The 4-H Advantage | Fall 2023

4-H Canada’s national magazine for members Fall 2023

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COMING AN E B Y B M O D E BEAT BOR ERO! SDG SUPERH S DREAMS L.E.A.D. TURN Y INTO REALIT E FAIR HOW SCIENC LIFE CHANGED MY HEAD FULL-STEM A

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Last year, $36,060 was raised for 4-H in Ontario and Manitoba through the SeCan “Grow a Leader” initiative! The program has contributed over $560,000 in the past 10 years!

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Contributors 4-H national and provincial staff Riley Callahan Hashim Farooq Neleah Lavoie Kianna McGregor Alexandra O’Connor Malvina Pavon Victoria Pitsiaeli Ethan Russell Olivia Taylor Myles Wright

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The 4-H Advantage magazine Copyright © 2023 4-H Canada

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Fall 2023

Distributed October 2023 Opinions expressed in The 4-H Advantage do not necessarily reflect those of 4-H Canada or provincial 4-H organizations.

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The 4-H Advantage

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Helping support the next generation of farmers McDonald’s Canada Future of Agriculture 4-H Scholarship

© 2023 McDonald’s

IN THIS ISSUE Special Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Outreach Activity Guide: Beat Boredom by Becoming an SDG Superhero!

Meet the 2023 L.E.A.D.ers L.E.A.D. Turns Dreams into Reality

5 13 14

Community Engagement & Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Visual Letters Connecting 4-H’ers Around the World Celebrate 110 Years of Youth, Leadership, & Community this November There’s No Debating that Citizenship Congress Connects 4-H’ers!

15 17 19

Science & Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 In Science Fair (and Life!) Mistakes are How We Learn How Science Fair Changed My Life

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Environment & Healthy Living. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Go Behind-the-Scenes with Careers on the Grow Interns Learning To Do By Doing Good for the Environment

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Leaders’ Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 “A Goal Without a Plan is Just a Wish” Kickstart your Club Year: Turning Ideas into Reality with the FCC 4-H Club Fund Full-STEM Ahead Put Your Hands Together for the Reigning Volunteer Leaders of the Year!

I pledge My HEAD to clearer thinking, My HEART to greater loyalty, My HANDS to larger service, My HEALTH to better living, For my club, my community, my country, and my world.

25 27

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Ready, Set, Action! Capturing One Farm’s Story of Sustainability The Buzz About the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers 4-Minutes with 4-H: Discussing Public Trust in the Food System

4-H PLEDGE

4-H MOTTO

Learn To Do

By Doing

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Fun & Games. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 4-H Word Search Spot & Colour the Difference Trivia Time! The 4-H Advantage Scavenger Hunt

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Fall 2023

SPECIAL FEATURES

OUTREACH ACTIVITY GUIDE: BEAT BOREDOM BY BECOMING AN SDG SUPERHERO! As a 4-H’er, we know you are a global citizen who wants to have a positive impact on your community, country, and world.

That’s why, over the past few years, 4-H Canada has been creating outreach initiatives - which are learning resources and activity guides that support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (or SDGs).

The SDGs are a list of 17 goals set by the United Nations to end poverty, protect the planet, and help people around the world enjoy peace and prosperity.

Fall 2023

But, of course, it’s 4-H – so you can count on getting to know these SDGs by Learning To Do By Doing while having a ton of fun!

So, if you find yourself needing to beat boredom, we’ve got your back. Get busy with these four fun outreach activities, and become an SDG Superhero along the way!

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Opportunity:

Agriculture offers countless career options and a common purpose – to feed the world.

Find your career at Syngenta. It’s a great place to grow. Just ask Ashley.

Discover her Syngenta story now.

The Syngenta logo is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2023 Syngenta.

1 CRUST US, YOU KNEAD TO TRY SOURDOUGH! Imagine what it would’ve been like to keep your family fed before there were grocery stores or bakeries.

Historically, one way people practiced food security was to ensure they could always make bread. They did this by keeping a sourdough starter—a living mixture of wild yeast, flour, and water—on hand.

Why not try it out for yourself with this sourdough starter activity from the Food For Thought Activity Book! Sourdough starters are not only great for making a wide range of fresh-baked goods in your home, but they are easy to multiply, so you can spread the fresh baked love and gift a starter to friends or family!

MATERIALS • Sourdough starter • You can purchase a ready-made sourdough starter or make your own. Just search for ‘sourdough starter recipe’ online and you’ll find tons of options to choose from.

• Measuring cups

INSTRUCTIONS

Once you’ve either made or purchased a sourdough starter, think of it like a pet – a living thing that smells like fresh bread.

The wild yeast in sourdough starter eats the flour and water you feed it and produces bubbles of carbon dioxide. Some people even name their sourdough starter!

Here’s how to keep your sourdough pet happy, active, and ready to divide and share the gift of homemade pizza, cinnamon buns, bread, and so much more with your loved ones!

1. Follow the recipe of your choice to create a sourdough starter and store it in a mason jar with a lid. Keep in mind that while it’s super easy to make a starter from scratch, you will need to “feed” it for about 7 days before it’s ready to use. a. If you purchased a sourdough starter, follow the activation instructions to “wake it up” – which also generally takes a week.

2. Put an elastic band around the outside of your starter jar to easily track how much it grows. As it starts to bubble and rise, watch how high above the elastic band it rises.

• • • • •

Glass jar with lid – a large mason jar is perfect!

Elastic band Water Flour Electric weigh scale (optional)

3. Once the starter grows, it’s ready to divide into more containers to share with others. To divide: a. Combine equal parts (using a measuring cup) of your starter, flour, and water in a new jar. b. Place an elastic band on the jar, and once you see that the starter has risen, discard half. c. Immediately after discarding half, feed the starter by adding equal parts flour and water. d. Now you have a sourdough starter ‘clone’ that you can share with others, who can feed, maintain, and even divide it again to share the love of sourdough with even more people!

4. Share a photo of your sourdough starter ‘pet’ with 4-H Canada on Facebook, Instagram or X by tagging @4HCanada and using the hashtag #4HFoodForThought.

5. Download the Food For Thought Activity Book to access sourdough recipes, learn more about food security, and find even more fun food activities!

OW...

DID YOU KN Thank you to our Food For Thought partners: Presenting Partner

Fall 2023

Government Support

Sourdough starters can live for hundreds of years. All they need are a bit of water and flour, and they can be used to make bread indefinitely!

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2 SEE YA SINGLE USE PLASTIC Plastic is used in so many different places, we can sometimes begin to overlook it.

It’s normal for our foods to be wrapped in plastic, our products to come in plastic cases, and even our clothes can be made of plastic! Dive into the Plastic Stops Here activity from 4-H Canada’s Making A Splash outreach initiative to better understand the plastic around you, discover how much there really is, and what you can do about it.

MATERIALS

All you need is a pen and this magazine! Use the handy table on this page to complete this activity.

Room

Plastics (#)

Single Use Plastics (#)

What Surprised Me

What We Can

Bedroom (including your closet!)

Bathroom

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Go through each room in your house and add a tick mark in the first column of the table on this page every time you find something made of plastic.

2. Think about whether the item is single use (only used one time, and then thrown away - like the plastic wrapper on a granola bar). If it is single use, add a tick mark in the second column of the table.

3. In each room, think about one source of plastic that surprised you, and write it down in the third column.

4. Use the final column to write down one thing that you and your family can do differently to reduce your use of plastics in that room.

R Kitchen

Family room

Garage/Shed

Any other rooms you want to explore!

