Welcome to Year 101 and Beyond! 100 Years of 4-H p.8
Magical World of Summer Camps p.15
Science and Beyond p.32
PM41132526. If undeliverable as addressed, please return with the forwarding address to: 4-H Branch, 200-7000 113 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6.
WINTER 2018 // VOLUME 13 • ISSUE 1
PROUD TO BE A SUPPORTER OF 4-H ALBERTA AFSC provides unique financial services to agricultural producers, agri-businesses, commercial and value-added operations. www.AFSC.ca • 1.877.899.AFSC (2372) •
@AFSC_AB
ALBERTA MAGAZINE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
WHO CAN SUBMIT ARTICLES AND PHOTOS? Members, clubs, families, leaders, volunteers, and 4-H alumni. Articles MUST be 200 words or less (This includes headline, byline, and photo cutline)
TABLE OF CONTENTS 6.............. Strong Clubs, Stronger Members 8.............. 100 Years of 4-H
• Write about any 4-H thing you want!
12............. Camps and Programs
• Need a resource? Check out The Canadian Press Stylebook at your local library.
16............. 4-H'ers Travel Near and Far 20............ Celebrations!
IDEAS: • What was the highlight of your 4-H year/career? • Share stories and photos of adventure with your 4-H friends. • How did you raise your animal the 4-H way?
24............ Beyond the Club 30............ Projects 2.0
• Why is your 4-H club the best in Alberta?
34............ Without You…
• Where did your club volunteer, or raise funds this year?
38............ Take Note
• Or simply tell a great story! Pictures MUST be at least 1MB in size -- printing images on a page and viewing images on your phone/computer are two different things. Google “print resolution” for more information. • We want to see pictures of you and your 4-H friends learning, and having fun! • Submit 1-2 photos as an email attachment only, do not embed images in the body of the email. • Don’t forget to include the first and last names of everyone in the photo, where it was taken, and what they were doing.
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE Editor: Cameron Horner, Communications Specialist 4-H Section, Government of Alberta Content Contributors: Jolene Rudisuela, Program Assistant 4-H Section, Government of Alberta
THINGS TO AVOID: • Writing a laundry list: such as results from competitions, or club activities.
Katelyn Strang, 4-H Specialist - Programs 4-H Section, Government of Alberta
• Old news, such as club activities/ events featured in the previous 4-H magazine.
Design and Layout: Perpetual Notion Design Inc. www.perpetualnotion.ca
• You spent a lot of time thinking, writing, revising, editing, writing some more and then editing it a few more times to make everything perfect, so we will do our best publish your article and photo. However, some articles and photos may be reduced in size or withheld for future publications. Still have questions? Do not hesitate to contact us. Email all submissions to: magazine@4h.ab.ca. For updates on submission deadlines Google, 4-H Alberta Magazine.
Distribution to Public: January 2018 Advertising Inquirers Please direct all advertising inquiries, including submission deadlines, to the 4-H Foundation of Alberta, partners@4hab.com or 1-877-682-2153.
HASHTAGS AND WHEN TO USE THEM
#4HABclubs
Did your club do something cool? Tell us about it!
#4HAB
For anything 4-H Alberta
#4HABAmbassadors
Shout out to the 4-H Alberta Ambassadors,
#4HABfaces
Submit your very own Faces of 4-H profile, and tag us!
#4HCanada
Sharing your story with other 4-H'ers across Canada
#4H
Reaching out to the USA and around the world,
#4HABcamp
Share you favourite camp memories
#4HABprojects
Tell other 4-H'ers about what you're working on
FOLLOW 4-H ALBERTA ON… Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
@4halberta
Learn more online: www.4h.ab.ca 3
CONTACT US Do you have questions for 4-H Alberta? Find the right person in your region to help you. For a complete list of 4-H Section staff, 4-H Foundation of Alberta Staff, and 4-H Council of Alberta staff and directors please visit www.4h.ab.ca/contact.
4-H SECTION, Government of Alberta P: 780.422.4444
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
EDITORIAL Well it sure feels good to be back in the Editor’s chair again. It has been a number of years since I have put together the 4-H Magazine and I must say I missed doing it. It’s always a lot of fun compiling stories and photos that help showcase our great organization from top to bottom. So, who had a blast helping us celebrate 4-H Alberta’s 100th anniversary? I know I did and judging by the number of provincial, regional, district and club events that took place I would say 1000s of us showcased our 4-H pride throughout 2017! And that’s fantastic to see and hear. Whether you were at 4-H Fever or Western Regional Leaders' Forum at a provincial level, a hometown parade or regional celebration it was evident just how many lives 4-H has touched in such a positive manner. Over the past 100 years 4-H has grown and evolved. Starting as a way to help improve livestock and seed genetics by educating youth it now provides communication, leadership and governance skills, industry knowledge, community service and so much more. What other organization offers all that?!? Our centennial has also given us momentum as we venture into 2018 and beyond. We, as an organization, continue to be conscience of our tradition but recognize new and exciting ways to deliver the PREMIER youth leadership program in the province. So tell your friends because 4-H and 4-H'ers really are something great. Thank you again for all of your submissions. The articles and pictures continue to show the passion and excitement 4-H members, leaders and parents have for this awesome program. I hope you enjoy perusing through our magazine and may it bring smiles, some ‘aha’ moments and a reinforcement that 4-H truly is the best youth organization in the world. Have a great 2018 and let’s keep the 4-H momentum going!! Until next time…
Cameron Horner EDITOR AND 4-H SPECIALIST, Government of Alberta
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4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE //
E: info@4h.ab.ca
AIRDRIE
Calgary Region Office 97 East Lake Ramp NE AIRDRIE, AB. T4A 0C3
Regional Specialist – Calgary: Alexia (Lexi) Hoy P: 403-948-8501 E: alexia.hoy@gov.ab.ca 4-H Specialist – Programs: Katelyn Strang P: 403-948-8509 E: katelyn.strang@gov.ab.ca
BARRHEAD
Northwest Region Office Box 4560 BARRHEAD, AB. T7N 1A4
Regional Specialist – Northwest: Stacy Murray P: 780-674-8250 E: stacy.murray@gov.ab.ca
EDMONTON
J.G. O'Donoghue Building 7000 113 ST NW, RM 200 Edmonton, AB. T6H 5T6
4-H Section Director: Diane McCann-Hiltz P: (780) 422 6081 E: Diane.McCann-Hiltz@gov.ab.ca
4-H Volunteer Development Specialist: Alesha Hill P: 780-644-8550 E: alesha.hill@gov.ab.ca Marketing and Learning Tools: Cindy Kremer P: 780-427-4309 E: cindy.kremer@gov.ab.ca Electronic Systems Coordinator: Corinne Skulmoski P: 780-427-4340 E: corinne.skulmoski@gov.ab.ca Club Supplies Distribution: Josanne Simonot P: 780-422-4444
FAIRVIEW
Peace Region Office Box 159, 109 102 AVE FAIRVIEW, AB. T0H 1L0
Regional Specialist – Peace: Vacant P: 780-853-8115 E: shellyanndodgson@gov.ab.ca
LETHBRIDGE
South Region Office Agriculture Centre, 100, 5401 1 AVE S LETHBRIDGE, AB. T1J 4V6
Regional Specialist – South: Ginny Smith P: 403-381-5815 E: ginny.smith@gov.ab.ca
STONY PLAIN
Provincial Building, 4709 44 AVE STONY PLAIN, AB. T7Z 1N4
Communications Specialist: Cameron Horner P: 780-968-3519 E: cameron.horner@gov.ab.ca
STETTLER
East Central & West Central Region Office BOX 600 STETTLER, AB. T0C 2L0
4-H Specialist – East Central & West Central Region: Yvonne Yaremcio P: 403-742-7547 E: yvonne.yaremcio@gov.ab.ca
VERMILION
Northeast Region Office BOX 24, 4701 - 52 ST VERMILION AB T9X 1J9
4-H Specialist – Northeast Region: Shelly Ann Dodgson P: 780-853-8115 E: shellyann.dodgson@gov.ab.ca
4-H FOUNDATION OF ALBERTA
P: 780-682-2153 Toll Free: 1-877-682-2153
WESTEROSE
4-H Alberta Centre, RR 1 WESTEROSE, AB. T0C 2V0
E: foundation@4hab.com
Chief Executive Officer: Leah Jones C: 403-869-3528 E: jones@4hab.com Manager, Finance and Administration: Joan Smallwood E: finance@4hab.com Director, Alberta 4-H Centre: Meredith Hazen C: 780-267-1233 E: centre@4hab.com Director, Fund Development & Community Partners: Lisa Patzer P: 780-352-1148 E: patzer@4hab.com Manager, Community Partners: Bianca von Nagy P: 587-583-3152 E: bvonnagy@4hab.com 4-H COUNCIL OF ALBERTA
P: 780-682-2648 Toll Free: 1-877-682-2244
E: council@4hab.com
WESTEROSE
RR 1 Site 7 BOX 1 WESTEROSE, AB. T0C 2V0
Executive Director: Susann Stone C: 780-898-4223 E: susann.stone@4hab.com Leader Screening Coordinator: Bernadette Sereda C: 780-898-3037 E: leaderscreening@4hab.com
Your hard work can work even harder. Get your 4-H Loan at ATB Financial. Achieving your 4-H goals starts with hard work. But you’ve already got that covered. All that’s missing is the right financing—and that’s where we come in. ATB’s 4-H Loan Program helps you buy the stock or crops you need while teaching you about money management, so you’ll soon be ready to run your own farm. Talk to an associate at your local ATB branch about your 4-H Loan or visit atb.com today.
CASHFLOW І FINANCING І CLOSE TO HOME І AG KNOW-HOW ™ Trademarks of Alberta Treasury Branches.
THINKING OF STARTING A NEW 4-H CLUB OR BECOMING A LEADER? 4-H CANADA STAFF 4-H Canada is excited to announce the launch new Club Kits, which include the 4-H Canada New Volunteer Leader Guide, and the 4-H Member Handbook. These kits offer an introductory guide for new leaders and members to: • Understand 4-H in Canada • Learn about the steps involved in starting or joining a club • Get excited about being part of 4-H as a positive youth development organization connected to communities across Canada! Thanks to the support of Canada 150 funding, these resources were developed in consultation with 4-H staff across the country, and are available in English and French. Connect with your regional specialist to get your kit now!
Club Kits are a great resource for any new club or leader.
