The 4-H Advantage | Spring 2022

4-H Canada’s national magazine for members Spring 2022

e g a t n a v 4-H Ad

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4-h-canada.ca The 4-H Advantage / L’avantage 4-H 4-H Canada’s national magazine for members 960 Carling Ave., Building 106 Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6 Cover Photo Proud two- and four-legged 4-H’ers catch an Alberta sunset.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of 4-H Alberta

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The 4-H Advantage • Spring 2022

TOLL-FREE:

1-844-759-1013 Editor Jessie Christie

Design and layout Character Creative

Contributors 4-H national and provincial staff Anna Barry Grace Barry Matt Boutilier Mac Dykeman Logan Emiry Justin Gayliard

Distributed March 2022

info@4-h-canada.ca Printing Bradda Printing Services Inc.

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

Permission to translate and/or reprint all contents of The 4-H Advantage is granted to interested organizations, with appropriate acknowledgement of 4-H Canada and applicable photo credits.

The 4-H Advantage magazine Copyright © 2022 4-H Canada.

4-H PLEDGE

IN THIS ISSUE

I pledge

Special Feature

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.

4-H MOTTO Learn To Do By Doing

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Spring Activity Guide: Five Fun Boredom Busters

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My HEAD to Clearer Thinking

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4-H’ers L.E.A.D.ing the Way Explore, Experiment & Invent with the 4-H Canada Science Fair

My HEART to Greater Loyalty Thanks for Going Green to Show Your 4-H Colours Explore Your Career Future with a Mind Map

My HANDS to Larger Service 4-Minutes with 4-H: Discussing Diversity & Inclusion in Agriculture When We Work Together, We Can Accomplish Anything 4-H’ers to the Rescue! BC Youth Action 2021 The Great Debate with the Barry Sisters

My HEALTH to Better Living Get to Know the Climate Action Superheroes!

Unbox Your Mind to Become a Mental Health Champion

Leaders’ Corner Help Your Club Get Career-Ready!

Fuel the Fun with the FCC 4-H Club Fund Congratulations are in Order!

New Youth Safety Resources Rolling Out 4-H Ontario Develops Virtual Resource Library

Fun & Games 4-H Word Search Spot (and Colour!) the Difference Trivia Time! The 4-H Advantage Scavenger Hunt

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GEAR, GIFTS, AND MORE!

GO AFTER YOUR GOALS WITH A 4-H CANADA SCHOLARSHIP We know you have big goals, and 4-H Canada Scholarships can help you reach them!

Did You Know?

In 2021, 4-H Canada awarded more than $127,000 in postsecondary scholarships to 4-H’ers across the country?

4-H’ers just like you!

Applications are open March 1 to May 31, 2022. Learn more about the scholarship opportunities at 4-h-canada.ca/scholarships.

Whether it’s for your 4-H club, friends and family, or just for yourself, the 4-H Canada Store has you covered with all the essential 4-H apparel, accessories, club supplies, and more.

Visit shop.4-h-canada.ca or shop straight from your phone by downloading the Shop app and searching “4-H Canada”!

AVOID 4-H FOMO WITH THE PROGRAM CATALOGUE Never fear missing out on 4-H Canada programs, opportunities, and support for members, clubs and volunteer leaders again, thanks to the 4-H Canada Program Catalogue.

There’s something for everyone!

See for yourself at 4-h-canada.ca/programs.

4-H Canada

PROGRAM CATALOGUE 2021-2022

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The 4-H Advantage • Spring 2022

SPECIAL FEATURE

SPRING ACTIVITY GUIDE FIVE FUN BOREDOM BUSTERS Does the fickle spring weather have you stuck inside?

Never fear, 4-H is here! Get busy with these five fun boredom busters!

START

CANADA’S 11 SEASONS winter fool’s spring second winter third winter

you are here

mud season actual spring summer false fall

1. MY PLATE AND THE PLANET Download the My Plate and the Planet Activity Book at 4-h-canada.ca/healthyliving/myplate to explore the food we eat and the world around us through fun activities like this:

A-Z MENU Are you up for a challenge?

1. On a piece of paper, write down the letters A to Z, leaving space beside each.

2. During family meals, challenge yourself (and your family) to find something in the meal for each letter of the alphabet. Can you find them all?