Thank you to our Making A Splash partners:

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The 4-H Advantage

Presenting Partner

Supporting Partners

Government Support

Fall 2023

SAFETY: It is important to always be safe with electricity, so follow the instructions carefully. Only put the wires into playdough.

If you have the wires directly touching the ends of the LED, it will burn out the light!

3 SUPER FUN SQUISHY CIRCUITS

Did you know that you can turn on a lightbulb with… playdough? Check out this awesome, hands-on experiment from 4-H Canada’s Powered Up! Activity Book.

MATERIALS •

Salty playdough (if you have store-bought playdough, you can use it as the salty version) Sugary playdough

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5 mm LED lights 9V battery 9V battery cap with wires

SALTY PLAYDOUGH:

SALTY PLAYDOUGH:

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2 cups flour • 1 tablespoon cream ~ 1 cup warm water of tartar (optional, for 1 cup salt improved elasticity) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • Food colouring Mix all of the ingredients together (start with less water and add more as needed) and stir over low heat. The dough will begin to thicken and clump.

2. When the dough pulls away from the sides and clumps in the centre, remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool enough to handle.

3. Once cool, knead the dough to create a uniform consistency.

The dough should be stretchy and smooth.

2 cups flour ~ 1 cup warm water 1 cup salt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1.

2.

3.

• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar (optional, for improved elasticity) • Food colouring (different colour from salty playdough) Mix all of the ingredients together (start with less water and add more as needed) and stir over low heat. The dough will begin to thicken and clump.

When the dough pulls away from the sides and clumps in the centre, remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool enough to handle.

Once cool, knead the dough to create a uniform consistency.

The dough should be stretchy and smooth.

INSTRUCTIONS

IN IT FOR FARMERS. IN IT We’re in it together, to enrich lives for FOR farmers and for consumers— GOOD. for generations

After making the two types of playdough, set up all the materials on a clean work surface. First, we’re going to make a simple circuit. You can think of a circuit like a racetrack or loop – it must start at the battery and have an unbroken pathway to come back to the battery.

1. Roll out two rolls of salty playdough. Put a roll of sugary dough in between them.

2. Stick the red wire from the 9V battery cap into one end of the first roll of salty dough.

3. Stick the black wire from the 9V battery cap into the end of the second roll of salty dough.

4. On the opposite end, connect the two salty rolls with the ends of the LED. Make sure the two salty rolls aren’t touching each other – they should only touch the sugary dough.

5. The LED light should now come on! (If it doesn’t, try flipping the LED around, so the ends of the LED go into the opposite piece of playdough).

to come.

Now it’s time to get creative! Have fun by trying to create different types of circuits. Maybe try using more LEDs – what happens when you do? What happens if you use the same design, but swap the salty and sugary dough? What if you make the rolls longer, or shorter? If you shape the rolls into different designs, does the circuit still work?

Check out more Squishy Circuit designs at www.squishycircuits.com/collections/projects.

Thank you to our Powered Up! partners:

Presenting Partner

| TM ®

KEEP GROWING.

Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2023 Corteva

Government Support

Supporting Partners 0923-16108 - COR_InItTogether_4-5x5-4375_4HPubs_EN.indd 1

File Name:

Fall 2023 Docket #:

0923-16108

2023-10-02 8:38 AM

0923-16108 - COR_InItTogether_4-5x5-4375_4HPubs_EN

Version #:

2

Trim Size:

4.5 x 5.4375”

The 4-H Advantage Colour Information Cyan

9

Die Line / Fold Marks

4 MAKE CAREERS OF THE FUTURE COME TO LIFE! When you think about jobs in the future, what do you think they will look like? Will they be fully remote, use AI or robots, involve work up in space or down at the bottom of the ocean? Let your imagination run wild as you draw a career of the future with this activity from our newest outreach initiative, My Career, My Future.

MATERIALS • Paper • Art supplies of your choice (markers, paint, pencil crayons, etc.)

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Choose one of the following options: a. Select a job that currently exists and draw how you think it will look in 100 years. What will be the same? What will be different? b. Design a job that doesn’t yet exist and draw what you think it will look like. Explain what the job is and draw someone doing the job.

3. Share your ideas and your drawings with your fellow 4-H’ers and 4-H Canada by tagging us @4HCanada on X, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and using the hashtag #MyCareerMyFuture.

2. Consider these factors for your drawing: a. Is a uniform or safety equipment needed? b. What skills are needed to thrive in this job? c. How long is the workday? d. How much is the pay? e. How will technology be involved? f. Is the work solo, or part of a team? g. What is the coolest part of the job?

CAREER CLUES At CNH Industrial, we’re continually searching for better solutions and breakthrough ideas through our dedication to innovation, sustainability and productivity.

We sustainably advance the noble work of agriculture and construction workers to feed and shelter a growing global population.

www.cnhindustrial.com

Thank you to our Making A Splash partners:

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Presenting Partners

The 4-H Advantage

Supporting Partners

mediarelations@cnhind.com

Government Support

Fall 2023

WANT EVEN MORE SDG FUN?

Check out 4-H Canada’s full line of outreach initiative activity books at 4-h-canada.ca/programs/outreach-initiatives.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP FOR SDGS! To create global change, we all must act! ActNow is the United Nations’ app for supporting and raising awareness on the individual actions we can take to address climate change and sustainability.

Use the free app to log your actions and contribute to the global count: un.org/en/actnow.

Fall 2023

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Congratulations to the recipients of the 2023 Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction.

CN is hiring!

Visit cn.ca/careers

MEET THE 2023 L.E.A.D.ers EXTRA, EXTRA! Read all about the 2023 recipients of the Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (L.E.A.D.). Get to know the latest recipients of 4-H Canada’s most prestigious annual scholarship and mentorship program:

Science & Technology

ANDREW JONES Ontario

4-H Club: Elmvale 4-H Club Field of Study: Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Institution: Queen’s University Career Goal: Chemical Engineer

Community Engagement & Communications

OLIVIA TAYLOR

Newfoundland and Labrador 4-H Club: 4-H Challenging Pioneers Club

“As our world faces seemingly insurmountable challenges, engineers are especially called on to provide innovative solutions. My dream is to become an established and successful engineer, who provides key insights and leads the agriculture industry towards a more sustainable future.”

Field of Study: Bachelor of Commerce Institution: Memorial University of Newfoundland Career Goal: Marketing & Communications Professional, specializing in agriculture

“My degree will allow me to take advantage of opportunities to promote the importance of the agriculture sector not only to the Canadian economy, but to every citizen in Canada.

Without agriculture, our food systems would be destroyed, and without food there is no life.”

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security

VICTORIA PITSIAELI British Columbia

4-H Club: Golden Ears 4-H Community Club Field of Study: Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology with Master of Management Institution: University of British Columbia Career Goal: Agronomist / Sustainable Food Production

Environment & Healthy Living

AMY BISHOP

Newfoundland and Labrador 4-H Club: Zodiac 4-H Club Field of Study: Bachelor of Science Institution: Memorial University of Newfoundland Career Goal: Dentist / Prosthodontist

“I want to pursue a career in which I can help people; making a difference in their lives. From my future endeavours of going into the dental industry, I wish to find ways to make the industry more accessible to those in rural communities.”

Learn even more about these well-deserving recipients at 4-h-canada.ca/lead.

Fall 2023

“In my future career as an agronomist, I hope to help food producers integrate sustainable practices into their agricultural management in a mutually beneficial way, ensuring the production of food that supports the farmers while protecting the environment.”

