4-H Members Participating in Rural Leadership Tour

Ten Nova Scotia youth will attend the Kevin Grant Rural Leadership Tour to meet community leaders, visit rural employers, tour resource-based businesses and learn about somewhere different from their hometown.

The tour takes place March 15-16 at several Cumberland County businesses and rural landmarks.

"The tour offers 4-H members countless opportunities to learn about leadership in rural communities," said John MacDonell, Minister of Agriculture. "Young people will see the benefits of living and working in rural Nova Scotia. This will encourage them to stay in the province after completing their education."

Stops along the tour include Davison's Pancake House, Jost Vineyards, Doug Bragg Enterprises, Joggins Fossil Centre, Fundy Geological Museum, Nappan Experimental Farm, Viking Crest Farms and Masstown Market.

4-H members participating are:

Michael Lapointe, Barss Corner, Lunenburg Co. Andrew Greene, New Glasgow Austen Brown, Kingston, Annapolis Co. Kristine Spidle, Kingston, Annapolis Co. Tyler McLaren, Antigonish Emma Simpson, North Sydney Brittany Brydon, Black Rock, Kings Co. Simon Greenough, Newport, Hants Co. Mandy Smith, Nine Mile River, Hants Co. Courtney Schmidt, Port Hood, Inverness C.

The tour is held in a different region each year for three days during March break. Those selected, age 14 to 16, will get a broader view of what Nova Scotia has to offer as a place to live and work. They will meet new people and make contacts for the future.

"This is the third year we've offered the tour and each time we've been building on our success," said Ruth Grant, senior 4-H program co-ordinator. "The tour is held in memory of Kevin Grant. He was a strong supporter of Nova Scotia's 4-H program. He would be proud that his legacy continues to be helping young people learn about rural leadership."

Mr. Grant was a long-time 4-H participant and public servant. The conference and tour are sponsored by a memorial fund in his name that helps the Nova Scotia 4-H Foundation assist with rural youth development.