WHAT TYPE OF CLUB IS YOURS? 4-H SECTION STAFF, Government of Alberta
Each 4-H Club is unique and that’s where the Club Analysis Tool can be very helpful. This uniqueness is one of the things that makes 4-H so fantastic. Clubs may choose to focus on different program aspects of 4-H, depending upon the expectations and needs of the families in their club. Clubs are free to choose which 4-H program areas they wish to focus on. Some clubs choose to be very project focused, so they spend a great deal of time improving upon the project skills of their members. Some clubs plan many club activities for their members and families to participate in and others plan fewer events. Other clubs encourage their members to participate in many opportunities outside of their club. Their members attend many district, regional and provincial activities. All of these scenarios are right if they fit expectations of the members and families in the club.
USING THIS TOOL Why:
4-H ALBERTA CLUB EXPECTATIONS Club Activities:
• Become a more self-aware club • Help with goal setting and program planning • Ensure that your club has a common understanding of what type of club they are • Give Key Leaders will have a better picture of the club • Inform potential members and families what type of club you are How: • A leader or member can complete the assessment and share the results with the club • The whole club (members and leaders) can complete the assessment, and the results can be averaged • Do the assessment together as a club
• Clubs must have a minimum of six business meetings each club year. • Clubs must endeavor to conduct business meetings using Parliamentary procedures, which requires that only 4-H members move, second and vote on motions during the club year. • Clubs must designate which activities/events/meetings are mandatory requirements for members to attend. It is recommended that a program plan be circulated at the beginning of the club year to all 4-H families. • Each club must provide an opportunity for members to complete their Communications and Community Service activities. • Each club must hold at least one Achievement Activity during the club year.
For more information and to download this great club tool please visit www.4h.ab.ca/downloads/documents/CLUBANALYSISTOOL.pdf
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4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 1: STRONG CLUBS, STRONGER MEMBERS
4-H SECTION STAFF, Government of Alberta
Whether you are a brand new 4-H member or a seasoned 4-H member the tips and tricks for executing an AH-MAZING speech or presentation are the same! Start with the basics: Choose a topic that you are interested in, create a goal and if you are an intermediate or senior member…do research. You will be more comfortable speaking about a topic: that you are interested in and know a lot of information about, and if you are confident in your goal. As part of your goal, determine what kind of speech you would like to give: Do you want to inform? Persuade? Motivate? Entertain? Consider the situation you are going to be presenting in.
Now you are ready to Organize Your Material. Start with a hook… something that will snag the attention of the audience! Be it a meaningful quotation, startling fact, personal story or an appropriate story you will need to capture your audience’s attention. Include a salutation (before or after your attention getter) in which you thank your chairperson, judges, the audience and fellow 4-H members. Now move into the introduction, body and summary. In your introduction be sure to set up what you are about to inform the audience of, your purpose and your subject, and why they should be concerned with your topic. Move into the body, presenting the important facts that you are
LEADER SCREENING BERNADETTE SEREDA, Leader Screening Coordinator, 4-H Council of Alberta
4-H Alberta Leaders have always been the lifeblood of the 4-H program. For more than 100 years, 4-H Leaders have been part of a collaborative group that creates Alberta's dynamic 4-H program, a program often touted as a most effective program for developing leadership skills and creating bright futures for Alberta youth. Let's all work together diligently to ensure the safety of our 4-H youth and the integrity of the 4-H Alberta program. Advocate for and promote the necessity and value of the screening process.
The continued success of 4-H depends on our volunteers and, especially, on our screened 4-H Leaders. Screening helps us all to ensure the safety of 4-H members, clubs and the program as a whole. For more information or for help with the screening process, contact:
4-H COUNCIL OF ALBERTA RR 1 Site 7 Box 1 Westerose, AB TOC 2VO Phone: 780.682-2648, Toll Free: 1.877.682.2244 Cell: 780.898.3037 or 780.898.4223, Fax: 780.682.3784 Email: leaderscreening@ 4hab.com
WINTER 2016 // 4H.AB.CA
covering. The body should be about 80% of the total time of your presentation or speech. Your summary is what the audience will remember most, but it should be the same length as your introduction, about 10% of your time. Refrain from introducing any new facts. Leave the audience with the most important fact, a finished product or even a call to action…challenge the audience! Practice your speech or presentation! Each time you deliver your speech or presentation you build confidence and familiarity with your content which strengthens your delivery technique and confidence. Practice with a friend, a family member or a
video camera so that you can get feedback. Practice your speech all the way through… even if you make a mistake! Pick up from the point where you made the mistake to build familiarity and confidence with ALL your material, not just the beginning. An added bonus is that this practice will help you in dealing with mistakes and teach you how to continue speaking after a slip. Practice your introduction and conclusion an extra amount as they are the most remembered parts!
Meadowbrook Bring color to your community with beautiful plants and raise funds for your club at the same time. Our Alberta grown hanging baskets have beautiful foliage and flowers, they are just what you need to welcome spring! Excellent profits can be generated by selling these locally grown hanging baskets, earning potentially $10 or more per basket. Survey your area, neighbors, family, and businesses to see if there are orders to make this fundraiser feasible for your club.
Contact Meadowbrook to register or request your information package and order forms today.
1-888-886-GROW sales@mbrook.ca 77
SECTION CLUBS, STRONGER MEMBERS SECTION1:1:STRONG LEADERSHIP
TIPS FOR EXECUTING AN EXCELLENT SPEECH OR PRESENTATION
SETTING SAIL LISA PATZER, Director, Fund Development & Community Partners, 4-H Foundation of Alberta
One of the great 4-H Alberta centennial celebrations took place not in Alberta, but on a luxury cruise ship sailing the high seas from October 21 – 29. First however, nine 4-H’ers met early in Houston for a tour of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Grounds. Then with the open water calling our names sixty 4-H Alberta Key Leaders, Leaders, Alumni, Members and friends set sail on the 4-H Alberta Centennial Cruise from the Galveston, Texas port to spend seven days/eight nights on board the Liberty of the Seas! There were tons of activities, entertainment and food on board for all ages. We visited three ports where most enjoyed a land tour and shopping in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica. One of the highlights was being surprised and welcomed at the Falmouth port by the Trelawny 4-H Club. They had signs posted and members congratulating 4-H Alberta on its 100th Anniversary. The bus was jam packed as we travelled to visit the students at the Hague Primary and Infant School to learn how 4-H is programmed in Jamaica as well as a tour of their school. We also stopped at the King Pepper preserves factory for a tour and a restaurant to enjoy some Cajun Cuisine.
Swapping Hats in Houston! Back L-R: Marion Van Sluys, Ken Richmond, Slade Wiese, Sam Smart, Grace Huisman. Front: Vanessa Richmond, Bobbi-Jo Squarek, Chris Boleman – Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Katherine Smart – 4-H Ontario, Lisa Patzer – 4-H Alberta
Before heading to the airport, many stopped and enjoyed at day at the Houston Space Centre. For more photos of the cruise, check out @4halberta on Facebook!
4-H Alberta Key Leaders, Leaders, Members, Alumni and families joined for a Cocktail Reception on Day 2 at Sea!
100 Years Strong One of the many multi-generational 4-H families who took part in 4-H Fever.
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JOLENE RUDISUELA, Communications & Marketing Assistant, 4-H Section, Government of Alberta
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 2: 100 YEARS OF 4-H
From August 4-6, 2017, with 100 years under our belt, past, present and future 4-H'ers returned to the birthplace of the program to reminisce, reunite and, most importantly, celebrate the past century. 4-H'ers are no stranger to Olds, Alberta. Throughout the years, the town has played host to many different 4-H events. Members, parents and leaders alike have made the trip to the town countless times for various different livestock shows, events and programs.
4-H Fever was an excellent opportunity to meet new people and rekindle old friendships. But it was also a time to reflect on the past 100 years of 4-H in Alberta and think ahead to the future.
4-H'ers, young and old, attended the rededication of the 4-H Alberta cairn at Olds College.
In fact, 4-H Alberta’s history in Olds dates all the way back to 1917 when W. J. Elliott established the first club for boys and girls in Alberta: the Olds Junior Pig Club. Now, 100 years later, 4-H is still going strong. “It’s been really interesting to think about the future and see how far we’ve come at the same time,” said Christine Suominen, the 2016 Premier’s Award recipient. “Meeting people who were at the 75th [anniversary celebration] and then seeing the young ones that will probably be at 4-H’s 125th was amazing.”
much more. The Gaga Ball pit was also a popular spot with 4-H'ers of all ages – including Cleaver the Beaver. Inside the Cow Palace, a highlight was the History Walk, featuring photos and memorabilia from 4-H Alberta’s 100 years. And if you just wanted to sit down and chat, there was always someone to meet or reconnect with at the reunion corner.
The next 100 years are in great hands.
“I loved the history walk and seeing all the pictures and the record books and what camps used to look like,” said Mackenzie Hankins, a fifth year 4-Her.
The weekend kicked off with the opening ceremonies on Friday, and though a sudden downpour threatened the evening activity, lots of people gathered around the fire pit for a good old campfire. And in typical 4-H fashion, everyone busted out their favourite campfire songs and belted them out as loud as they possibly could.
Across town on Saturday, Olds College hosted the Hall of Fame luncheon where Helen Andrews and Corine Verbeek were inducted into the Alberta Agriculture 4-H Hall of Fame. Preceding their induction, 10 new Golden Clover Recipients were named.
The rest of the weekend was packed with activities from the make and take craft sessions, Rancher’s Olympics, face painting, balloon animals, archery and so
Following the luncheon, many in attendance made their way over to the 4-H cairn on the Olds College Campus where it was rededicated in honour of 4-H Alberta’s 100th year. And what is a 4-H event without a talent show? On Saturday evening, 4-H'ers showed off their talent on stage with the Golden Prairie 4-H Club wrapping up the show with their poi act. On the final day, beef members from across the province gathered for the first annual Steer Carcass Competition Banquet where they were treated to delicious food, informative speakers and the long awaited winner announcements.
The Blake Reid Band performing at 4-H Fever. Blake’s hit song “Room to Grow” was an inspiration to all those touched by the 4-H program.
“I think having strong agricultural youth helps create strong communities,” said Suominen. “4-H has been an excellent outlet to find youth with similar interests and also maybe find common ground with youth that live in urban areas as well.”
However, the highlight of the day was that evening. The 4-H Alberta Centennial Concert kicked off with Jessica Schnell from the Medicine Hat 4-H Multi Club, followed by Drew Gregory and Nice Horse.