WANT A CHANCE TO BECOME THE NEXT L.E.A.D. RECIPIENT? Don’t miss the chance to apply for this incredible $20,000 scholarship and mentorship opportunity. Keep your eye on 4-h-canada.ca/lead for applications to open in the new year! And for a full list of all scholarship opportunities, visit 4-h-canada.ca/scholarships-awards.

The L.E.A.D. scholarships are made possible thanks to the generous support of CN.

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By Riley Callahan 2019 L.E.A.D. Recipient

A L.E.A.D scholarship altered the course of Riley’s life and set his educational goals in motion.

Growing up, I always believed in the power of education. I saw it as the major step to unlocking a future filled with endless opportunities. However, the path to higher education appeared to be a difficult one, considering the rising costs of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. My family, like many others, recognized the financial constraints that would make attending university a challenge.

Then came the pivotal moment when I learned about the L.E.A.D. scholarship, a program that would alter the course of my life. I vividly remember the day I received the phone call letting me know I had been selected as one of the recipients. It felt like I had been handed the keys to my future—a future that was now well within reach.

The L.E.A.D. scholarship program is more than just financial aid; it is an investment in future leaders and change-makers. It provided not only financial support, but also access to a network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for learning and making a difference in the world. This network has been invaluable in my journey.

Attending the University of New Brunswick as a L.E.A.D. scholar opened doors to a world of academic and personal growth. I was able to choose courses that truly interested me, explore my passions, and engage in extracurricular activities that enriched my life. Beyond the classroom, I met inspiring professors and mentors who guided me on my academic path as a student in biology and chemistry.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my L.E.A.D. scholar experience has been giving back to the community. Many scholarships come with an expectation of community service or involvement, and I wholeheartedly embraced this aspect. Through my continued volunteering and community outreach in the 4-H program, I strengthened the importance that empathy, gratitude, and social responsibility have in my life.

Attending Leadership Summit was one of the many opportunities Riley had during his time as a 4-H member.

Receiving the L.E.A.D. scholarship is not just about what it does for the recipient, but also about what it represents. It symbolizes the power of education to transform lives. It represents the belief that talent and potential should be supported, regardless of one’s financial background. It reminds us that a single opportunity can be the catalyst for a lifetime of achievement.

As I reflect on my journey as a L.E.A.D. scholar, I am filled with gratitude for the organizations and individuals who made this opportunity possible. I am deeply aware of the responsibility that came with this privilege.

I am also grateful for the opportunities that 4-H has given me to travel across the country and meet other members and leaders at Members Forum, Citizenship Congress, and Leadership Summit. My goal was not only to excel academically, but also to pay it forward by becoming a leader and mentor in my 4-H club and within my community.

My journey as a L.E.A.D. scholar has been a testament to the power of education and the impact of a single opportunity. 4-H has taught me that dreams can be realized, barriers can be overcome, and with determination and support, the sky is truly the limit. This has led me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming an airline pilot by enrolling in the Integrated Commercial Pilot Course at MFC Training.

Following my graduation from this program, I hope to be able to build my experience as a pilot, and eventually land myself a seat as a captain for a major Canadian airline.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of MFC Training

Photo Credit: © 4-H Canada

Every once in a while, life offers us a chance to turn our dreams into reality. For me, that opportunity came in the form of the 4-H Canada Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (L.E.A.D.). Receiving this scholarship was a life-changing opportunity that not only lightened the financial burden of education, but also opened doors to a world of possibilities.

One of the most remarkable aspects of being a L.E.A.D. scholar is the recognition of your hard work and potential. It was as if a panel of judges had seen something in me that I didn’t fully see in myself. This not only boosted my confidence, but also instilled a deep sense of responsibility, and I was determined to make the most of this opportunity.

Photo Credit: © 4-H Canada

L.E.A.D. TURNS DREAMS INTO REALITY

Riley is pursuing his dream to become a pilot, and is enrolled in the Integrated Commercial Pilot Course at MFC Training.

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The 4-H Advantage

Fall 2023

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATIONS

VISUAL LETTERS CONNECTING 4-H’ers AROUND THE WORLD Did you know that 4-H’ers in Manitoba are part of an art-filled adventure, exchanging paintings and drawings with 4-H members from around the world?!

Each year, the 4-H International Art Exchange gives 4-H’ers the chance to create a two-dimensional painting or drawing which shows an aspect of their life. They also create a story label and attach it to the back of their artwork to help explain its meaning.

The ‘visual letters’ are then collected, organized into packages, and mailed to each of the participating countries.

This year, 4-H Manitoba members will be exchanging artwork with 4-H’ers from Poland, Taiwan, and the United States.

4-H Manitoba has been participating in the 4-H International Art Exchange since 2018, after being introduced to it during the 2017 Global 4-H Network Summit - which was hosted by 4-H Canada in Ottawa, ON, and brought together over 500 4-H youth and leaders from around the world.

Every year since 2018, 4-H Manitoba has shared 25–50 visual letters, created by members between the ages of 6 and 25.

Through this amazing exchange, Manitoba 4-H’ers have had the chance to learn about other languages and countries through the beauty of art, and gain an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of other cultures. They’ve learned about the many similarities between their lives and the lives of their peers in other countries, and gained a sense of being global citizens who are part of “one world.”

Do you want to join the fun, share your art, and help the program expand across more Canadian provinces?

Reach out to Linda McRae-Walker at lmcrae-walker@4h.mb.ca!

Calving Love

My Backyard

ARTIST: EMMA AGE: 14

ARTIST: LAYLA AGE: 8

“I really enjoyed this art exchange, because it allowed me to share my artwork and love for 4-H. It also allowed me to see other people’s drawings and different cultures from around the world!”

“I liked seeing how they used their different art supplies. I liked seeing on the back of their artwork where they are from and then looking on the map to find it.”

- Emma

- Layla

Fall 2023

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CELEBRATE 110 YEARS OF YOUTH, LEADERSHIP,& COMMUNITY THIS NOVEMBER November is 4-H Month, and we want you to celebrate in style!

4-H Month is an exciting time that allows 4-H members and supporters of all ages, from all across the country, to come together and celebrate the values and achievements of the 4-H movement in Canada. After kicking off with Show Your 4-H Colours Day and Global 4-H Day on November 1, this year’s 4-H Month also marks the 110th Anniversary of the 4-H movement in Canada.

Keep reading to discover ways you can celebrate with 4-H all month long!

WEAR YOUR 4-H COLOURS Everyone looks good in green, and wearing your 4-H green gear is the easiest way to Show Your 4-H Colours! Green symbolizes growth as 4-H members learn, grow, and give back to their communities.

If you had a chance to buy official fundraising gear from our shop, fantastic!

If you don’t have official 4-H gear, have no fear! Don your green, whether it’s a t-shirt, hat, or scarf, and proudly show your support for 4-H.

SHARE YOUR 4-H STORY This year’s theme for 4-H Month and Show Your 4-H Colours Day is Making A Difference Since 1913. If you have been involved in 4-H, share your personal story about how 4-H has made a difference in your life on social media or with friends and family. Share how 4-H has influenced your life and personal growth, and encourage others to get involved or support the program. Your story may inspire others to explore 4-H opportunities in their communities.

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PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL EVENTS Find out if local 4-H clubs have organized special events and activities to mark Show Your 4-H Colours Day or 4-H Month.

Check with your province to see if there are any celebrations, workshops, or community service projects happening in your area. Prefer to do something more “spontaneous”? Plan to gather for a local landmark lighting! Landmarks all across the country are lighting-up in green throughout the first week of November. Keep your eye on showyour4hcolours.ca to find landmarks in your area, and come out with a group of friends! Joining these events can be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to your community. Don’t forget to share pictures of your gatherings on social media!

