Several events are happening across Mountain View County throughout the year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of 4-H clubs in Canada.
With approximately 30 clubs in the county, each club is celebrating the milestone in its own way.
For an example, 4-H members in the area are seeking pennies from the years 1913 to 2013, to create a “century of cents”, said Greg Coleman, vice-president of the west central regional 4-H council.
Coleman has been involved with 4-H for about 43 years and currently serves as a beef project leader for the Sundre 4-H club.
He has served as a member, a leader and a key leader as well as on the provincial 4-H council.
“The idea behind 4-H is to teach youth valuable life skills of communication through their public speaking and giving back to their communities,” said Coleman.
“Basically teaching them to be a well-rounded individual all the way through, that's the idea behind the program.”
There are many things that 4-H members do, including highway cleanups, food bank drives and baking for seniors in each club's community, he said.
“I just like the impact it makes on young people. You can see them develop such confidence and become such interesting individuals that are taking agriculture forward but also fulfilling their dreams of whatever area they choose to,” he said.
The Sundre 4-H club and Bergen 4-H club created a video as part of a “why 4-H is great” community concert contest and are one of the top three finalists.
People are asked to vote for the video on Facebook until Aug. 11 and the finalist will be announced on Aug. 12.
Standing for head, heart, health and hands, 4-H has come a long way over the last 100 years in Canada.
“Years ago it used to be just animals, it was basically crops and livestock, now the multi-clubs have really taken off,” said Mark Sayers, president of the 4-H Alberta council.
He said the 100th anniversary of 4-H clubs in Alberta is 2017.
There are numerous projects within the 4-H program that members can choose to be involved in. There is also an opportunity for members to suggest ideas for programs themselves, he said.
“There's a lot of multi-clubs coming up now. They've got things like photography, woodworking, small engines, cooking and cake decorating,” he explained.
There are also archery clubs, and the sheep clubs and canine clubs have been increasing, he said.
“There is the traditional livestock project still of course, so there is the cattle and the beef project and the equine horse project are the two biggest still,” he said.
There is also a pilot project for children ages six to eight that the Alberta council is working on for the fourth year this year, he said. He has been involved with 4-H himself for about 20 years.
“4-H is a great youth development program, it teaches the kids communication and leadership skills,” he said, adding that the traditional age requirement of a 4-H member is nine to 20.
“It's a great organization and when the kids put 4-H on their resumes and they're applying for ag-related jobs or people that know 4-H, then those kids generally get interviews,” he said.
“It's a real plus for the kids.”