WINTER 2018 // 4H.AB.CA
2017 Golden Clover recipients representing 10 decades of 4-H in the province.
Hankins says she would like to see 4-H continue to grow and continue teaching youth important life skills and agricultural knowledge. “I’d like to see clubs grow bigger and better, educate kids on food production, food quality and animal health and contribute more to the world and more to Canada.” For 100 years, 4-H has taught youth a lot about agriculture, leadership and themselves. While Alberta 4-H has continues to have strong agricultural roots, it has expanded to so much more. While livestock projects continue to be popular, 4-H has expanded into cities to create further learning opportunities and chances to share knowledge. Throughout the 4-H Fever weekend, we were reminded that 4-H brings us together, it teaches us to be better people and it will keep building communities for the next 100 years. 9
SECTION 2: 100 YEARS OF 4-H
The Blake Reid Band performed last, wrapping up their show with “Room to Grow.”
LEGACIES OF LEARNING TO DO BY DOING 4-H COUNCIL OF ALBERTA STAFF
4-H Heritage Families' stories demonstrate the strength of our roots, showcase the depth of our history and highlight the evolution of the program in Alberta. Heritage Families was a 2017 Centennial year initiative of 4-H Council of Alberta and Council thanks all the participating families for sharing their stories and photos. The submitted stories and photos were compiled in a
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booklet and were displayed on posters at 4-H Centennial Fever in Olds this past August. If there is interest, we may publish a second edition of the booklet and include more submissions. Contact Council for more information. Here, we'd like to share some of the best vintage photos that were submitted. Enjoy this little tour down memory lane, 4-H Alberta style!
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 2: 100 YEARS OF 4-H
SECTION 2: 100 YEARS OF 4-H
Over 450 delegates took part in WRLF 2017.
4-H ALBERTA WELCOMES 4-H'ERS FROM NEAR AND FAR ALESHA HILL, 4-H Volunteer Development Specialist, 4-H Section, Government of Alberta
For the very first time in its history, the Western Regional 4-H Leaders’ Forum (WRLF) was hosted outside of the United States. From March 16-18, approximately 450 adult 4-H leaders and teen 4-H members from 16 states and four provinces gathered at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton to participate in WRLF 2017. With a focus on community, opportunity, leadership, and, of course, friendship, all participants took part in sessions, facilitated conversations, and networking opportunities designed to help them strengthen their own rural communities across the United States and Canada.
Tom Yonge were very well received as they shared messages such as “Focus on the 90%” and “The 13 Ways”, as were their thoughts on global development and sustainability, generating buy-in, and building local to influence global. The teen track also had the opportunity to interact with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier, as they discussed their thoughts around improving life in rural communities and a possible ‘14th Way’. WRLF 2017 concluded with live entertainment; and a hike in Maligne Canyon for those adventurers who stayed an additional day.
WRLF kicked off with a variety of pre-forum tours, allowing us to give participants a taste of Alberta agriculture, innovations, landscapes, cultures, and people. The forum included sessions ranging from 4-H project skill development to team building, personal development to communication, and program management to positive youth development. Keynote speakers Darci Lang, John McArthur, Doug Griffiths, and
The quality and success of 4-H in Alberta was evident throughout the week, as was the excellent relationship we have with other 4-H programs throughout North America. The network of people committed to agriculture, rural development and urban/rural interactions continues to grow. 4-H Alberta is excited to build on all we learned, and is already looking forward to WRLF 2018, to be held in San Diego, California.
These two 4-H members gave WRLF two thumbs up! We agree!
Friendships abound at WRLF.
Celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Alberta. Thank you to our 4-H Centennial Fever Sponsors! CENTENNIAL TITLE SPONSORS
CENTENNIAL MEDIA SPONSORS
CENTENNIAL PARTNER
CENTENNIAL SUPPLIERS
CENTENNIAL FRIENDS
CENTENNIAL HOST
Alberta Recycling Farm Credit Canada Lammles Safeway
Olds Regional Exhibition
Town of Olds
WINTER 2018 // 4H.AB.CA
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TAKING THE NEXT STEP JOLENE RUDISUELA, Communications & Marketing Assistant, 4-H Section, Government of Alberta
From May 5-8, 4-H Alberta's best and brightest gathered at Olds College for Selections 2017. They came with hopes of leaving with a trip, becoming an Ambassador, or even being recognized as the newest Premier's Award Recipient.
Christine Suominen emceed the banquet and gave her final address as 2016 Premier’s Award Recipient. She spoke about her year in the role and says one of her favourite parts was experiencing 4-H in different regions across the province.
Throughout the weekend, members reconnected with old friends and met new people through teamwork and leadership activities, small group discussions, games, and, of course, a dance on the final night. This year’s program focused on the future, and delegates were given the tools they need to prepare for the big life changes coming their way.
Six delegates were chosen as candidates for the Premier’s Award, and out of the six, Alyssa Henderson from Bashaw, Alberta was named this year’s winner.
Evan Jamieson, a member of the Bow Valley Beef & Multi Club, says as a grade 11 student, these sessions were very useful to plan for the year ahead. “It was really helpful for the future. With the budgeting and moving out from home and the harsh realities of it – it showed me the support you can get.” He adds that the program taught him valuable skills, and he looks forward to returning next year. “[My favourite part] was probably learning how to become a leader and how to step up when you’re required to step up and how to back down when it’s time to let others take the driver’s seat,” he says. The weekend culminated in the breakfast banquet on the last day with the anticipated announcements of the trip winners, ambassadors, and Premier’s Award Recipient.
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Henderson says she is proud to have been selected among so many other deserving members and adds she is looking forward to representing 4-H Alberta in this prestigious role. “As a younger member, you always look up to the older ones. Now I get to be that one.” she says, adding that she learned lots throughout the weekend and loved meeting new people. Hailing from the Northwest region, Henderson has been in 4-H for seven years and is currently a member of the Central Lacombe 4-H Beef Club.
Nicole Kraus, a member of the Legendary Flatlands 4-H Club, was selected as one of the Calgary region’s newest ambassadors. She says this was her second time attending Selections and came with a set goal in mind after getting a feel for the program in 2016. “For your first year, if you don’t want to apply for any trips, come for the experience,” she says. “It’s amazing. You meet tons of people and you gain tons of resources.” Fellow Calgary ambassador, Emmett Sawyer, says for members who are set on wining a trip or becoming an ambassador, the most important thing is to be yourself. “There’s no point in trying to be someone who you’re not,” he says. “People can usually see through that. If you just be yourself, you’ll shine in your own way.” Whether it’s through a trip, ambassadorship, or new life skills learned, Selections is a chance for senior members to step up, represent 4-H Alberta, and put their own mark on the program.
14 new 4-H Alberta ambassadors were also selected and will serve a two year term representing their regions. Seven travel awards were also up for grabs, including the 4-H California Leadership Conference, USA National 4-H Members Conference, 4-H Alberta Northern Alberta & Northwest Territories Camping and Agriculture Development Tour, 4-H Canada Citizenship Congress, Western Regional 4-H Leaders’ Forum, K-Days Rodeo, and Canadian Finals Rodeo.
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 3: CAMPS AND PROGRAMS
PHOTOGRAPHY Top Left: 2016 Premier’s Award Winner Christine Suominen hands off the trophy to 2017 recipient, Alyssa Henderson. Top Right: Team work and outside the box thinking are imperative to success during the small group challenge.
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EXPERIENCE THE MAGICAL
COMING SUMMER 2018 TO A 4-H CAMP NEAR YOU
WIZA
ARDING WORLD AT 4-H CAMP
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 1, 2018
4-H IN PARLIAMENT ISABELL STAMM, West Central Ambassador
We attended the Citizenship Congress 2017 in Ottawa this May. Starting off this trip we didn’t quite know what to expect. We arrived at the airport and already started to meet other 4-H'ers from around Canada! Throughout the week, we got to tour Parliament and sit in on Question Period in the House of Commons, host a Citizenship Ceremony for new Canadians, and hold our very own debate in the
Senate chambers of Parliament. We prepared for the debate all week long and got to practice parliamentary procedures on the real stage, followed by the premier of the new 4-H Canada PSA. The current Speaker of the House gave us a speech, too. We also took part in “Aboriginal Experiences” and learned about Aboriginal life in different parts of Canada and how important it is to today.
On our final night we danced the night away, complete with noise complaints from the city, and stayed up all night until we had to get back to the airport. It was an experience like no other where we got to learn about the importance of our democratic system. We are proud to be Canadians AND 4-H'ers.
ADVENTURING IN ARIZONA WITH CAREERS ON THE GROW CASSIDY BARNERT, Alberta Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Representative
I had the best time of my life for 2 weeks being an intern at the Tucson Village Farm and at 4-H Adventure Camp down in Mingus Springs, Prescott AZ! I travelled with 2 other members, Hillary from Ontario and Marika from Manitoba. We can all agree that it was an experience that takes career exploration to a whole new level. During our first week in Arizona we worked on the Tucson Village Farm doing farm chores, silk screening T-shirts, and prepping for Adventure camp! The staff and volunteers at the farm were so welcoming and the fresh food served at lunch was a bonus! Our host family kept us busy and showed us all the sights in the evening. We went hiking, visited the Sonoran Desert Museum, scaled high ropes courses and even managed to fit in quick trip to Nogales Mexico! There was something every day that challenged us to step out of our comfort zone.
Adventuring in Arizona
4-H in states is different than Canada in that it operates through University Extension offices in each county. One similarity I noticed is that 4-H camp no matter where you are will be the best week of your life! For our second week, we were staff members at Adventure Camp. It was a week of swimming, crafting, friendship
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4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 4: 4-H'ERS TRAVEL NEAR AND FAR
and sleeping under the stars. We participated in and facilitated many leadership and teamwork activities. It was inspiring to see kids step out of their comfort zone, reach their goals, and conquer their fears at camp. Every day was truly a new adventure. Careers on the grow motivated and inspired me to think about the connection between my degree and future career options. I now have a better understanding of all the possibilities of combining my passions for kinesiology and agriculture together. Whether you don’t know what you want to do in the future, or you are certain on your career path, I encourage you to apply for Careers on the Grow. Who knows, it may open up a new career option you never even thought of. To be in the know about future opportunities from 4H Canada, check the website!
CASSIDY BARNERT, Alberta Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Representative
The theme of the Global 4-H Network Summit was “Empowering Youth. Growing Global Citizens” when youth from 35 countries gathered in Ottawa July 11-15 to celebrate the movement, network, and share ideas. The summit brought together 500 delegates and adult leaders to take part in professional workshops, presentations, and panel discussions. Each day at the Summit was centered on one of 4-H Canada’s youth development pillars. Day one was science and technology, followed by communication and community engagement on Wednesday, agriculture and food
security on Thursday and, environment and healthy living on the final day. With each day delegates heard from inspiring keynote speakers. These included powerhouse individuals like Christy Nurse; Olympian and Ann Makosinski; a 19 year old inventor. My favourite keynote speaker however had to have been fellow Albertan Chris Koch, a farmer born with no arms and legs. Chris truly shows that it is possible to do anything no matter who you are and what others say. The first Global 4-H Network Summit was held in South Korea in 2014. The next will be in Tanzania in 2020.
