November is 4-H Month in Nova Scotia

4-H members, leaders and supporters will be wearing green today, Nov. 2, to celebrate the launch of national 4-H Month.

The month-long celebration is an opportunity to mark the leadership development program that teaches technical and life skills to youth.

"In 4-H, young people have the opportunity to develop a number of life skills in a structured and family-oriented atmosphere," said John MacDonell, Minister of Agriculture. "Generations of young Nova Scotians have benefitted from many of the opportunities the 4-H program has to offer."

There are about 2,400 4-H members involved in 85 clubs in Nova Scotia. In 2010, members completed 4,557 individual projects with the support of 850 leaders.

The 4-H program is open to young people between nine and 21 years of age who want to learn the skills to become responsible, confident citizens.

For 89 years, the Nova Scotia 4-H Council has offered the 4-H program, with guidance from adult volunteer leaders, so 4-H members develop self-confidence and learn a wide variety of life skills by doing hands-on project work. Through learning, fun and lasting friendships, today's 4-H members will become the agricultural, business, government and civic leaders of the future.

"I encourage all 4-H members and leaders to wear green today to show our pride in the 4-H program and to tell everyone about the good things that the 4-H program can do for all young people," said Don Conrod, president of the Nova Scotia 4-H Council.

The 4-H program still has an agriculture base but prides itself on developing projects to meet the needs of modern youth. Nova Scotia has several urban clubs and 4-H members can chose from more than 40 projects while learning to do by doing.

4-H alumni credit the 4-H program with helping them build skills in teamwork leadership, decision making, public speaking, presentation and employment while building self-confidence and becoming involved in the community.

4-H is one of Canada's longest-running and most respected youth organizations, offering fun and learning for youth in communities across Canada.

The 4-H organization involves more than seven million members in 80 countries around the world. Nova Scotia has the largest 4-H membership in eastern Canada. Activities will be held by 4-H clubs across the province throughout November.

More information about the Nova Scotia 4-H program is available at www.gov.ns.ca/agri/4h .