A

B

C

second summer (1 week) actual fall

2. SHORT STORY TIME Let out your inner author with this creative writing activity from 4-H Saskatchewan.

WRITING PROMPT Sometimes it’s hard to come up with a story idea. To help get those creative juices flowing, writers will sometimes use “writing prompts” to get them started. Use one of the following writing prompts to write your own short story: • On a dark and spooky night…

• I woke up this morning and I was a bird!

• Today, I discovered I could turn invisible.

• A strange and mysterious parcel was delivered to my door today.

• The day started out like any other, but by lunchtime, everything changed.

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3. DIG INTO SOIL Head to 4-h-canada.ca/dig-into-soil and download the Dig into Soil Activity Book, where you’ll find everything you need to know about soil conservation and climate action, along with hands-on activities like this one:

BAG IT UP! Make your own compost bags! It’s quick and easy, and there are great reasons to do it: • Great way not only to recycle, but to reuse newspapers.

• Newspaper helps cut down on the smell of compost because carbon in the paper absorbs the smell of food decomposing.

• Carbon is also necessary in the composting process.

INSTRUCTIONS

4. MAKE CHOCOLATE AVOCADO PUDDING Whip up a delicious treat with this recipe from 4-H Manitoba’s Virtual Food Series.

SUPPLIES

INGREDIENTS

• Immersion blender or food processor • Rubber spatula • Paring knife • Cutting board • Bowl • Serving bowl • Measuring spoons

1. Take two sheets from a full-sized newspaper and stack them on top of each other.

2. Take the opposite corners and join them, making a big triangle. The sheets aren’t perfectly square, so don’t worry if they don’t fold neatly – it doesn’t have to be perfect.

3. Take the two small corners and fold them up, to the middle of the opposite side.

4. Open the pocket you’ve created by folding down the top triangles on both sides.

5. And now you can put this bag in the compost bin as a compostable liner!

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1 ripe avocado 2 tbsp cocoa powder ½ tsp vanilla 3 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice • ½ over-ripe banana, chopped ( cup) • 3 to 5 tbsp water

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cut avocado in half lengthwise, remove pit and scoop out flesh.

2. If using immersion blender, place avocado in narrow, deep bowl. If using food processor, place in processor bowl.

3. Add cocoa powder, vanilla, maple syrup, banana, and 3 tbsp water.

4. Puree until smooth, adding more water as needed to reach desired consistency.

5. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.

6. Transfer into serving bowl.

7. Cover and store in fridge until ready to serve.

Makes 1 cup. Serve as pudding, or as a dip for fruit like apples, pears, or oranges. Don’t like bananas? Try pureed squash, sweet potatoes, or canned pumpkin instead!

5. MAKE A LEMON VOLCANO Who knew that a simple lemon can transform into an active volcano? Try it out with this activity from the 4-H Ontario Adventures in STEM project!

MATERIALS • • • • • • •

Lemons (2 per volcano) Baking soda Food colouring Craft stick Dish soap Tray Cup & spoons

DIRECTIONS 1. Slice the bottom off lemons to make them sit flat. Flip the lemon over and slice out the core. If you are making an open-faced volcano, slice the lemon in half.

2. Prepare extra lemon juice by slicing a second lemon in half and juicing it.

Pour juice into a cup and set aside.

3. Place your cored lemon on a tray. Use your craft stick to mush the centre of the lemon and bring out the juices. Be sure to keep the juice in the lemon.

4. Place a few drops of food colouring in the centre of the lemon.

5. Add a good squeeze of dish soap to the lemon.

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6. Add a spoonful of baking soda into the lemon. It should start to fizz. Take your craft stick and stir the lemon and lemon juice. It should start foaming really well as you stir it.

7. To keep the reaction going, alternately add more baking soda, colouring, dish soap, and the reserved lemon juice to the reaction.

Squeezing the lemon to release juices will also help.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Lemon juice contains citric acid, which when mixed with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), reacts to form carbon dioxide and sodium citrate, causing the liquid to fizz and bubble.

FINISH

soil Why is

so important?

Soil is the foundation of all life on Earth – without it, we couldn’t grow the food we need to live. But it’s at risk from many different threats. So, we’re doing everything we can to help growers protect it.

At Syngenta, we recognize that the future is in the heads, hearts, hands, and health of the next generation of leaders.

That’s why we’re proud to support 4-H Canada as the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security pillar partner.

Programs, including Dig Into Soil and Steeped in Soil are helping 4-H members understand the importance of healthy soils and how and why they are essential to life and the food that we all eat.