4-H in Alberta was represented by these fine individuals at the Global 4-H Network Summit held in Ottawa.
Another aspect of this competition was the variety of speakers. I qualified for CYSA through my 4-H involvement, but there were many competitors who came from different avenues. It added a whole new dimension as we heard the opinions of well researched university students, youth who enjoy public speaking (yes you can learn to enjoy it!), and young people working in the industry.
Lois’s passion for cattle, horses, 4-H and public speaking make her a great agvocate for the industry.
CYSA – SUCH A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY
CYSA was an amazing opportunity, and I would recommend it to anyone who is invested in the advancement of agriculture. It spotlighted different perspectives, and encouraged youth to step up and make a difference in the industry that is so important to our society.
LOIS SCHULTZ, 2017 4-H Alberta Public Speaking Champion & 2017 CYSA Winner
It was an absolute honor to compete at a national-level public speaking competition. Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture, or CYSA, offered such a wonderful opportunity to compete with youth from all over Canada. Upon our arrival in Toronto, the CYSA organizers welcomed and hosted myself and my parents, and I was able to meet many of the competitors at a reception before the competition. Mixer games got all the youth visiting, and I became fast friends with many of the speakers, which was an awesome way to start the weekend.
The venue for the competition was on location at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, and was a true highlight. To be able to see all the different aspects of agriculture at the Fair while speaking on agriculture-related topics only added to the power and effect of the speeches. Listening to the speakers present on solutions to agriculture-related issues was so encouraging as it demonstrated what capable hands agriculture’s future rests in. It was inspirational to hear these young people share their love and passion for this amazing industry.
WINTER 2018 // 4H.AB.CA
Lois receiving her 2017 CYSA 1st place award from CYSA President, April Stewart.
SECTION 4: 4-H'ERS TRAVEL NEAR AND FAR
GLOBAL 4-H NETWORK SUMMIT
ALBERTA 4-H'ERS EXCEL AT NATIONAL COMPETITION TAMMY HAMPEL, Key Leader and Chaperone
From November 19-21, 2017 I had the honor and privilege of chaperoning the 4-H Alberta Judging Team to the Canadian National 4-H and Youth Judging Competition at Agribition. Our team consisted of Renee Almberg, Brie Watson, Carlee Nikiforuk and Kaylie Kyrs from the north of the province and Brydelle Wardley, Jared Couch, Kyla Jones and Gregory Winkler from the south. The members had all qualified to be on the team through winning competitions at the provincial level. They were an incredible group of members to hang out with. The other teams at the nation Competition were 4-H Ontario, 4-H Saskatchewan, Maritime 4-H, Lakeland College, Manitoba Youth Beef Round-up, Olds College, Pacific National Exhibition, and University of Saskatchewan. We arrived in Regina Sunday afternoon. The program was off and running with supper and orientation. The competitors jumped into judging their first set of classes that evening. The classes were forage hay, meat cuts and identifying 20 different seeds.
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Monday was in intense day of judging the remaining classes and preparing to present the oral reasoning for the placings. These classes were various beef, one dairy and one light horse class. It was interesting to watch the transformation of the group as the members became very focused on the task at hand. The preparation for oral reasoning was intense and determined as the members memorized and rehearsed, sometimes talking to the wall, in preparation for 8 two minute speeches justifying their choice of placing. Tuesday morning we were off to breakfast and awards. The moment had arrived. The moment, I discovered, was not just to see who the best at placing various classes was or which team had accumulated high points. The moment was learning who would have the honor of being on the judging team for the First Lady Classic Show immediately following breakfast. Without further delay, here are placings for our team. Top per class went to Kaylie Krys with Feeder Beef, and Jared Couch took Forage and Angus Bulls. We were the second place high point team. Aggregate winner, with the honor of judging the First Lady, drum roll please, was 4-H Alberta’s very own Jared Couch.
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Congratulations to all the competitors. It was an amazing opportunity to accompany a wonderful, fantastic group of young people to a prestigious event. I have long believed in the 4-H Program. The life skills, friendships, and personal growth the program encourages is outstanding. However, every time I see yet another opportunity for the development of the members and how well they step up to the challenge I am in awe. 4-H truly is a premier youth program.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Top Left: Back row (l to r): Carlee Nikiforuk, Gregory Winkler, Kayla Jones, Brie Watson, Tammy Hampel (chaperone). Front Row (l to r): Kaylie Krys, Brydelle Wardley, Jared Couch, Renee Almberg. Bottom Middle: Alberta 4-H member Jared Couch was named Grand Aggregate and received a $2500 scholarship, belt buckle, trophy and the opportunity to judge at the First Lady Classic.
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For details on how our programs can help you take the lead, attend a program information session in February or March. Visit lakelandcollege.ca/infosessions for dates.
The Mader Family proudly displaying their grand champion steer.
WEST CARSTAIRS 4-H CELEBRATES 75 YEARS MARIE EVANS, Carstairs 4-H Club 75th Anniversary Committee Secretary
The West Carstairs 4-H Club was very honoured to host the 75th Anniversary Celebration of our club, on May 23rd. 2017 was a big year for everyone in Canada Canada’s 150th Anniversary, 4-H Alberta’s 100th anniversary, and our 75th! It was a great year to celebrate! A committee was struck, and plans commenced with people loving the idea of celebrating our 75th with a Steer Classic re-run! In the end, 31 alumni members, aged 17 to 64, registered and weighed their steers in on October 30th, along with the current members of the club. The alumni worked hard with their steers through the winter and this time were able to “sluff it”, because they did not have to write a speech, judge, or do monthly record books! They just had to feed and work with their steers! May 23rd arrived, and the sun shone brightly! We started the day with a wonderful pancake breakfast sponsored and cooked by the Carstairs Chamber of Commerce. We had 30 steers arrive and weigh in and get settled into their stalls. The alumni members enjoyed the morning visiting with each other, working on each others steers, joking with each other, and watching the market lamb, canine demonstration, magic show, and the steer show… then came their show… First was the Pen of 3 Class. We felt that this class would be a fun and classy way to honour the 4-H family, tradition and 20
heritage of 4-H. The immediate families that were able to participate had current or past members in the club, and had enough steers. In the end, we had seven families that were eligible to participate, those were the Aarsby, Evans, Good, Klys (x2), Mader and Sheehan families. The judges that the committee had chosen were also Carstairs 4-H Club Alumni, the were Bill Snyder and Ryley Chalack (Conformation Judges), and Jim Schielke (Showmanship Judge). The Sheehan family won the Pen of 3 class with their beautiful steers, and received the trophy buckles. We split the 30 steers into weight classes, and had 4 classes of lighter steers all the way up to heavy steers. As is usually the case the championship class was filled with intrigue but in the end it was Ronda Mader’s steer who was crowned Grand Champion Steer and received a
The Sheehan Family with their winning Pen of 3.
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 5: CELEBRATIONS!
beautiful buckle donated by the Sheehan family, and Mary Shaw (nee Sheehan). Mary was one of the first members of the Carstairs 4-H Club, when it started in 1942, in that same year Mary received Grand Champion steer! Pat Sheehan had the Reserve Grand Champion Steer, and was presented a buckle donated from the Mader/Walker Family. The final showmanship class proved that Robert Klys was crowned the Grand Champion Showman, with this buckle being donated by Bert & Pat Pringle. Robert will never let his kids forget about this championship! Apparently he does know what he is talking about! The Reserve Showman buckle was awarded to Chase Sheehan, one of our younger alumni members, who is only 18, but whose name is synonymous to our club. This buckle was donated by Bar EV Land and Cattle., with Harold Schielke, another 1942 alumni member presenting it to Chase. We ended the show with a presentation to Jay Good, whose steer had the Highest Rate of Gain over the 206 days - 3.62 lbs per day! His buckle was donated by Good Limousin Ranch! Following a record breaking amount of people attending the beef supper, we began the 4-H sale with the sale of our Grand Champion Steer (Ronda Mader’s) with the proceeds donated to the Carstairs & District Ag Society. This steer brought $3.50 per pound, and was purchased by Shell Shantz (Brent Tannas), and as always they donated it to the Foodbank. Throughout the last 75 years, our club has had 443 members and 44 leaders participate. We are very excited to see that over those 75 years that the heritage and tradition is continued through our children and their children to not only learn from 4-H, but to LIVE the four “Hs”–HEAD, HEART, HEALTH AND HANDS! The committee was very honoured to celebrate our Club’s history with so many special people enjoying the day! We hope that everyone enjoyed it as much as we did, and hope to see you at future Carstairs 4-H Club events! THANK YOU!
SECTION 5: CELEBRATIONS!
SOUTHERN REGION CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL WITH CLOVERVILLE CHRISTINE SUOMINEN, South Region Ambassador
On Saturday January 7th, the South Region kicked off the New Year in true 4-H style. Hosted at Lethbridge Exhibition Park, the pavilions were transformed into Cloverville; a town complete with a general store, theatre, town square and campground. The busy little town was host to many 4-H friends and family. The morning kicked off with 4-H members and families touring around the town to view displays. The South Region has 56 clubs, 30 of which were on display in Cloverville. A scavenger hunt challenged members and parents to find the oldest trophy, various clubs, and even 4-H Ambassadors around town. At noon, Cloverville was open to the public. This opened Cloverville theatre, where 4-H members, alumni, and sponsors spoke about various 4-H programs, opportunities and benefits. 4-H Ambassadors Andrea DeGroot and Calvin Holthe encouraged members to get involved in camps and provincial programming emphasizing that the memories and friendships are lifelong! In town square there was a club week juke box with songs from the last 30 years to be enjoyed by any club week alumnus. The General Store had limited edition pins and mugs for the centennial celebration. Across the way was the Hall of Fame, spotlighting the individuals who have significantly impacted Southern Alberta 4-H. Marie Logan, a 4-H Alberta Hall of Fame Inductee was spotlighted by Global News thanks to her extended involvement in 4-H. Active on the committee for the event, Marie said, “I’ve always said that
4-H is the best youth development program there is and I just assume it’s going to be here for another 100 years… it has done a great job.” Marie has been a Canadian 4-H Council President and Alberta 4-H Council President. Being involved in 4-H for nearly 50 years, Marie has been a member, leader, parent, and now grandparent. She has certainly made an outstanding impact on the 4-H organization.