VOLUNTEER OR DONATE Consider giving back to 4-H by volunteering your time or making a donation. There’s no better way of making a difference than giving to 4-H - whether it’s by donating your time, buying special fundraising merchandise, or making a donation to the 4-H movement. 4-H relies on the support of volunteers and donors to continue its important work. Whether you can spare a few hours to mentor youth, or contribute financially to support 4-H programs, your help will make a difference.

4-H Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the values of 4-H, Show Your 4-H Colours, and lend your support to a program that has been transforming the lives of young people for 110 years.

Whether you wear green, share your story, volunteer, or donate — your participation will make a meaningful difference in your community and help 4-H continue its mission of empowering youth to be responsible, caring, and contributing leaders who effect positive change in the world around them.

Show Your 4-H Colours is proudly supported by

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Fall 2023

Photo Credit: Ethan Russell

THERE’S NO DEBATING THAT CITIZENSHIP CONGRESS CONNECTS 4-H’ERS!

By Ethan Russell 2023 4-H Canada Citizenship Congress Delegate — Ontario A little less than a year ago, I received an email confirming my acceptance to an opportunity I have wanted to attend for years.

“Congratulations – you have been selected to attend the 4-H Canada Citizenship Congress in February.” I silently celebrated, stopped for a moment, re-read the email just to be sure, then began to understand the incredible experience that lay ahead of me.

The following day was when the work began.

Citizenship Congress is centred around one event: a formal Parliamentary-style debate held on the Senate floor. In the upcoming days, we would prepare within our roles for the event to be held on our final day. The majority of conference delegates acted as Members of Parliament (MPs), either arguing for the motion as a part of the Government, against the motion as a part of the Opposition, or as part of the Third Party.

Within each party, some members took on additional responsibilities, such as acting as a subject matter expert in the role of Shadow

“Citizenship Congress is a national opportunity offering youth from across the country the chance to travel to Ottawa, ON to learn more about Canadian democracy through tours and guest presentations, alongside making lasting connections, and having fun.”

I have been interested in politics, law, and debate for quite some time. Student Council, speaking competitions, high school courses, and Mock Trial tournaments have all driven my curiosity further. I’m sure you can imagine the intrigue I felt when I found out there was an opportunity to explore these interests through a 4-H conference. Citizenship Congress is a national opportunity offering youth from across the country the chance to travel to Ottawa, ON to learn more about Canadian democracy through tours and guest presentations, alongside making lasting connections, and having fun.

I was one of the Ontario delegates for the 2023 4-H Citizenship Congress, making the six-hour drive to Ottawa on a snowy week in February.

From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in the right place. Civic-minded delegates from across the country gathered, ready to learn over the next five days. Before long we were immersed in the excitement of Ottawa, attending a networking event in the Sir John A. MacDonald building - a grand ballroom hall located across from Parliament Hill. Here, we met with leaders across many Canadian sectors, including politicians, 4-H executives, and agriculture representatives. This networking opportunity allowed us to gain valuable knowledge about many of the future careers we hope to pursue, while making important connections.

Fall 2023

Minister or Minister, or in a leadership capacity as Party Leader or Deputy Party Leader. Of these additional responsibilities, I took on the role of Prime Minister, acting as the Government’s Party Leader. Other roles included Speaker of the House, responsible for keeping order while in the Senate chamber, Clerk, responsible for tallying votes and keeping records, and Press, responsible for reporting on the highlights of the debate.

I worked with the Government Party over the following days, drafting our main arguments with MPs, conducting research alongside the Government Ministers, and communicating with the Press. In between our work we would attend interesting events, including a tour of Parliament Hill, a trip to downtown Ottawa for Winterlude, and a meeting with Senator Rob Black.

On the final day of the opportunity, we had our debate. As the Government alone did not have enough votes to pass the resolution, we needed to convince the Third Party to join our cause. All the delegates took their seats on the Senate floor as the debate began. We presented our case first, fielding questions from both the Opposition and Third Party.

The Opposition took their stand against our resolution, as did the Third Party. Ministers and Shadow Ministers traded questions. MPs made passionate arguments for and against.

The Speaker kept everyone in order, enforcing a strict time limit aided by the Clerks.

Ethan and his fellow Citizenship Congress delegates not only toured the parliament buildings, but had the opportunity to hold a debate on the Senate floor.

The Press took down recordings, hosting an interview with myself and the other Party Leaders during a caucus before the final vote.

Following our brief caucus, delegates reentered the chamber, Party Leaders gave our closing remarks, and the voting began. After several minutes, the Clerks had reached a tally. The resolution was struck down - the Government failed to gain enough votes. The Press hosted another session with the other leaders and myself, where we expressed our intent to continue work with the Opposition and Third Party to reach a more agreeable resolution in the future. Then, it was done; we had just had a full debate on the Canadian Senate floor.

Later that night, we had a large dance and party, a celebration of all of our accomplishments and a bright look ahead to the future. The following morning, I made the same six-hour drive home – however, I felt different. I remember talking to many of the other delegates about their feelings following the debate. Everyone said they had learned something. Whether it was about our debate topic, public speaking, Parliamentary procedure, or just how cool the Senate chamber was; everyone had developed a new set of knowledge.

Personally, I took away greater confidence.

If I could prepare and speak as a part of a national 4-H conference, what else can I do?

This opportunity has allowed me to build skills I carried into my Student Council duties and Mock Trial tournaments later in the year, and gave me a greater appreciation for Canadian civics. Additionally, I met 4-H’ers from across the country, likeminded youth who were confident in their abilities to make Canada a better place.

Amidst the Ottawa skyline, Citizenship Congress proved one idea to me:

“Whoever you are, wherever you come from, however well you speak, or level of confidence you feel, you can make a difference in your club, community, country, and world.”

The 4-H Advantage

19

Better is

being there

We are by your side with industry-leading products and personalized digital services to help you succeed.

Science for Better www.bayer.ca

By Neleah Lavoie 4-H Canada Youth Advisory Committee Representative — PEI The 4-H Canada Science Fair has shaped me as a person, a learner, and a 4-H’er. My three years of involvement has instilled in me a love for science and encouraged me to question the world around me. But, even more so, it’s showed me how to look at challenges as opportunities and not as obstacles. It’s also taught me to fearlessly pursue new knowledge and believe in myself even when things seem impossible.

But how do you get started? Picking an idea for a science project may be the hardest part. The key is to remember that there are no wrong ideas. My advice is to make a list of things that interest you or that you wonder about, and from that list, start to think of problems that you know exist within each interest.

The key to choosing a good topic is to try to answer a question that has not been answered before. Be creative, talk to people in your life, and don’t be afraid to use the internet. You want to formulate a topic that is as specific as possible. Once you have selected a topic and problem to investigate, don’t be discouraged if the problem seems unsolvable or if you don’t know where to start. The first step is to research your topic. Learn as much as you can until you have the information to either develop a solution to the problem, or develop a plan to conduct an experiment to learn more about the problem.

The last science fair project I conducted was investigating the antiangiogenic activity of sprouts. Let’s talk about how I got to this topic. I knew I wanted to work with the blood-brain barrier and cancer. A family member was battling brain cancer, and I was inspired to learn about improving their treatment. I decided that I wanted to focus

The smile says it all!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Canada-Wide Science Fair

IN SCIENCE FAIR (AND LIFE!) MISTAKES ARE HOW WE LEARN

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Neleah Lavoie

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

It’s easy to talk about a project when it’s something you’re passionate about!

on drug development, and I took these ideas to a mentor of mine. With my creativity and his expertise, we decided that investigating the ability of sprouts to stop tumor growth would be a feasible start. I had no idea what I was doing, but I started to read. After reading through many articles, I had so many ideas, but no plan. I talked to industry professionals, and they helped me narrow my focus and come up with a testing protocol. Then I started the fun part — testing!