Our commitment to farmland goes beyond soil education.

As part of The Good Growth Plan into 2025, Syngenta is committed to enhance biodiversity and soil health on 3 million hectares of rural land every year, which we will do by providing technologies, services, and training to farmers.

Learn more at www.goodgrowthplan.com The Good Growth Plan and the Syngenta logo are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2022 Syngenta.

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The 4-H Advantage • Spring 2022

MY HEAD TO CLEARER THINKING 4-H’ERS L.E.A.D.ING THE WAY Get to know the 2021 4-H Canada Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (L.E.A.D.) recipients!

Each year, we honour four outstanding 4-H members for their achievements within one of our four Leadership Development Pillars.

The L.E.A.D. recipients receive a $20,000 scholarship, plus get the chance to connect with their dream mentor.

LET’S MEET THE 2021 L.E.A.D. RECIPIENTS:

JULIA PITSIAELI BRITISH COLUMBIA Pillar: Community Engagement & Communications 4-H Club: Golden Ears 4-H Community Club Field of Study: Science One honours-level program for science undergraduates Institution: University of British Columbia

CALLY SAMPLE BRITISH COLUMBIA Pillar: Environment & Healthy Living 4-H Club: South Thompson 4-H Club Field of Study: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

“When given the opportunity to do scientific research, I chose to build an app that helped epilepsy sufferers monitor their condition. I hope my app can make living with epilepsy easier for sufferers and their families.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Julia Pitsiaeli

Institution: Thompson Rivers University Career Goal: Canadian Association for Rural and Remote Nursing Member “My dream is to work within rural communities alongside farmers and ranchers, ensuring those in agricultural communities are not overlooked in the healthcare sector.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cally Sample

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Pillar: Science & Technology 4-H Club: Cavendish 4-H Club Field of Study: Health Sciences Institution: Queen’s University Career Goal: Surgeon

JESSICA DAVEY SASKATCHEWAN Pillar: Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security 4-H Club: Saskatoon 4-H Beef Club Field of Study: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Institution: University of Saskatchewan

LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH RECIPIENT AT 4-H-CANADA.CA/LEAD!

NELEAH LAVOIE

Career Goal: Pediatric Neurologist

Career Goal: Progressive Livestock Production “I am pursuing a career in agriculture to build transparency between producers, consumers, and youth through agricultural programs, and food traceability.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jessica Davey

“This year, more than ever, we have seen the importance of scientific leaders in the world. Seeing this need only solidified my passion for science and leadership because I witnessed first-hand the impact these resilient people have on the world.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Neleah Lavoie

YOU COULD BE THE NEXT L.E.A.D. RECIPIENT! L.E.A.D applications are now open! Don’t miss the chance to apply for this incredible $20,000 scholarship and mentorship opportunity. Head over to 4-h-canada.ca/ lead to get all the details! And for a full list of all scholarship opportunities, visit 4-h-canada.ca/scholarships. All 4-H Canada scholarship applications close May 31, 2022.

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

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I pledge my • HEAD • to clearer thinking

We are proud to be

part of the future

At Bayer, we believe a brighter tomorrow starts with our commitment to you today.

Further your future with 4-H and #STEM.

Visit www.bayercropscience.ca @Bayer4CropsCA @Bayer4CropsCA The 4-H Advantage • Spring 2022

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Bayer and Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer Group.

Used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2021 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.

Registration for the next 4-H Canada Science Fair will open in September 2022.

EXPLORE, EXPERIMENT & INVENT WITH THE 4-H CANADA SCIENCE FAIR Did you know that 4-H Canada hosts an annual Science Fair that lets you explore, experiment, or even invent your own scientific creation?! Plus, you could win your way to the Canada-Wide Science Fair and compete for medals, cash prizes, and scholarships!

To help you get an inside look at what the 4-H Canada Science Fair is all about, we caught up with threetime winner, Mac Dykeman from British Columbia.

Turn the page and keep reading for insight and advice from this Science Fair veteran!

The 4-H Canada Science Fair is an excellent opportunity for 4-H members in grades 7-12 or CÉGEP, to explore, experiment, and discover!

Either by yourself or with another 4-H’er, you too can bring your own unique perspective to the science fair – where you will plan, research, experiment, test, and analyze your very own scientific creation, before submitting it for judging.

Ask yourself, what interests you? Do you have a question that you want to explore?