Prior to the banquet dinner, the time capsule was locked up. The time capsule was in the shape of an iconic, common sight in Southern Alberta, the grain elevator. This grain elevator will store 4-H memories for the next 25 years and be displayed at Exhibition Park in Lethbridge. Members, parents and alumni wrote about what 4-H will look like in 100 years and why 4-H has lasted 100 years so far. Each club across the region added an envelope of memorabilia into the time
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capsule. The time capsule will remain open for the Centennial year to be filled with Centennial celebration items. I had the great privilege of hosting Her Honour, the Honourable Lois Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta and His Honour, Honorary Colonel Douglas Mitchell along with 500 others at the Cloverville Gala Banquet Dinner. The evening truly encompassed a 4-H Centennial Celebration. Over dinner, the attendees got to enjoy the 4-H Centennial song, Room to Grow, written by Blake Reid. The song pulled on the heartstrings of many audience members and it added to the celebration of 4-H in Alberta. Guest speaker, David Poulsen, a professional rodeo announcer and author, entertained the crowd with a keynote address centred around a reference to Charlie Brown as his hero. His message was packed with encouragement to the crowd of all ages! I would like to especially thank the Cloverville committee of Andy Pittman, Arlene and Jay Good, Marion Van Sluys, Marie Logan, Clancy Holthe and Wendy Ellen Nittel for their outstanding efforts in creating this event. This one-day event will not soon be forgotten but I know that we all look forward to the rest of 2017 and the 4-H Alberta Centennial Celebration!
PHOTOGRAPHY Top: Bobbi Schweighardt, Odessa Kopp, and Randi Papworth pose in the community hall where the banquet was held. Middle: At the centre of the town was a direction post with all the districts of the region and the provincial centennial celebrations.
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FREEDOM-NAPLES STANDS THE TEST OF TIME JAYLEANA BARON, 4-H Member, Freedom Naples 4-H Multi Club In 2018, the Freedom-Naples 4-H Multi Club will be turning 80 years old. The Freedom-Naples Multi 4-H Club was founded in 1938 by Frank Balen Sr. Some of the first projects were beef breeding and clothing projects and in 1958 the grain project was introduced. We also had a leather working project come into our club for a few years. By our 50th Anniversary, in 1988, we have had over five-hundred members pass through our club. We pride ourselves on having members who are upstanding citizens. A little fun fact is that our club is one of the oldest in the Northwest Region. Our club is still running efficiently and smoothly and we currently have 26 members and seven cleavers. Some projects we have now are Sewing, Foods, Welding, Woodworking, Arts and Crafts, Beef, Sheep, Horse, and numerous Special
Current members of the club.
Projects. On April 14th, 2018 we will be having an open house at the Naples Hall, located in Barrhead, Alberta to celebrate
our birthday. It will be a fun experience for people to see how our club has changed over the years.
Growing Leader s OF TOMORROW Congratulations to the winners of the 4-H Alberta Raffle, which raised over $16,000 for 4-H youth programs in our communities.
Prize 1 – JD ZTrak Mower – Jamie Wagstaff Prize 2 – Stampeders VIP Package – Louise Craig Prize 3 – ¼ 4-H Alberta Beef – Brett Trohan Prize 4 – ¼ 4-H Alberta Beef – Michael Kulyk Prize 5 – ¼ 4-H Alberta Beef – Karen Burnat Prize 6 – ¼ 4-H Alberta Beef – Tod Andrus
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4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 5: CELEBRATIONS!
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FOCUS ON 4-H, FRIENDS AND FUN JOLENE RUDISUELA, Communications & Marketing Assistant, 4-H Section, Government of Alberta
For many Northwest region 4-H'ers, Focus on 4-H is the highlight of their year. From July 6-9, 2017, members flocked to Leduc to get in on the largest event in the region. Whether they were a Focus rookie or a seasoned attendee; a livestock, canine or life skills member, the weekend had something for everyone. As a heat wave rolled through the city, sun screen (and Aloe Vera) were lathered on in large quantities, but the show did not disappoint. “You don’t get many opportunities to come together and visit everyone in the region,” says Amanda Hardman from the Stony Riders 4-H Light Horse Club. “It’s a good idea to get to know everyone, see who’s all around, what kind of backgrounds they come from, what kind of projects they do – it’s fun.” As a life skills member, Hardman spent much of her weekend in the life skills area, participating in drop-in crafts and workshops. These sessions were open to everyone and participants could do anything from painting a bird house to creating a monster out of junk. PHOTOGRAPHY Top Left: Both horse and rider navigate successfully over a fence. Top Right: A boy’s best friend.
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Hardman says she was part of the Be our Guest project this year and was tasked to help decorate her club’s campsite. As part of the annual campsite decorating competition, the Stony Riders 4-H Light Horse Club came in second place with their Harry Potter theme, complete with a sorting hat, floating candles and the four Hogwarts Houses. Visitors could even mount a broomstick and join the members for a game of Quidditch. In first place, the R.Q.B Rancheros impressed judges with their Peter Pan themed campsite. Members spent hours creating and painting wooden cut outs of different characters from the Disney movie and placing them around the trailers. Though the campsites had a constant stream of people coming in and out, the Leduc Recreation Centre was really where the action was. The beef, horse and canine members had very busy schedules with various competitions going on all weekend. Beef members showed off their animals in the small outdoor ring, along with their grooming and showmanship skills. English and Western riders demonstrated their prowess in the saddle and canine members proved the time spent training their pets in obedience and agility competitions. Horses and dogs even joined forces in the Horse and Hound competition to see which team could complete a jumping course the fastest.
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 6: BEYOND THE CLUB
This was Stony Riders 4-H Light Horse Club member, Grace Cowan’s, first year in 4-H and first time competing with her horse. “I was really nervous [Friday] because I’ve never been to a horse show, but it was really fun and everybody was chill,” she said. “They were just like, ‘if you mess up, it’s fine!’” For Kimberley Burchill of the Thunder and Hooves 4-H Club, these shows are more of a learning opportunity and a way to make new connections. “I try not to be competitive. I try to make friends with some of the other girls before we go showing so we’re not mad at each other if someone wins or not,” she said, adding that there is so much more to these competitions than winning a ribbon. However, probably the most awaited competition took place Saturday evening. It wouldn’t be Focus on 4-H without a Lip Sync competition and many clubs dressed up, danced and lip synced their best in an effort to snag the coveted trophy. Though it was a busy weekend, Focus on 4-H is still a unique opportunity to dedicate a weekend to the program and grow together as a 4-H family. Like Hardman said, the best part of the event is “getting to spend a weekend with all the 4-H'ers together, having time to sit around and talk to everybody and getting to know everyone a bit better.”
SECTION 6: BEYOND THE CLUB
MORE THAN JUST A SHOW PROVINCIAL LIVESTOCK SHOWS GIVE FUTURE AGRICULTURE LEADERS A CHANCE TO SHINE JOLENE RUDISUELA, Communications & Marketing Assistant, 4-H Section, Government of Alberta
For many 4-H members, the Provincial Livestock Shows are the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work. Beef, sheep and dairy members came from all over the province to compete with their project animals, learn new skills and techniques and maybe even walk away with a prize. Beef and sheep members headed out to the Olds Regional Exhibition grounds from July 10-14, 2017 to show. However, while in previous years, the dairy show has run in conjunction with these different events, this year, dairy members competed a week later in Red Deer from July 17-19, 2017. For many members, these competitions are their last chance to show off their project animals, however, they also serve as an excellent learning opportunity. With industry experts present throughout the events, members received lots of feedback and the chance to learn from the best. Cassidy Wise has been in 4-H for ten years, most recently as part of the Irricana 4-H Beef and Multi Club. She says competing in the Beef Heifer Show has taught her important tips and tricks that have allowed her to improve each year. “I love the variety of skills that are incorporated into it and it really gives kids a chance to show what they’re good at and it gives us a chance to work on improving everything.” She adds that youth are the future of agriculture and these learning opportunities are crucial for the growth of different livestock industries.
“I think a lot of times in a lot of the smaller clubs that don’t have people who are super competitive outside of 4-H, they get a little bit small minded and they miss out on a lot of those really cool neat tricks and neat skills. I think [the Provincial Livestock Shows] give kids a lot of opportunity to see the pros working at it and it gives them a lot of opportunities to learn from it.” Joshua Wade from the Irricana 4-H Beef and Multi Club has been competing at the Provincial Sheep Show for three years and adds that showing livestock displays agriculture in a different light. “I think it’s really important because people get to see a side of these animals that they really haven’t before because we all think of sheep as being these skittish creatures but seeing them as these big beautiful show animals, it’s really something to see.” He adds that he enjoys meeting lots of new people who are very invested in agriculture. Aside from showing animals, members also have the opportunity to compete in multi-species judging and marketing competitions to further expand their skills and knowledge. Once again this year, the beef heifer and sheep shows ran in conjunction with Summer Synergy and 4-H members had the opportunity to compete in both competitions for scholarships and the chance to show at the Calgary Stampede. Though the Provincial Dairy Show was held a week later, dairy members still
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had many opportunities for learning and growth throughout their three day competition. Held during Westerner Days in Red Deer, dairy members had lots of chances to show off their animals to the public and educate them about agriculture. Rolynn Bikker from Moo’s on the Moo-ve 4-H Dairy Club has been in 4-H for six years and says this show helps bring more attention to the dairy industry. “The dairy industry needs to be noticed more,” she said. “If we do have these shows, more and more people are interested. It’s just such a big part of Canada and Alberta so it’s a good thing.” Zoe Meinen from the Udderly Unique 4-H Dairy Club adds, “It’s where a lot of your products that you use and eat come from and not very many people know where they actually come from.” The Beef Heifer, Sheep and Dairy Shows all give members the chance to show off their projects, but also on a bigger scale, the opportunity to bring some of Alberta’s agricultural industries into the spotlight. These shows are a unique learning opportunity for 4-H members and the public alike, but also play a role in developing the agricultural leaders of tomorrow. PHOTOGRAPHY Left: A keen eye and a steady hand are all key to good grooming. Middle: A ribbon and a smile, we not say more. Right: The keenest evaluators in 4-H were on hand at the provincial multi-species judging competition.
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Smiles are the order of the day at 4-H on Parade.