Photo Credit: © 4-H Canada

The thing about science is it goes wrong more than it goes right. Often, my experiments don’t work, or my results don’t make sense.

My biggest piece of advice is to not give up.

Continue to try new things. Learn more about your topic and do not be afraid of failure.

Mistakes are how we learn in science.

The 4-H Canada Science Fair lets you see new places, learn new things, and meet new people!

Fall 2023

The 4-H Canada Science Fair not only ignited my passion for science, it taught me the invaluable life lessons of resilience, creativity, and problem-solving. Through curiosity and the guidance of mentors, I learned that the world of science - full of successes and failures - was where I wanted to spend my career. Plus, there is nothing better than when you finally figure out the answer to your question!

The 4-H Advantage

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HOW SCIENCE FAIR CHANGED MY LIFE

By Alexandra O’Connor 2022 4-H Canada Science Fair Winner Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Canada-Wide Science Fair

Science fair is something that has changed my life. If you had told the 14-year-old me I would be working with researchers and agronomists, and experimenting on soil, she would’ve told you that’s a joke. Well, it isn’t. I have learned so much, met amazing people, and experienced more than I ever thought I would in my life.

4-H has a lasting and generational impact on many people, including myself. I have been in 4-H for 11 years and it runs three generations deep in my family. This organization has given me many opportunities, including the science fair.

I have also met people who have provided me with great information and pointed me in the right direction. It’s incredible to look at how the science fair has given me opportunities to shift my life.

Have I mentioned about the doors it opens for you? 4-H gives members many opportunities — from conferences to leadership events — to help a member move through the world and grow. But the science fair is one that gives members a chance to get scholarships to

Photo Credit: © 4-H Canada

Photo Credit: Alexandra O’Connor

4-H has been able to provide me with an opportunity that has taken me across Canada. I was lucky enough to be a delegate in Round 2 of the 2023 4-H Canada Science Fair, which took me to Olds, AB. Then in May 2023, I got to represent 4-H Canada at the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) in Edmonton, AB. This is where I got to meet my mentor

in-person. I also got to meet a student of his, who is also a past 4-H Canada Science Fair winner and CWSF winner.

My mentor and I at the CWSF.

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The 4-H Advantage

Getting ready for Round 2 of the 4-H Canada Science Fair.

Fall 2023

Photo Credit: © 4-H Canada

Photo Credit: © 4-H Canada Me and my project board at the CWSF.

Judging Day: Round 2

universities and colleges, meet new people outside of 4-H, and get the idea of how a student lives away from home. That was one I really took away, as I don’t travel often. The connections I have made (my mentor is a university professor and researcher who has allowed me to access research and materials I need), also gave me the chance to tour my future university, which I got a scholarship for.

cultivated; where croplands are cultivated once or twice a year. So, in essence my project was to help the government understand how to equally pay these farmers for the carbon they are storing. For example, cropland does not hold the same amount of carbon as grasslands, meaning that they won’t get paid the same amount as cattle producers who preserve grasslands.

My area of study examines the carbon storage and sequestration in grassland soils. I have taken part in both the 4-H Canada Science Fair and the CWSF twice, representing the ag industry. My project has become more and more important for many cattle and crop producers in the last decade. As the value of carbon goes up, producers are wanting to get paid for the carbon they are storing in the soil.

Many people ask me why I like coming back. Well, that’s simple, my involvement in the agriculture industry and my will to learn more.

I have been involved with the ag industry since the point of my existence. I grew up on a cattle ranch, and it goes back four generations in my family. Many people in my family have represented the ag industry in the past. Now, it’s my turn to do that. This summer, I had the chance to meet the Senate of Canada, because of the science fair.

I was able to share my experiences with them and tell them what I learned. Every year, I build upon my project so I can learn more. I want to bring fresh and new research to the table. I can’t say what my project will be this year, but coming back for my last year will be memorable.

Photo Credit: Alexandra O’Connor

My 2023 project examined the difference in carbon and nitrogen in the soils of native grasslands and croplands. What I found is that native grasslands store 2.3 times more carbon because they have not been

My best advice for someone thinking about taking part in the science fair is, go for it! I have had so much fun, met a lot of new people, and got things out of it I will cherish for the rest of my life. The other thing is memories. A good friend of mine graduated and moved away this year, meaning she won’t take part this year. But the flip side is I have the memories we made together. Everything that I have experienced thus far has helped to prepare me for the future. To quote Winniethe-Pooh, “We didn’t know we were creating memories, we were just having fun”.

Conducting my experiment.

Fall 2023

The 4-H Advantage

23

Help unlock their career potential

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This free, personalized, online tool helps assess skills, education, interests and work experience – all to help youth discover and prepare for the job they really want.

Try it now at rbcupskill.ca Powered by FutureFit AI RBC Upskill career tool (“Tool”) is owned and operated by Audacious Futures Corporation (“FutureFit AI”). Access to the Tool is provided by RBC. FutureFit AI is responsible for 127851 (09/2023) the terms related to and services provided by the Tool, and RBC shall have no liability as a result of your use of the Tool or results generated by it. VPS111716

ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & & COMMUNICATIONS HEALTHY LIVING

GO BEHIND-THE-SCENES WITH CAREERS ON THE GROW INTERNS Did you know that each summer, senior 4-H members and recent alumni have the opportunity to access exciting internship opportunities through the 4-H Canada Careers on the Grow (COTG) program?

COTG interns get hands-on learning experience with companies, organizations, farms, and social enterprises in rural and urban communities across Canada. These placements not only provide practical career experience, but also allow you to network and create professional connections that can lead to exciting options for your career future.

Want to know more? Keep reading to hear all about the COTG internship experience straight from the keyboards of 2023 COTG Interns.

MEET THE INTERNS

Q&A: INTERN INSIGHT

HASHIM FAROOQ Virtual Experience & Engagement Team Intern — Canadian Red Cross Grain & Crop Inputs Industry Intern — Cargill

Fall 2023

HASHIM: I decided to apply because the program offers valuable real-world experience, while also granting academic credit for my co-op class.

Photo Credit: Madison Stack

Photo Credit: Stacey Gabriel Photography

What inspired you to apply for a COTG internship?

OLIVIA: I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to get exposed to agriculture within a business. I also liked the idea of working outside of Newfoundland and discovering a new place.

OLIVIA TAYLOR

Agriculture Intern, HR Specialist - Cargilll

How did you decide which internship to apply for, and what interested you about that career field?

HASHIM: I researched various organizations and applied to those where I felt I could best apply my skills in data analysis and software development. My interest in this field stems from my academic focus and part-time jobs.

OLIVIA: The internship at BASF fit my schedule, and the job description interested me. I wasn’t familiar with HR and wanted to try something new.

The 4-H Advantage

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Photo Credit: Courtesy of Olivia Taylor

What was your internship experience like?

HASHIM: I had the privilege of working in two distinctly different environments over the summer.

My first internship was a six-week role as an Intern with the Canadian Red Cross. This internship was conducted remotely from Nova Scotia. My primary responsibility was to assist the data migration team in transitioning from multiple decentralized databases to a centralized system. I conducted quality assurance checks, flagged anomalies, and even had a chance to work on implementing AI for copywriting to attract more volunteers.