Something you want to test out or invent? When it comes to developing your science fair project, there are endless possibilities!

Learn more and get support to start brainstorming ideas for your science fair project at 4-h-canada.ca/sciencefair!

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I pledge my • HEAD • to clearer thinking

WANT TO JOIN THE FUN?

I pledge my • HEAD • to clearer thinking

A SCIENCE FAIR STORY: EXPLORING PASSIONS & SOLVING PROBLEMS

BY MAC DYKEMAN Every year I am excited about my new science project. However, I think my most memorable project is my first one, as I had no clue what to expect at the science fair, and I was figuring everything out as I went along.

For the project, I designed a safer box to ship day-old chickens. I was inspired to do this project as I live on a poultry farm and I have received many shipments of day-old chickens with high rates of morbidity and mortality.

Mac Dykeman is a three-time 4-H Canada Science Fair winner!

Photo Credit: Northern Perspective Photo

The 4-H Canada Science Fair has allowed me to explore my interests, meet 4-H’ers from across the country, and exposed me to postsecondary opportunities in STEM. I have participated in three 4-H Canada Science Fairs, and all of them have been positive experiences. There are plenty of helpful resources available to participants and, if you need any guidance or clarification, 4-H staff members are happy to help.

The Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) is also an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone. I have attended twice: CWSF 2018 hosted in Ottawa, ON and CWSF 2021 held online.

The CWSF is a week-long experience where you meet students with STEM projects.

You also get the opportunity to stay in the dorms of the hosting university, allowing you to gain a valuable experience of what life at a university may be like. There are also many opportunities to win scholarships, cash awards, and participate in further learning opportunities. Overall, the CWSF is an opportunity to have your hard work recognized, meet really interesting people, and explore post-secondary opportunities.

The 4-H Advantage • Spring 2022

Science fairs have provided many opportunities to me. I have travelled across the country to Ottawa and Nova Scotia, and to the United States. Science fairs have even taken me to Abu Dhabi! And all of this started at the 4-H Canada Science Fair!

Participating in the science fair has helped me to further develop my presentation, public speaking, and time management skills.

However, most importantly, it has shown me that I can combine my passion for science and agriculture, and has highlighted the fact that these two areas go hand-in-hand.

One of my passions is solving problems. For each of my science projects, I am trying to fix/improve something that is important to me. So, I think that I have approached all my projects very similarly: identify an issue; identify any solutions currently on the market; and, if these solutions are not sufficient, start brainstorming, designing, and testing my own solutions.

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Everyone is passionate about something, and everyone has likely complained about something, believing there can be a better solution. The 4-H Canada Science Fair is the perfect opportunity to explore and test your solutions to an issue. My advice would be – don’t be scared of jumping in with both feet and giving it your all! Your hypothesis doesn’t have to be right, and your work is just as valid if it is disproving it.

Mac’s 2021 4-H Canada Science Fair project won her way into the Canada-Wide Science Fair, where she picked up another four awards!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mac Dykeman

MY HEART TO GREATER LOYALTY THANKS FOR GOING GREEN TO SHOW YOUR 4-H COLOURS Last November 4-H’ers from coast-to-coast took part in the annual Show Your 4-H Colours celebration to tell the world about 4-H and highlight the great things 4-H’ers are doing in their communities.

The best part about Show Your 4-H Colours is sharing them with others, and it was exciting to see 4-H members, leaders, alumni, and supporters break out their best green shirts on Nov. 3 for Show Your 4-H Colours Day. The 4-H community lit a green spotlight on social media, sharing why they are proud to show their 4-H colours. Here are just a few of our favourite posts.

CANADIAN LANDMARKS LIGHT THE NIGHT IN GREEN Over 30 of Canada’s most famous landmarks were lit in green on Show Your 4-H Colours Day. Green looks good on them, don’t you think?!

Canada Place Sails of Light - Vancouver, BC Photo Credit: Courtesy of Canada Place

TELUS Spark Science Centre – Calgary, AB Photo Credit: Courtesy of Telus Spark

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR SY4HC 2022!

Get ready to go green again for Show Your 4-H Colours Day 2022. Mark your calendars for Nov. 2, 2022!

Special thanks to BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions for helping us celebrate, share stories, and spread the word!

In the meantime, discover more about Show Your 4-H Colours at showyour4hcolours.ca.