PARADING 4-H PRIDE JOLENE RUDISUELA, Communications & Marketing Assistant, 4-H Section, Government of Alberta
For Calgary region 4-H'ers, 4-H on Parade is the culmination of months’ worth of hard work - the grand finale to their 4-H year. From June 1-4, the Calgary Stampede grounds played host to the largest youth show in Canada with 530 members showcasing nearly 1,000 individual projects. Throughout the four day event, members of all ages showed steers and heifers in the ring, demonstrated their prowess on horseback, showed off their prized sheep and led dogs through agility courses and obedience tests. But 4-H on Parade is not just about the animals. Life skills members also displayed their projects and competed in a variety of competitions including archery, foods and photography.
exposes you to different aspects of the agriculture industry and other aspects of 4-H as well.” Bob Park, member of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors and director liaison to the 4-H on Parade committee, says this event is the opportunity for 4-H'ers to show off their skills and knowledge. “The Stampede’s all about western heritage and values and these kids epitomize that heritage and those values,”
Though it was a busy weekend, members still had lots of chances to meet new friends, gain new knowledge and explore other areas of 4-H. Jourdyn Sammons, from the Hussar 4-H Multi Club, has been in 4-H for nine years and this year, competed with a market steer, yearling heifer and a two year old pair. “I really enjoyed seeing the quality of the animals and the amount that everyone cares about their animals,” she says. “I think it’s spectacular. There’s a lot of effort put into the projects here and I really like seeing the different projects. I think it’s very important because it
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The pride in members’ faces while showcasing their sheep projects.
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 6: BEYOND THE CLUB
he says. “It’s an opportunity to compete against their fellows and then to have pride in what they’ve done. Win, lose or draw, we can see within these young people there’s still that huge pride of having been there and made sure that their animals were safe and that their skills were all right in line.” While some 4-H members left at the end of the weekend with new ribbons, banners or belt buckles, every member left with new memories, knowledge and a continued 4-H spirit.
BY JOLENE RUDISUELA, Communications & Marketing Assistant, 4-H Section, Government of Alberta Picture this: suitcase and sleeping bag in the trunk, you drive along the well-worn Highway 13 until you see that familiar 4-H Alberta sign. Turning onto the gravel road, you quickly see the green roofed buildings, the gazebo and other campers already running around on the open field. Hundreds of campers make the drive to the Alberta 4-H Centre each year, anticipating a week full of activities, new friends and fun. After all, while summer marks the end of another school year, it also marks the start of another exciting camp season. I was a 4-H member for nine years and though it’s been a while since I’ve attended a camp, the memories are still clear in my mind. Every summer I couldn’t wait to pack up and leave for camp and when I got there, I just didn’t want to leave. The Alberta 4-H Centre has a permanent place in my heart: the familiar lodge overlooking the large lawn, the craft shed, archery range and low ropes course. And who can forget the long walk down to the beach that somehow doesn’t seem so long when you’re with your friends. This summer, as I was talking to members about their own camp experiences, it was pretty obvious that the love for 4-H camps has not changed. Though favourite activities varied from person to person, one sentiment stayed the same: “Go to 4-H camp.” “I’ve been going since I was a first year,” says Gabrielle Swanson who is now in her fifth year of 4-H. “I love camp because you’re always moving, you’re always doing stuff and there’s just so many people to meet.” Swanson says her favourite activities are the archery and low ropes skill sessions, though she also loves the campfires as they are an opportunity to “chill out, talk with your friends and eat some good marshmallows.” Throughout the five or six day camps, delegates get the opportunity to participate in tons of activities and games each day. From canoeing to crafts to the colour wars, there is never a dull moment. This year’s camp theme was the Amazing
Race and campers travelled around the world, working as a team to finish challenges and getting their passports stamped along the way. This was Jarret Nelson’s first year counselling and he says his years as a delegate inspired him to transition into this role. “The counsellors and staff members too, I’ve looked up to them all,” he says. “They’re just being who they are. I’ve always liked to be who I am and seeing them act all silly and goofy just made me want to do that also.” For Seamus MacDougall, camp is an opportunity to take a break from responsibilities for a little bit. “It’s just coming out for a week, no responsibilities, nothing to worry about, just go out and have fun.” Throughout 4-H Alberta’s 100 years, 4-H camps have changed a lot. In 1966, 4-H Alberta’s Conservation camp was
introduced and after the Alberta 4-H Centre was purchased in 1977, 4-H Alberta finally had a permanent location to dedicate to the development of rural youth. Now, we no longer have Conservation camp but the summer programs have grown, adding new camps for more ages and focusing on different skills and learning topics. Camps have been modified, new activities and games have been introduced, new campers, counsellors and staff come and go each year, but some things haven’t changed. 4-H camps are still a place for kids to be themselves and grow as people. It’s a place where they can meet other 4-H'ers, gain lifelong friendships and learn to do by doing. It’s a place to sing as loud as they can around the camp fire, learn teamwork, leadership and communication skills and have a blast the whole time. And though many 4-H'ers only make the trek out once or twice a year, 4-H camp is a second home.
I’M A 4-H AMBASSADOR AND IT’S FANTASTIC! EMMETT SAWYER, Calgary Region Ambassador
I am a 4-H Alberta Ambassador. Over the last six months I have been fortunate to travel, network, gain leadership experience, promote and showcase the 4-H brand to many different individuals. This has been an opportunity of a lifetime. Being an Ambassador has been enjoyable as I have been able to take on a bigger role in my community, region and province. I have been provided the opportunity to attend more events and talk with members and leaders which I have enjoyed greatly. I love the added responsibility of helping run events and sessions. What I am looking forward to most in the coming months is Senior Members’ Conference (SMC) where I will be helping facilitate and run sessions. I hope to see as many seniors as possible register and attend. I have enjoyed every minute of being an Ambassador, and I am
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looking forward to what my 4-H Alberta ambassadorship has to offer in the coming years and I can’t wait to do more in my province and region.
As you can see being a 4-H Ambassador is no fun at all.
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SECTION 6: BEYOND THE CLUB
A SECOND HOME FOR THE SUMMER
SMILES ALL AROUND ODESSA KOPP, South Region Ambassador The opening games went really well, everyone got to know each other and got a little exercise. We played many 4-H games that opening night, the popular one seemed to be Don’t Touch the Bin, in which everyone stands in a circle and holds hands and tries not to touch the bin in the middle while being pulled around by your neighbors. That first night we also made our camp shirts, we were given white shirts, tape and spray on tie dye. Everyone’s shirts turned out so good, they were all so unique and brightly coloured.
4-H members enjoyed a great weekend at SMILE.
South regions senior member program, SMILE, was another great success this year. From informational sessions, to 4-H networking/idea sharing to fun winter games, there was a little something for everyone. The entire weekend was packed with fun, so to sum it up here are some of the highlights.
Due to the fact that SMILE was held over the Remembrance Day weekend we attended a service at Bow Island, and we were able to help lay some of the wreaths. The afternoon after the ceremony we got to have a financial planning lesson, where we had a real financial advisor come in and give us tips and tricks to help us
with our futures. Then we got bundled up and enjoyed the nice sunny weather with some games of Kick the Can and Home-free. And of course, no 4-H camp is complete without a campfire and 4-H songs, so that evening we bundled up again and enjoyed some hotdogs and sing-a-longs. Another weekend highlight was the 4-H round table discussions. We discussed the clubs we were in and how they all had their differences, and how we want to be even more involved in 4-H. However, out of all of those fun things, I’m sure it was unanimous that Shirley’s food what the best part of the whole weekend. SMILE was such a great weekend for the senior members to unwind and hang out with other incredible members. Next year I hope to see even more senior members come to join in the fun.
WEST CENTRAL REGION HORSES AROUND LORI STUART, West Central Regional Horse Show Committee The annual West Central Regional Horse Show held June 2-4th is successfully in the record books for another year with 167 members and 187 horses competing for three days in English, Western and Games events. With this being the 100th Anniversary of 4-H in Alberta the Committee decided to gift all the participating members with a commemorative T-shirt in celebration. And after 2 days of tough competition the members could relax for a bit at a dance held for them in the outdoor ring. Thank you to the Ambassadors for making sure all had a great time. A mini trade show, silent auction and raffle were also part of the weekend to help us with our expenses and a big
West Central Regional Horse participants.
thank you also goes out to the vendors, donators and everyone who supported us for these events. As part of the show, every year the participating clubs vote for the Club showing upstanding sportsmanship, helpfulness, behavior, and barn cleanliness. This year’s winner of the Club Spirit award was won by the West Central Wranglers with the Red Deer Horsemen as second. The clubs
also spend many hours decorating their portion of the barns in a theme of their choice which is also voted on by the Clubs in attendance. There were many outstanding displays but in the end the Noble Riders were voted 1st place for their ‘Dr. Seuss’ theme. We look forward to our next show June 1-3rd, 2018 at Westerner Park in Red Deer.
The West Central Regional Horse Show Committee would like to thank the following major sponsors of our show:
County of Red Deer | Kubota | Conterra Industries | Mud Creek Medics
We could not do it without you or all our volunteers and other sponsors. Thank you. 28
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 6: BEYOND THE CLUB
BE PART OF THE LARGEST 4-H EVENT
I N W E S T E R N CANADA
JUNE 1 - JUNE 3, 2018
STAMPEDE PARK - CALGARY, AB
WINTER 2018 // 4H.AB.CA
For more information visit calgarystampede.com/ag
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CALGARY STAMPEDE 4-H RODEO Save the date! Join us at the Calgary Stampede 4-H Rodeo on September 29th and 30th, 2018. Imagine competing at the legendary Calgary Stampede grounds Agrium Western Events Centre with 4-H members from far and near. Clinics, an all-day rodeo, first class prizes and the 4-H spirit. Competitions include barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, cow riding, goat tying and steer daubing. Overnight camping available. Open to all 4-H members, watch for registration on the Calgary Stampede website in the spring. Contact Catherine Laycraft claycraft@calgarystampede.com with any questions.
CARESS COMPETITION AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS JOLENE RUDISUELA, Communications & Marketing Assistant, 4-H Section, Government of Alberta
The year 2017 marked 100 years of 4-H in Alberta and as part of the celebration, 4-H Alberta’s Steer Carcass Competition was launched in October 2016, concluding with an Awards Luncheon at 4-H Alberta Centennial Fever Celebration.
PHOTOGRAPHY Above: 4-H Alberta Steer Carcass Competition Provincial Winners with Dr. Oscar Lopez-Campos, Grader and Dr. David Bailey, Genome Alberta. Next Page: Photo Credit: Colin Gosselin.
