compete During Annual 4-H Weekend

Woodsmen, public speakers and horse competitors will gather at the Nova Scotia Agriculture College in Bible Hill to compete in the annual provincial 4-H Weekend, May 8 and 9.

About 250 4-H members will participate in public speaking and demonstration competitions, woodsmen contests and the Nova Scotia Horse Classic. The event is open to the public.

"Communications training in 4-H provides youth with the opportunity to build leadership skills and speak with confidence at an early age," said Alan Grant, executive director of agriculture services, Department of Agriculture. "The calibre of competition over the weekend shows that 4-H is helping develop self-assured and well spoken young citizens."

4-H members will present their winning speeches and demonstrations and provide entertainment at an awards evening, May 9. Awards will be presented to the competition winners and the official youth representatives for Nova Scotia's 4-H Program. The Canadian 4-H Council National Travel and Friends of 4-H awards will also be presented.

"The awards evening is an excellent opportunity for people to see the various life skills taught in the 4-H program," said Janet Anderson, president of the Nova Scotia 4-H council.

The province's 4-H program has provided young people and adults with the opportunity to develop communication, leadership, social, technical and life skills in a family oriented atmosphere for more than 87 years.

For more information, visit the 4-H website at www.gov.ns.ca/agri/4h/ .