City of Toronto sign – Toronto, ON Photo Credit: Courtesy of City of Toronto

Government House – St. John’s, NL Photo Credit: Courtesy of Government House

Do you have a landmark in your community you’d like to see lit in green for 2022? Let us know at communications@4-h-canada.ca.

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I pledge my • HEAD • to clearer thinking

EXPLORE YOUR CAREER FUTURE WITH A MIND MAP

Through 4-H Canada’s Careers on the Grow initiative, 4-H can even help you explore career paths and discover which careers align with your interests and passions.

To help you start on this journey, 4-H Canada has launched two hands-on Career Exploration Modules for secondary and post-secondary students. Keep reading for one of the valuable activities found in

the Growing My Career Choices module, then visit 4-h-canada.ca/growingcareers to access both modules and continue your career exploration!

MIND MAP ACTIVITY: WHO AM I? There are many career options available. To help get started on your journey, it’s important to have a good understanding of who you are and what’s important to you. This can help you choose a career that’s fulfilling and rewarding professionally and personally.

A mind map is a great way to brainstorm ideas without worrying about order or structure. It’s a visual way to see ideas and how they connect, or don’t.

HOW TO DO IT 1. Put your name in wthe rectangle at the centre of the mind map. Then, place categories in the circles (i.e. likes, dislikes, values, interests & passions, I want…, I need…, skills, challenges for me).

2. Create branches from each category with ideas that apply to you. For example, if you enjoy the outdoors, you might connect that to your ‘likes’ category. If you know you don’t enjoy individual work, you might connect that to ‘dislikes’.

3. Spend time reviewing your mind map. Consider how you can use this information on your career journey.

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I pledge my • HEART • to greater loyalty

One of the greatest things about being a 4-H’er is that it prepares you for an exciting career future.

4-H activities help you develop the top skills that today’s employers are looking for, like decision-making, communication, and leadership.

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I pledge my • HEART • to greater loyalty

MY HANDS TO LARGER SERVICE 4-MINUTES WITH 4-H: DISCUSSING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN AGRICULTURE Since 2020, 4-H Canada and BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions have teamed up on the 4-Minutes with 4-H video series, hosting conversations on important topics like mental health, career development, and leadership.

A total of 10 episodes are now available at youtube.com/4hcanada, featuring 4-H Canada Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) representatives chatting with BASF executives and industry professionals about everything from community engagement to sustainability in agriculture.

Keep reading for highlights from the most recent episode - where Nova Scotia YAC rep Matt Boutilier virtually sits down with 4-H Canada CEO, Shannon Benner, and BASF Customer Solutions Manager, Justin Gayliard, to discuss diversity and inclusion in agriculture.

MATT: So, our topic today is Diversity and Inclusion in Agriculture. Now, to you, Justin – what does that look like?

JUSTIN: Being in the industry for over 20 years now, when I first started, it was more about trying to get female representation within agriculture. As time has evolved - from a leadership level and within the organizations that I’ve been working in - we’ve been focused more on expanding that out across different folks coming into the organization, making sure we’re recognizing different types of ethnicities and more invisible minorities, such as LGBT, and bringing them into the community. Because everybody – no matter the difference – has value that they can bring, and we are really making sure that we listen to that value, and we welcome that into our organizations and into agriculture.

MATT: Justin, what is BASF doing to increase diversity and inclusion in agriculture?

JUSTIN: There have been a lot of efforts made over the years to improve diversity in ag, and in our office space in general. And I think we’ve started, really, on the office level. We did that by starting Employee Resource Groups.

Those are really built to help engage across different communities and bring people together to recognize that they have a place, a home, and a space within the organization. We’ve done a really good job at creating a safe space and welcoming diversity into our offices – now, it’s how do we get it in the field more?

SHANNON: It’s so remarkably similar because I think in youth development one of the biggest things is to make sure that you have all the perspectives come to the table, and help youth find and appreciate all of the perspectives including the diversity that you see, and can’t see. But also, you said ‘safe space’.

I think that’s so important because it’s one of the biggest things we try to do in 4-H as well – make sure that young people are in a safe space so they can find what resonates with them and find their identity - and then ultimately move on to it contributing to part of their leadership. So, you definitely have the traits of a 4-H’er, Justin!

SHANNON: Matt, can I ask you a hard question? As an emerging professional in this field, what advice would you give to us?

MATT: It’s really as simple as being open and accepting. It sounds like BASF has created this huge support net for their employees, and I think that’s the best way to support people of diverse cultures and groups – just allow them to be themselves.