The goal of the competition was to raise quality beef for a restaurant. This was chosen to be unique and encourage members to consider many different aspects when selecting an animal for a specific goal. Entries were eligible to submit DNA samples that would provide a Carcass Trait Profile on their animal, to better understand the traits the carcass exhibits. A total of 57 steers and 85 members registered in the 4-H Alberta Steer Carcass Competition. All 7 regions were represented, with a harvest facility in each region. Once harvested, all steers were graded by Dr. Oscar Lopez- Campos a Livestock Carcass Merit and Market Competitiveness Research Scientist.
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4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 7: PROJECTS 2.0
Anyone who was fortunate enough to hear Oscar at Fever Weekend or a grading facility, walked away with new insight into beef grading. At 4-H Alberta Centennial Fever over 130 were in attendance at the 4-H Alberta Steer Carcass Competition Awards Luncheon with results being announced and presentations by Dr. David Bailey, CEO, Genome Alberta; Mr. Clinton Brons, VP Sales & Marketing, Delta Genomics; and Dr. Oscar Lopez-Campos, Ph.D. Once again thank-you to our 2017 Sponsors: Genome Alberta, Alberta Angus Association and Southern Region 4-H Council!! Thank you to the recorders at all seven facilities at both drop off and pick-up! Full Competition Guidelines can be found at: www.4h.ab.ca/News_Events/ documents/SteerCarcass.pdf
SECTION 2.0 SECTION7:1:PROJECTS LEADERSHIP
TAKING FLIGHT HEIEN WESTERGAARD, Pheasant Project Leader – Vermilion Sheep 4-H Club This year I was presented with an interesting opportunity in conjunction with the ACA/4-H pheasant projects. In early February 2017 I was contacted by Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) and asked if I would be interested in brooding some pheasant roosters from 1 day old to 6 weeks for the Peace Region 4-H clubs. Initially the discussion was to take on raising 1000 rooster chicks, which ended up being 2100. This was a bit of an undertaking as the most pheasant chicks we had ever looked after at one time was 300. One of the main factors to consider was the indoor space that was needed for birds, as the delivery date was early April. We are fortunate to have a heated 40’x110’ quonset on our property that has been used as an indoor archery range during the winter months, but it required some modifications to accommodate the birds. Some things I considered when taking on the project were: • Square feet of space required per bird up to 6 weeks of age • How much feed the birds would consume until shipped • How many waterers would be required for all birds to have access
• Power requirements to run all of the heat lamps required in the early weeks • Building temperature • Air exchange and ventilation • Bedding and cleaning of living area • Rodent control It did seem a bit overwhelming after I said yes to the project, as there was a fair bit of preparation in order to be ready. The brood house came together nicely and was soon ready for the chicks to arrive. On arrival day with the help of friends and family as well as Chris and Amanda from ACA, the chicks were settled into their new home. Unfortunately, there were about 30-35 casualties out of the 2100 when we opened the boxes of chicks that were shipped from Wisconsin, USA. There were also another 20 chicks that were very weak and were kept in a special care box in the house. These little guys were given water with an eye dropper every so often for about 8 to 12 hours and kept under a heat lamp. Some made it, some unfortunately didn’t. Over the course of the first week, the chicks settled in and by the 6 day mark, they were starting to test their wings.
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As the weeks progressed the birds were growing rapidly and were using the entire shed. In all, the project went well. Out of the 2100 chicks received, 1950 were shipped north to the Peace region for redistribution to various 4-H members to continue raising. I had calculated that the birds from day 1 to day 42 they would eat approximately 100 bags (20kg) of feed, and they ate 96 bags. By week 4 they were drinking 20 to 25 gallons of water per day. A huge factor was having
backup generators on hand in the event of snow storms and power failures (we had approximately 6 outages lasting anywhere between 1 and 8 hours). It was a great opportunity and if asked, I would gladly do it again. For more information about being part of the 2018 4-H Pheasant project, please contact your regional specialist by February 1, 2018.
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Jayme was one of three 4-H Alberta members to attend the 4-H Canada Science Fair
TO SCIENCE AND BEYOND JOLENE RUDISUELA, Communications & Marketing Assistant, 4-H Section, Government of Alberta
An idea that started with plants and manure brought Alberta 4-Her, Jayme Granberg, across the country. With her science fair project entitled, ‘Which Plants Grow Best in Which Manure,’ Granberg represented 4-H Alberta in Regina, Saskatchewan at the Canada-Wide Science Fair from May 15-20, 2017.
and I were brainstorming ideas for it. I’ve always liked biology stuff so he suggested growing plants, then I suggested, how about in manure.” Granberg gathered chicken, pig, horse and cow manure from a nearby Hutterite colony and planted beans, peas, onions and radishes. After six weeks of growing and a lot of research, she concluded that horse manure was the most effective.
Granberg has been a member of the Strathcona 4-H Rein Riders for three years in the canine project. She says she read about the science fair in her region’s newsletter and it immediately peaked her interest.
After making it through the virtual round of the 4-H Canada Science Fair in January, 2017, Granberg hopped on a plane to travel to Truro, Nova Scotia for her first in-person competition.
“I’ve always liked science and I thought I would give it a shot,” she says. “My dad
Among the 16 4-H'ers competing, she was joined by two other Alberta members:
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4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 7: PROJECTS 2.0
Amanda Hardman from Stony Plain and Riley Leeson from Vauxhall. Despite the tough competition, Granberg was eventually selected as one of five to advance to the final round – the Canada-Wide Science Fair. So, in May, she hopped on another plane headed, this time, for the prairies. “I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a 4-Her and we’re just taught to public speak, but personally, I wasn’t really nervous,” she says. “Walking into the exhibit hall where there were 500 other projects was very breathtaking. The realization hit me of how many people were there.” Each participant gave a seven to ten minute pitch to the judges, explaining their project, method and conclusions.
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“It wasn’t an actual speech because you couldn’t memorize it because a judge could ask you questions at any time,” says Granberg. “So you had to just know your material front and back.” The weekend wasn’t all science though. Granberg says her favourite part of the trip was the tour day where they had the chance to experience the “past, present and future of farming in Regina.” Participants learned about settlers, Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry and the latest farming technology. For members who are considering competing in the science fair, Granberg recommends picking a topic you’re passionate about. “If you’re planning on doing a project, do something that interests you,” she says. “If I had done a project on physics, or something that I’m just not interested in, all the work that I had put into the project wouldn’t have been as good.”
Jayme’s project “Which Plants Grow Best in Which Manure” display
She also suggests getting a mentor and utilizing all the resources available to you through 4-H Canada.
As for next year, Granberg has already started brainstorming something bigger and better.
GROWING 4-H DAVID MACTAGGART, West Central Ambassador
Grow 4-H began as a simple idea my mom and I created to merge our interests in gardening, youth development, and food security. After some planning we came up with three main goals; Expand 4-H opportunities for urban youth, teach members about the process of growing their own food, and demonstrate how horticulture contributes to local food security. These goals were accomplished through our member’s projects, the county fair achievement day, and a community garden. In order to interest a wide variety of members, Grow 4-H members could choose their own fruit, vegetable, or flower project. All project costs were covered thanks to the contributions of our sponsors. Our members planted many different crops such as mint, eggplant, and even a fairy garden. Monthly meetings for Grow 4-H always included a cooking component and a workshop for our members on topics such as weed control and judging produce. These workshops were planned to be engaging
and interesting for any member. Cooking with crops like rhubarb, Saskatoon, and beets was definitely a fan favourite! The second component of Grow 4-H was the county fair achievement day hosted during Lacombe Days. The garden project members displayed their work alongside along side 4-H projects from the Lacombe District, 99 years of Lacombe 4-H history, and an ice cream social. Over two hundred people were in attendance that day. For our garden project members new to the 4-H program, this event showcased the near infinite possibilities in our organization and the principles that we stand for. Many members of the public also expressed interest in joining 4-H after attending our county fair. Over the course of the year, Grow 4-H members worked together to seed, maintain, and harvest our community garden which was the third component of the project. On May long weekend many of our members participated in planting a garden for the first time. With the help
of volunteers from our community, we planted a variety of crops from corn, squash, and tomatoes to staples such as potatoes and carrots. For the rest of the season, members helped to weed the garden and water the plants when the weather was hot. The first vegetables for the food banks were harvested in early August and by the final tally our members took twelve loads of produce to the Lacombe Food Bank. Looking back, Grow 4-H engaged youth from both rural and urban backgrounds along with families new to Canada. We concluded our season with a wind-up bonfire and Guerilla Gardening night to rehabilitate a member’s flowerbed. This project would not have been possible without our many sponsors that include: Maxine Noad, the County of Lacombe, 4-H Canada, Trans-Canada, McDonalds, the Government of Canada, and Central Alberta Co-op.
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PARTNER APPRECIATION EVENT BIANCA VON NAGY, Manager, Community Partners, 4-H Foundation of Alberta
On Wednesday, October 11, 2017, the 4-H Foundation of Alberta hosted the 7th annual Partner Appreciation Event at the picturesque Alberta 4-H Centre. Over 100 guests joined the gathering to celebrate and recognize generosity and support of 4-H Alberta supporters and partners. As every year, it was an evening filled with inspiring conversations, laughter, and an opportunity to connect 4-H Alberta supporters and enthusiasts with our spirited 4-H members and alumni. Cara McNaughton did an
excellent job capturing the evening’s most memorable moments as the designated event photographer. Lois Schultz as the emcee and Dulcie Turner as the 4-H youth speaker presented alongside Keith Luft - Chairman of the 4-H Alberta Foundation Board of Directors, Leah Jones – CEO of the 4-H Alberta Foundation, and Ed Toupin - Municipal and Community Relations Manager with AltaLink.
to support us during this important celebration and to show our guests what 4-H Alberta has to offer: Round Hill Multi Club, Alder Flats Multi Club, Central Lacombe Beef Club, Innisfail Nails, Needles and Noses 4-H Club, Lakedell 4-H Lighthorse Club, 4-H Alberta Alumni Club, and Western Multi-Talented Club. Thank you for joining us and making this evening an incredible experience for our guests!
A special thank you goes out to the 4-H Alberta clubs who braved the weather
And last but not least a big thank you to all our 4-H Alberta partners and
A large crowd was on hand for the 2017 4-H Alberta Partner Appreciation Night.
supporters – we would not be able to provide Alberta’s youth with outstanding 4-H Alberta programming without your continued investment and support. Thank you!