This role allowed me to see how a large humanitarian organization utilizes data to make impactful decisions.

My second internship was an eightweek engagement with Cargill, located in McLennan, AB. I spent the initial phase of my internship learning about the agricultural aspects of the business, from the growth and chemical treatment of crops to identifying diseases that could affect them. I went on site visits to farmers’ fields to understand their challenges, and helped in scouting fields to identify potential issues.

As the internship progressed, I also found that my background in data analytics and software development could be leveraged in a meaningful way. I collaborated with the Crop Inputs Team to analyze crop data for actionable insights.

OLIVIA: My internship was eight weeks, July through August, with BASF in Calgary, AB. I wanted to spend some of my summer in Newfoundland, so I decided to work inperson during July, and online in August.

Throughout my internship, I worked closely with the HR team. Immediately, I felt so welcomed and included by them. I even had my own office space! I enjoyed working on student recruitment.

I had the opportunity to make new company swag suggestions, work on an ambassador program handbook, as well as hiring manager etiquette forms for career fairs, and much more. I was able to sit in on many meetings and even a few interviews. I also joined the HR team on a trip to Lethbridge, AB, and we were able to see different canola plots and the production plant.

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The 4-H Advantage

During her BASF internship, Oliva had the chance to participate in a BASF HR team trip to Lethbridge, AB.

What were your biggest take-aways from the internship?

HASHIM: I gained a broader understanding of how data-driven decisions can impact real-world operations. I also gained practical experience about agriculture and the challenges that are faced by growers daily.

OLIVIA: It’s hard to list just one thing that I’ve taken away from this internship, because I have truly gained so much. I think my three biggest takeaways are that my technology skills have grown, BASF exposed me to many other careers that I was unaware of, and I learned to be more independent, as it was the first time living on my own.

“My ultimate goal is to launch my own startup in the AgTech industry, a decision significantly influenced by my experiences in data analytics, software development, and my recent internship at Cargill.”

- Hashim What’s next for you, post-internship?

HASHIM: Upon completing my academic journey at Brandon University, my ambitions are set high with a clear roadmap for my career. My ultimate goal is to launch my own startup in the AgTech industry, a decision significantly influenced by my experiences in data analytics, software development, and my recent internship at Cargill.

I am keen on finding a position within the AgTech sector, as it sits perfectly at the intersection of technology and agriculture— two fields I am deeply passionate about.

Working in this hybrid environment, I believe, will equip me with the necessary insights and practical experience that are crucial for eventually launching my own venture.

OLIVIA: I am currently completing my first year of business at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. My internship with BASF definitely put me a step ahead, as I got to experience HR.

What advice would you give to someone interested in a COTG internship?

HASHIM: If you’re considering applying for a COTG internship, the first piece of advice I have is to thoroughly research the companies and roles you’re interested in.

Don’t be disheartened by the requirements listed for the role. It’s crucial to remember that job descriptions are often a wish list, and not meeting every single criterion shouldn’t discourage you from applying. In my own experience, I landed an internship in agriculture at Cargill without having a directly relevant educational background.

OLIVIA: Apply, apply, apply! You get the most out of 4-H by taking advantage of the amazing opportunities they offer. There is really no harm in applying. “It’s better to have a life of oh wells, then a life of what ifs”.

Fall 2023

LEARNING TO DO

BY DOING GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

All Photo Credits: Glenn Wright

By Myles Wright Vanscoy Multiple 4-H Club

My name is Myles and I decided to take the 4-H motto to heart, which inspired me to build an electric pickup truck.

After 16 years of being a 4-H member, I felt motivated to take action for the environment. I was always passionate about electric vehicles through talking to owners at electric car meets in Saskatoon hosted by SaskEV. In 2020 I turned my 1980 Dodge truck into a 4-H welding project, where I completed a restoration on the truck, repairing the body panels and painting. The following year I decided to turn the truck fully electric. Now I have been driving my electric truck daily to save the environment.

I pledged my head to clearer thinking and researched the extensive benefits of converting cars to electric. Since I have finished, I now feel very satisfied driving along the highway, and never have to worry about increasing gas prices or oil changes. I love cruising silently, pledging my heart to greater loyalty to the environment.

Using Saskatchewan grid power, my truck has 86% of the CO2 emissions of my small car, or about 1/3 the emissions of similar trucks. I expect the scope 2 emissions of my truck to improve substantially with our changing power grid. It also saves me $200 per month compared to my gas car when driving 25 km to work daily. I expect the project to be paid off over 10 years.

It was all inspired by using the 4-H motto, Learn To Do By Doing. I feel youth can make a difference using the motto. I felt driven to take action knowing that I could drastically reduce my environmental impact. Yes, it took two years in my spare time to do the work required; and much research prior to the hands-on work.

Thanks to the 4-H motto, I kept pushing through doubt and was continually driven to learn more.

Fall 2023

Thank you, 4-H, for everything you have inspired youth to achieve!

The 4-H Advantage

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SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY

READY, SET, ACTION! CAPTURING ONE FARM’S STORY OF SUSTAINABILITY up the video production equipment from a local store before meeting the Hopcott family at their farm.

By Victoria Pitsiaeli 2023 L.E.A.D. Recipient – Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security

The family gave me the freedom to decide on much of the production of the video, so I chose the interview questions from the suggested list, and many of the background settings and topics, centred around consumer awareness and sustainable practices. I wanted to exhibit the many aspects of their operation, so we toured a variety of their farm’s locations. I also filmed b-roll of the beautiful landscape and took photographs for the film.

Finally, I finished off with filming inside the bistro and store. This footage was all sent to the COYF video production staff, who are in the process of editing it to be exhibited at the National Recognition Awards Program Gala in November.

COYF annually recognizes farm operators from across the country between the ages of 18 and 39, who exemplify excellence and leadership in their chosen fields. Young farmers are nominated for this competition and compete at the regional level, with the top placers qualifying for the National Recognition Awards Program, held in November in Montreal, QC to recognize Canadian agriculture.

In the past, 4-H members and provincial ambassadors have been selected by COYF for the Youth Ambassador role. 4-H suggested me, since I live near the provincial winning farm, and have a big interest in sustainable agriculture. I felt very honoured to have received this role, and to have been part of this project.

Photo Credit: Annabel Pitsiaeli

In spring 2023, I had the exciting opportunity to be involved with Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer (COYF) competition as the Youth Ambassador, interviewer, and videographer for the BC/Yukon representative, Hopcott Farms.

Located in Pitt Meadows, BC, Hopcott Farms is a family-run business focused on providing field-to-fork food to local consumers.

Brothers, Brad and Travis Hopcott, along with their sister Jenn and their parents each manage one of the many aspects of the farm, including producing cranberries and corn, raising beef cattle, managing the brand-new abattoir, and running a bistro and retail store that sells 70% of their meat production.

After meeting the COYF staff and learning about the responsibilities of the Youth Ambassador role, in June I headed out to pick

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The 4-H Advantage

This was my first time being behind the camera on an operation like this, and it was such an amazing learning opportunity. Having grown up in an urban area, 4-H provided me with many opportunities to become involved in agriculture that I otherwise would have missed out on. As I am currently attending university to study agricultural science, I feel that experiences such as this have helped give me real-world context to the topics I am learning about.

Getting to connect with local producers and learn about the many challenges they face, as well as their triumphs, was a unique experience I will never forget.

Onsite filming at Hopcott Farms.

Want to see Victoria’s filmmaking debut? Keep your eyes on 4-H Canada’s social media channels this fall to watch the finished product!