MATT: Justin and Shannon, thank you so much for joining us today. It’s been a very insightful conversation. It’s great to see how BASF and 4-H Canada are working to better the agriculture industry.

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I pledge my • HANDS • to larger service

WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER, WE CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING

BY LOGAN EMIRY GLOBAL 4-H YOUTH COMMITTEE – NORTH AMERICAN REPRESENTATIVE Within the Global 4-H Youth Committee, I was elected as Chair to provide leadership within the group. As the Chair, I coordinate and run our committee meetings, keep the lines of communication open with all members of the committee, and represent our committee externally at certain events.

Working side-by-side with 4-H’ers from around the globe is an incredibly rewarding experience. Although we all come from different countries and backgrounds and have different life experiences, we all share a common interest in 4-H and a united goal of improving the world around us. I believe all 4-H members share this drive, and because of that, we really have more in common than we have differences.

The Global 4-H Youth Committee is a network of 4-H members who share a passion for the 4-H program and believe that 4-H plays a key role in addressing issues facing the world, and finding solutions. One example is achieving the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

The Global 4-H Youth Committee is made up of three representatives from each of the five global 4-H regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America.

After applying, I was selected as one of three representatives for North America. As a member of the committee, my role is to provide my voice and opinions to help advance the 4-H movement globally.

As the only Canadian on the committee, I represent all of 4-H in Canada with my role.

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The Global 4-H Youth Committee recently created a statement that outlines the focus of our group. We are committed to increasing the inclusivity of 4-H programs worldwide while continuing the 4-H program's long history of empowering youth. Our committee strives to make real, lasting impacts addressing the SDGs set out by the UN. Most importantly, we want to spread the 4-H spirit and program to even more youth around the globe.

The Global 4-H Youth Committee statement is important because it shows what 4-H members are capable of when we work together.

Our statement is also a call-to-action to all 4-H members to join us in achieving our goals. When we work together, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.

4-H’ERS TO THE RESCUE! BC YOUTH ACTION 2021 I pledge my • HANDS • to larger service

Quick, to the 4-H-mobile! Ok, that doesn’t exist. But superheroes sure do!

That’s why 4-H British Columbia’s Youth Action 2021 was built around the theme “Heroes Live Here” - encouraging 4-H members to reflect on their own unique superpowers. Through a day of action-packed activities focused on leadership and teamwork, delegates learned that as long as you care, believe in yourself, and take action - anyone can be a superhero and make a difference in their community!

For more information on Youth Action, visit 4hbc.ca.

Teams of delegates worked together to decorate capes – because every superhero needs a cape!

Big thumbs up to a heroic day and a heroic future, because every delegate went home with a solid plan to help remind and motivate them to work towards their leadership goals!

Proud Partner of 4-H Canada

Defeating Dr. Destructo calls for a celebration! Delegates triumphed over this villain by completing three activities that challenged their communication skills, mindpower, and group decision-making abilities.

Photo Credit: All Photos Courtesy of 4-H British Columbia

farmmedia.com

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I pledge my • HANDS • to larger service

THE GREAT DEBATE WITH THE BARRY SISTERS Let’s face it, sometimes siblings argue… But in the case of Anna and Grace Barry from Nova Scotia, their sibling squabble was all in good fun during 4-H Canada’s 2021 Citizenship Congress debate.

Grace: The topic of our debate was ‘if universal basic income should be introduced to Canada’.

The participants were divided into three different parties – The Government, The Official Opposition, and The Press Gallery.

Although Citizenship Congress was held virtually in 2021 due to COVID-19, that did not stand in the way of 4-H’ers from across the country enjoying the chance to learn more about the history and inner workings of Canada’s political systems. Participants explored everything from civic engagement to governance, and of course – the art of debating!

4-H Canada: Which side of government did you play in the debate, and what was your role?

The 2021 mock debate saw Anna and Grace Barry take on opposing roles. Keep reading to hear all about their experience on opposite sides of the great debate!

4-H Canada: Citizenship Congress hosts a parliamentary debate on the final day of the conference. What’s that all about?

Anna: You learn all about parliament and what the debates are like. You also learn the formal procedure, and how actual parliament works. The whole congress is broken up into training workshops, debate prep sessions, and guest speaker presentations. In the debate prep sessions, you get to work with your team and figure out what you’re debating, what order your arguments will go in, and research your topic. The training workshops pretty much teach you how to debate and what your role in your party is.