2017 4-H ALBERTA PARTNER OF THE YEAR BIANCA VON NAGY, Manager, Community Partners, 4-H Foundation of Alberta
On Wednesday, October 11, 2017, the 4-H Foundation of Alberta hosted the 7th annual Partner Appreciation Event at the picturesque Alberta 4-H Centre. Over 100 guests joined the gathering to celebrate and recognize generosity and support of 4-H Alberta supporters and partners.
From left to right: Keith Luft - Chairman of the 4-H Alberta Foundation Board of Directors, Dulcie Turner - 2017 Presentation Winner, Ed Toupin - Municipal and Community Relations Manager with AltaLink, Lois Schultz - 2017 Public Speaking Winner, and Leah Jones – CEO of the 4-H Alberta Foundation.
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4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 8: WITHOUT YOU…
At this year’s event, the 4-H Foundation of Alberta was honoured and thrilled to recognize and celebrate AltaLink as 4-H Alberta’s 2017 Partner of the Year. This award is given to a 4-H Alberta partner in appreciation of their outstanding and ongoing support, commitment, and partnership. AltaLink's new community investment program, called ‘Linked to our Communities’, is all about supporting Alberta's youth. Through sport, science,
agriculture and more, AltaLink is dedicated to giving youth what they need for a bright future. AltaLink strongly believes that supporting youth today will lead to a great community, province, and country tomorrow. These are just some of the reasons why AltaLink was presented with the 4-H Alberta’s 2017 Partner of the Year award. As a partner of 4-H Alberta for more than 10 (!) years, AltaLink has proudly invested and continues to invest in 4-H Alberta’s more than 5,600 members. None of what we do at 4-H Alberta would be possible without our passionate and dedicated supporters and donors - thank you, AltaLink!
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CAROLINE BODDY BLEEDS GREEN JOLENE RUDISUELA, Communications & Marketing Assistant, 4-H Section, Government of Alberta “Volunteering keeps me out of trouble – or gets me into it. I’m not sure which,” laughs Caroline Boddy.
frequently made the trip between the two provinces to meet her responsibilities in both clubs.
Leader of the Golden Prairie 4-H Club in Forestburg, Alberta, Boddy was named the 2016 4-H Canada National Volunteer of the Year.
Now, as a general leader, project leader and 4-H parent in Alberta, she continues to dedicate her time to the program.
This year, the Golden Prairie 4-H Club had 42 members, and Boddy says she couldn’t do what she does without the help of the other leaders and parents.
After being nominated by three 4-H members in her club, Boddy was selected for the award out of the seven other provincial recipients from across the country. She says she was overwhelmed by the recognition. “I have championed the 4-H program for as long as I can remember, so to be recognized nationally is pretty much the highest honour that one can receive,” she says. “But I thought it’s sort of silly to get recognized for something that I’m just doing. It’s almost like saying, ‘congratulations, you have blue eyes.’ I can’t help that I have blue eyes, just like I can’t help that I’m this involved in 4-H.” Boddy’s involvement in 4-H extends back 31 years. Growing up in New Brunswick, she was a member of the River Meadow 4-H Club in Gondola Point, doing as many projects as she could, including rabbits, poultry, gardening, floriculture, outdoors, small engines and woodworking – to name a few. “I usually did about six to eight projects per year… I tried to do every project that my club offered. 4-H was just the thing I did, so I threw myself right into it, even as a member.” As she neared the end of her time as a member, Boddy also joined a 4-H club in Prince Edward Island as a leader and
Members of this project learn various skills such as poi, juggling, trix stixs, stilt walking, unicycling, hoop, balloon animals, face painting and rola bola. Though other projects in the club come and go, the busking project remains popular.
“I do not do it alone, that’s for darn sure. I have so much support and so much help. I’m just one of the many.” Though her kids are nearly finished their time as 4-H members, Boddy has no plans to retire from the program.
“I had a lot of fun in 4-H as a kid, and I think it’s the best program,” she says. “I never get tired of watching the kids succeed – ever. I delight in their successes, no matter how small, no matter how big.” She says her motto is to say ‘yes’ to everything – then she finds a way to make it happen. Leader of the club’s busking project, Boddy gives members the freedom to try new things, suggest new tricks and even invent their own. She says this unique project is the core of the club and came about after she said ‘yes’ to one eager member. “That project came because a child bounced up to me one day and said, ‘we need to learn poi,’ and I said, ‘of course we do.’ Then I had to go and figure out what poi was, but now this project has been going for almost 15 years.”
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“I was a leader well before my kids were born and all the way through their 4-H careers and on. It’s nice that they want to tag along for some of those years, but it’s not really about them,” laughs Boddy. “I love influencing these kids and I love working with them, seeing them grow and become leaders.” While she also volunteers her time to fill many other needs in her community, she says her passion will always lie with 4-H. “I love cheering for those kids. Never grows old – never ever.”
PHOTOGRAPHY Top: Caroline’s passion for 4-H runs deep. Middle: Caroline receiving her recognition as 2016 4-H Canada National Volunteer of the Year.
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VOLUNTEERS EXTRAORDINAIRE Two Albertans, known for their dedication to the province’s youth and outstanding leadership in their communities, were inducted into the Alberta 4-H Hall of Fame. Linda Gooch and the late Sylvia Mathon have dedicated more than 25 years to the 4-H program in addition to numerous other community projects. They have inspired members to embrace all that 4-H has to offer and to be all they can be. Linda and Sylvia join an elite group of 85 Alberta men and women inducted into the Alberta 4-H Hall of Fame since it was established in 1971. They were officially honoured during an induction ceremony at the annual 4-H Leaders’ Conference in Edmonton January 20, 2018. For more information about Alberta’s 4-H Hall of Fame or Alberta 4-H, visit www.4h.ab.ca
"Being involved in 4-H for nearly 30 years has been so rewarding in itself, but being inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame is truly an honor that I never expected." – Linda Gooch
It’s like being a server. except you’re dishing out the best summer of a kid’s life.
FEBRUARY 20, 2018
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4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // SECTION 8: WITHOUT YOU…
“We are honoured that Sylvia be inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Mom’s passions were family, youth and agriculture. She never needed recognition for her work, but we know that she would be truly touched.” – the Mathon Family
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4-H ALBERTA 100TH ANNIVERSARY QUILT SUSANN STONE, Executive Director, 4-H Council of Alberta
Using the outline map Alberta fabrics were chosen to represent the different landscapes found within the province: forests, lakes, croplands, grasslands, dry lands, mountains, hills and prairies. From the east to the west the shades of green change as the landscape changes. You can see the lakes across the province, the forage crops in the Peace, the ferns around Battle Lake - home of the 4-H Centre, and the new growth in the north after the fires in the past years.
The many greens were seen in the landscape to represent the growth of people and the 4-H program through the last 100 years. In the first main boarder, the seven 4-H Regions and the three 4-H Alberta Partners are represented as well with a pin from each. The four 4-H logos form the corner blocks. The rail fence blocks of the outer border reflect the many clubs, districts, projects and programs, and the innovation that has grown the program in many ways over the years.
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The quilt was unveiled at 4-H Alberta Centennial Fever in Olds August 4-6, 2017 and part of the silent auction. An amazing group of 4-H Members, Leaders, Alumni and 4-H Friends banded together to purchase the quilt so that it can be hung with pride to commemorate the 100th anniversary at the Alberta 4-H Centre. The quilt was hand made by: Dorothy Carlson, Jocelyn McKinnon and Brandi VanderWolf.
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Take Note • 4-H Alberta has three exciting new fundraisers clubs can use to help pay for social activities or club expenses (new shirts, etc.) We’ve partnered with Calahoo Meats, Phil’s Fudge and TriQuest to give your club three great options. Check them out at https://www.4h.ab.ca/News_Events/ fundraisers.html. • Penny Steffen, 4-H Specialist – Peace Region, has left us to take on a new adventure. Her passion and dedication will be missed but we wish her all the best in her new career. All inquiries from the Peace can be made to Shelly Ann Dodgson, 4-H Specialist – Northeast Region at Shellyann.Dodgson@gov.ab.ca or 780-853-8115 until Penny’s replacement is hired. • Do You Know Someone Who’d Make a Great Club Week Facilitator? Contact Katelyn Strang with the 4-H Branch for more details and to express your interest. Volunteer Period: July 29 – August 3, 2018 (Tentative) Express Your Interest by: April 1, 2018 e. katelyn.strang@gov.ab.ca p. 403.948.8509
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• Mark Your Calendar Provincial Communications Competition, - April 7, 2018 in Westaskiwin at the Reynolds Museum • Senior Members Take Note Selections is May 4- 7, 2018 Diaries to Regional Specialists by February 15, 2018 Registration Deadline: March 15, 201 Early Bird Deadline: February 15, 2018
Access to the online application for 4-H Alberta’s scholarships will open March 1st and will close at midnight on May 15 (tentative). The online application will be accessible at www.4h.ab.ca on March 1st. For more information on 4-H Alberta’s scholarships, visit www.4h.ab.ca or contact Bianca von Nagy with the 4-H Foundation of Alberta at 1-587-583-3152 or scholarship@4hab.com.
• Provincial 4-H Equine Instructors Clinic Save the Date: June 16 & 17, 2018 Location: TBA Saddle up for a unique opportunity to learn with fellow 4-H horse leaders, volunteers and instructors! The clinic will focus on teaching Levels 1 to 3 skills. Limited rider spots are available. Auditors welcome! Watch for registration information in the spring. • The Elmer and Ona Hansen Memorial Scholarship We are pleased to announce that the Elmer and Ona Hansen Memorial Scholarship application as well as the current award structure and monies are presently under review. Please watch for more information around these exciting changes in March 2018. • 4-H Alberta Scholarships Online Application Opens March 1st 4-H Alberta offers 4-H members the opportunity to individually realize up to $2,500 in provincial scholarship funds. By completing ONE online application, 4-H members will be considered for all of the provincial scholarships for which they are eligible. Applicants can only receive one provincial scholarship, but may also receive a regional or district scholarship each year that they complete the online application.
• Watch for new 4-H Alberta merchandise items coming in January! In January the 4-H Council of Alberta will now be responsible for the promotion and sales of 4-H Alberta merchandise. We are already working on sourcing some new and fabulous 4-H promotional items to help you show your 4-H colours and demonstrate that 4-H Alberta pride! Contact leaderscreening@4hab.com or the Council office for price lists and catalogue items.
commitment
UFA IS ROOTED IN OUR
TO YOUTH.
From High Level to Milk River, and everywhere in between, we support youth in agriculture with more than $100,000 every year to the 4-H Foundation of Alberta. Growing the next generation of farmers is important to us, because we’re all in this together.
On the Road to Better
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