Fall 2023

THE BUZZ ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF YOUNG BEEKEEPERS Hello, my name is Malvina. I’m 16 years old, and this is my eighth year in 4-H and my first year as an Ambassador for 4-H British Columbia.

In July 2023, I had the opportunity to be part of Team Canada at the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB) in Slovenia. The IMYB is an annual event that brings together youth from around the world and allows them to demonstrate their beekeeping knowledge and skills, while also introducing them to other young beekeepers, their cultures, and beekeeping methods.

My teammates were Olivia and Gracen from Ontario. We were selected after many evaluations from IMYB representatives within Canada. The confidence I gained through my 4-H activities, especially public speaking, helped me with my preparation to become part of Team Canada.

At the end of the competition, we placed fourth out of 29 countries. All our hard work paid off, and the closing ceremony celebrated everyone’s accomplishments — a fitting end to a memorable experience.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Malvina Pavon

By Malvina Pavon 4-H BC Ambassador

In addition to the competition, we expanded our knowledge with visits to the Beekeeper Centre of the Slovenian Beekeepers Association, and the Carniolan Bee House - an education centre with interactive and multimedia exhibits about the Carniolan honeybee and beekeeping in Slovenia. We also trekked through the Krka Cave and through the treetops at Adventure Park Cukarca.

In the evenings, everyone attended cultural presentations, where each team presented about their home country through songs, dance, skits, or presentations. It was a great way for everyone to learn about other countries, with lots of group participation and laughter.

Team Canada placed fourth overall.

I would describe this trip as an opportunity for youth to expand their beekeeping knowledge. I came home with a lot of new friends and contacts from all over the world.

I feel motivated to share with other youth and young beekeepers about this amazing opportunity they could have.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the International Centre for Young Beekeepers

On the first day, it was all about getting to meet the many young beekeepers from other countries. During the four-day event, Team Canada had the unique opportunity to test our beekeeping skills and knowledge against young beekeepers from 28 countries. The test modules included building a nucleus hive after finding and capturing the queen, assembling frames, identifying hive pests and diseases, marking drones, honey tasting, and identification of flower sources. We were tested on our general knowledge by taking a multiple-choice test, and identifying bee anatomy and components of a brood frame.

We also tested the conductivity of honey and assembled an AZ hive — a common hive used in Slovenia. We worked individually and in mixed teams, which were made up of young beekeepers from up to six different countries.

Teams participated in a variety of activities throughout the competition, and met young beekeepers from around the world.

Fall 2023

The 4-H Advantage

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4-MINUTES WITH 4-H: DISCUSSING PUBLIC TRUST IN THE FOOD SYSTEM Have you checked out the 4-Minutes with 4-H video series yet?

If not, head over to youtube.com/4HCanada to find 16 episodes based on a collection of 4-minute conversations on topics that are important to today’s youth. Each episode features a 4-H Canada Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) representative interviewing experts from a variety of sectors, from mental health to careers to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To give you a taste of this exciting series, check out this transcript of Episode 12: Public Trust in the Food System, led by YAC Alberta representative Kianna McGregor. Dive into her conversation with Jonathan Sweat, Vice President of Business Management at BASF Agricultural Solutions, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, who in 2019 became the first woman in Canadian history to be appointed federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. She held the position until July 2023 when she took on her current post, Minister of National Revenue.

KIANNA: A question for both of you is, how can you positively impact public trust in the food system?

HON. MARIE-CLAUDE BIBEAU: Well, I think the first thing is to have an open mind and share the good and right information. It is difficult to reach out to everyone. Now, with social media in addition to regular journalism, it is a challenge to be able to share the right information, it is really a challenge.

JONATHAN: One area that maybe strikes me as an opportunity is the food and beverage industry. It’s relatively quiet in this space. If we’re trying to build trust, some of the societal topics - like climate change and sustainability - are opportunities for them to engage in a more public way and build that trust with people, so when they see those brands on the store-shelf, they know that it is something they can trust.

HON. MARIE-CLAUDE BIBEAU: In terms of youth, what role do you think the new generation can play in getting the right information out there to strengthen public trust?

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The 4-H Advantage

KIANNA: I think people say that youth are the voice of tomorrow, but I would argue they are also the voice of today. We play a big role; we will be voting soon, having families soon, we’re consumers, and we also have very strong opinions. I think that with those opinions, we need to have the right information accessible to us in a way that we enjoy. People my age don’t usually read newspapers that we buy on the street, we get most of our information online. I think having that information firsthand from farmers and other operators in the food system would be a great way for us to further develop our opinions.

JONATHAN: I’m just building onto what you’re talking about here - lots of farmers want to tell their story. They have an incredible story to tell, and as the Minister has pointed out, it’s a real opportunity. Lots of people really welcome the public to come and learn more about what they do on a day-to-day basis, they’re really very proud of it. Lots of growers love to be on social media, they talk about their farms, and they love being asked questions. There are a number of influencers out there that are just regular, everyday farmers who want to tell their story.

So, with the use of social media, it really brings everybody closer together, even if they are in different provinces.

KIANNA: I think putting a face to agriculture operations is a great part of increasing public trust. Instead of it being a large company name, letting people see that there are real people who work there, and that they care about agriculture and about providing food for the world. That way, they have someone to connect to - putting a name to the story of agriculture.

HON. MARIE-CLAUDE BIBEAU: When we lose the trust of a certain community or there is so much misinformation out there, it can have an impact on our farmers. Actually, it has an impact on the mental health of our farmers.

They work so hard - they care for the animals, they care for the environment - and when they hear stories that hurt them from people who don’t really know what the job is or what they do, it does impact the mental health of our farmers. This is something that I really worry a lot about. I even hear stories about the kids of our farmers being intimidated in school. It is really important that we share the right information, and we are there to support our farmers and to share the good stories about how hard they work to protect the environment, to take care of the animals, and ultimately to feed us and feed the world.

KIANNA: Thank you to both of you for speaking with 4-H today. I know it’s opened my mind and I’m excited to see everyone get this information.

Fall 2023

LEADERS’ CORNER

“A GOAL WITHOUT A PLAN IS JUST A WISH”

A wise poet once said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

While it may have been said in the 1900s, it still holds up today… Which is why 4-H Canada has created resources to help make planning quick and painless for 4-H leaders.

Follow the steps below to learn what types of activities require a plan, how to submit your plan online, and more.

4-H ACTIVITY PLANS

ACTIVITY PLAN FAQs

Staff and trained leaders are responsible for completing an activity plan for events and activities that include:

WHAT IF I CAN’T ACCESS THE ONLINE SYSTEM?

• • • •

Multiple clubs, regions, or provinces Transportation and/or accommodations organized by 4-H Third-party service providers that require a waiver (i.e. archery, trampoline, etc.)

High-risk activities that are outside the norm for the 4-H project (i.e. a cooking club would not have practiced the skills to go on a trail ride)

HOW TO SUBMIT AN ACTIVITY PLAN ONLINE •

• •

A link to the Youth Safety Reporting System at 4-H in Canada can be found at 4-h-canada.ca/resources-education/youth-safety and through your provincial organization’s website.

This new system is open to all leaders and staff, and a User ID is not required.

When you complete the Activity Planning form online, it is then automatically directed to your provincial office for review and support.

Fall 2023

If you do not have access to the online system, reach out to your provincial organization to confirm the offline process for your province.

WHO SHOULD SUBMIT THE ACTIVITY PLAN?

The trained leader or staff planning the event should complete the activity plan.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ACTIVITY PLAN IS SUBMITTED?

It will be reviewed by provincial staff members, and they may reach out to you for further details or clarification. Once the Activity Plan is approved, a copy will be emailed to you for your files, and to share with all youth, leaders, and families in advance of the event or program.

New safety checklists are coming soon to help plan activities involving travel, the outdoors, community excursions, animal handling, and water.

Watch for the new 4-H Canada Activity Planning Guide coming soon to 4-h-canada.ca/resources-education/youth-safety.

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Thanks to 4-H for making

a brighter tomorrow You’re the next generation of leaders.

Every day, you bring pride and passion to Canadian agriculture and food, and that lifts the entire industry. Thank you.

FCC supports

DREAM. GROW. THRIVE.

fcc.ca

KICKSTART YOUR CLUB YEAR: TURNING IDEAS INTO REALITY WITH THE FCC 4-H CLUB FUND The Bashaw Multi 4-H Club, located in Central Alberta, was among the clubs to receive a grant from the FCC 4-H Club Fund for the 20222023 year. They applied for a grant to support the cost of renting a therapeutic riding arena and creating visual learning materials for their equine members.

Don’t forget! If you’re looking for a funding boost for your club, the FCC 4-H Club Fund can help.

Grants can be used in a variety of ways, including:

Photo Credit: Charlene Brosinsky

Thanks to generosity of FCC, 4-H clubs, districts, and regions can receive grants up to $500 to put towards events or initiatives that help increase engagement and growth of the 4-H movement in Canada.

When applying for the FCC 4-H Club Fund, the Bashaw Multi 4-H Club chose to focus on how they could best support their group of youth members by first identifying individual needs and learning styles, and then looking at how to best teach and assist their members.

• Building volunteer capacity • Advertising and promotion • Developing existing programs • Hosting local events • Supporting volunteers • Purchasing resource materials

Keep reading to get inspired by how a 4-H club in Alberta put their grant to good use.

Fall 2023

Equine members of the Bashaw Multi 4-H Club are grateful for the opportunities their club has created for them with support from the FCC 4-H Club Fund.

The extra funding allowed the Club to better support their riders, who enjoyed riding in a safe environment with access to visual aids that supported preferred learning styles.

“Pattern diagrams helped me learn that every movement matters.”

- Brigette, Bashaw Multi 4-H Club member The Bashaw Multi 4-H Club is extremely grateful to have received an FCC 4-H Club Fund grant and encourages others to apply – stating that funding ultimately supports both members and leaders, and the effects can even ripple outward to other project members or clubs, and into the community.

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FULL-STEM AHEAD Canada is a world-leader in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), and demand for this massive industry will only continue to rise. Who better to take the reins than 4-H’ers?

Incorporating STEM into 4-H programs is crucial to ensuring 4-H members have the tools they need to pursue career pathways in innovative and exciting fields. That’s why 4-H Canada looks forward to releasing a STEM resource guide, which will help leaders engage youth in unique learning opportunities while gaining crucial skills in the field of STEM. STEM programming encourages curiosity and teamwork, builds perseverance, and positions youth for future career opportunities by preparing them for an evolving job market, and equipping them with the confidence to navigate the challenges of the 21st century.

While the idea of STEM may feel intimidating, it shouldn’t! Including STEM in programming is fun and easy. In fact, STEM concepts and approaches are already part of many 4-H activities and projects. In this upcoming resource, you will find ideas for talking about STEM, as well as tips on how to integrate STEM into routine club projects to help members build important, transferable skills like critical thinking and problem solving.

Get ready to go full-STEM ahead with the 4-H Canada STEM resource guide, coming soon to 4-h-canada.ca!

PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR THE REIGNING VOLUNTEER LEADERS OF THE YEAR! Let’s hear it for the 2022 Volunteer Leaders of the Year!

2022 NATIONAL VOLUNTEER LEADER OF THE YEAR

2022 PROVINCIAL VOLUNTEER LEADERS OF THE YEAR Christine Moutray Vanderhoof 4-H District Council – British Columbia Joyce Kelly Edson 4-H Multi Club – Alberta Shawn Bartel Carlton Trail 4-H Club Saskatchewan Amanda Hamilton-Seward Windygates 4-H Beef Club – Manitoba Dr. Kathy Wilkins Northumberland 4-H Veterinary Club - Ontario

Alain Blanchette Irishtown 4-H Club – New Brunswick

Gillian MacDougall Shawville 4-H Club – Quebec Gail Wallace Kensington 4-H Club – Prince Edward Island

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for the incoming 2023 National and Provincial Volunteer Leaders of the Year. Stay tuned for the recipient announcement this fall. For more information and a list of past recipients, visit 4-h-canada.ca/scholarships-awards/awards/volunteer-leader-award.

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The 4-H Advantage

Proud to support 4-H Canada Co-operators was founded in 1945 by a group of farmers when traditional insurers wouldn’t meet their needs. As a financial services co-operative, we are committed to farmers across the country and provide advice and solutions for over 42,000 farms.

Today we remain true to our roots: putting the needs of our clients and our communities first. cooperators.ca/farm

Investments. Insurance. Advice.

Cooperators.ca

Farm insurance is underwritten by Co-operators General Insurance Company. Not all products are available in all provinces. Co-operators® is a registered trademark of The Co-operators Group Limited.

For Saskatchewan, visit cooperators.ca, or contact 1-800-265-2662. © 2023 Co-operators General Insurance Company. DMC1128 (04/23)

Fall 2023

FUN & GAMES

4-H WORD SEARCH CAN YOU FIND THESE FAMILIAR 4-H WORDS?

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Fall 2023

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DIVERSITY RESILIENCE ACHIEVEMENT TEAMWORK

SAFE FUN INCLUSIVE GRASSROOTS

The 4-H Advantage

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SPOT & COLOUR THE DIFFERENCE Can you spot the five differences between these two drawings?

Find them all, then bring the drawings to life by colouring them in!

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Fall 2023

Fall 2023

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Answers: chicken foot, paint, snowy mountain, pig tail, flower petals.

TRIVIA TIME!

THE 4-H ADVANTAGE SCAVENGER HUNT

It’s time to test your 4-H knowledge in a fun-filled scavenger hunt… because who doesn’t love a bit of trivia?

CAN YOU GUESS THE ANSWERS TO THESE 10 QUESTIONS?

Hint: Be sure to read through this whole issue of The 4-H Advantage to help find the answers. And — no peeking! — but if you get stuck, you can find the answer key at the bottom of this page.

TIME TO GET SCAVENGER HUNTING! 1.

What 3 countries are Manitoba 4-H’ers exchanging visual letters with?

2.

What does the acronym COYF stand for?

3.

Fill in the blank: Neleah Lavoie’s science fair project investigated the antiangiogenic activity of _______.

4.

What eats the flour and water in a sourdough starter?

5.

Hashim Farooq was a Grain & Crop Inputs Industry Intern with what company?

6.

Which Science Fair winner quoted Winnie-the-Pooh in their article?

7.

What year is the Dodge truck that Myles Wright converted to an electric vehicle?

8.

What is the name of the UNs’ SDG 8?

9.

What role did Ethan Russell take on during the debate at the 2023 Citizenship Congress?

10. Which past L.E.A.D. scholarship recipient is now training to become a pilot?

Answers: 1. Poland, Taiwan & the United States 2. Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer 3. Sprouts 4. Wild Yeast 5. Cargill 6. Alexandra O’Connor 7. 1980 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth 9. Prime Minister 10. Riley Callahan

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The 4-H Advantage

Fall 2023