Anna: I was in the Official Opposition Party, and I was the Minister of Finance, Minister of National Revenue, and the Minister of MiddleClass Prosperity.

Grace: I was on the Governing side of the debate, defending the topic. My role was Minister of Indigenous Services. I argued that because of systematic racism and classism, it’s harder for indigenous peoples to be hired in a professional setting.

4-H Canada: What was it like debating against your sister?

Anna: It was weird, but in a good way. I mean, as anyone with siblings would agree – you’re pretty used to arguing with them by now. We are both pretty competitive anyway, so being able to learn how to properly argue and use it in a formal setting was really interesting.

Grace: Anna and I are competitive normally, so the week that we were allowed to actually compete against each other was a lot of fun!

4-H Canada: What skills have you gained through 4-H that helped you in the debate?

Anna (left) and Grace Barry (right) took over parliament from the comfort of home during the 2021 virtual edition of the Citizenship Congress mock debate. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Anna and Grace Barry

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The 4-H Advantage • Spring 2022

Anna: I’ve learned a lot from 4-H! I think the biggest skills would be public speaking/ communication and leadership.

Grace: The confidence from public speaking definitely helped, but I’m pretty comfortable around new people because I’m extremely extroverted. Working as a team and letting everyone have their time to shine is something I’ve learned through 4-H. 4-H Canada: What did you take away from the experience?

Anna: I gained a lot more knowledge around government procedures and about the topic of universal basic income. I would tell other 4-H’ers it’s a great learning opportunity that I wouldn’t pass up. You get to meet lots of great people and learn new things that are valuable to know. In 4-H, there are so many great opportunities you don’t want to pass up, and this is one of them.

Grace: I learned how to debate with a team, and I’ve gained a bunch of new friends! If you’re interested in Citizenship Congress, you should definitely apply. It’s so much fun and you learn a lot!

CITIZENSHIP CONGRESS 2023 Interested in honing your own debate skills? Citizenship Congress is returning to celebrate the 50th edition in 2023! Watch for more details to come on the milestone anniversary event at 4-h-canada.ca/ citizenship-congress!

MY HEALTH TO BETTER LIVING GET TO KNOW THE CLIMATE ACTION SUPERHEROES! As a 4-H’er, we know you are a global citizen who wants to effect positive change in your community and around the world.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global goals set by the United Nations to end poverty, protect the planet, and help people around the world enjoy peace and prosperity.

While topics like climate action, food security, and environmental stewardship can sound big and scary, the truth is that every little bit helps, and even the smallest actions can have a huge impact. Because when everyone makes tiny changes, that adds up to one gigantic impact.

Want a little inspiration to get started? The UN’s league of climate action superheroes are taking action and they want you to join them.

Keep reading to meet the superheroes and learn how everyone can be a hero for change in their own way!

TRUTH TALKER

FUME FIGHTER

“Has the facts about climate change and tells others about it.”

“Defender of clean air and protecting the atmosphere from bad fumes.”

WHAT THEY DO: • Reports online bullies • Speaks up against any type of discrimination in their community • Fights misinformation with true facts and scientific evidence

HERO TIP: It’s easy to believe what you hear, but remember to do your research and speak up for the truth!

WHAT THEY DO: • Bikes, walks, or takes public transportation when possible • Scavenger hunts for things in their house that are bad for the air • Adopts air cleansing plants

DID YOU KNOW: Nine out of 10 people around the world breathe highly polluted air. People and governments are working every day to come up with innovative and sustainable solutions to improve our cities.

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I pledge my • HEALTH • to better living

FASHION FIXER “Mends, donates and keeps clothing out of landfills.”

WHAT THEY DO:

VEGGIE VINDICATOR “Educates everyone on how to eat – and appreciate – more veggies.”

WHAT THEY DO: • Buys funny-looking veggies • Cooks new plant-based recipes

GET BUSY: Show your friends and family how delicious veggies can be with your new, powerful recipe!

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The 4-H Advantage • Spring 2022

• Donates clothing that they are no longer using • Learns how to mend and gives clothing new life • Gets creative reusing fabric

DID YOU KNOW: The fashion industry produces more than 8% of greenhouse gases and 20% of global wastewater annually.

“Keeps dangerous plastics from getting into the ocean and makes sure you don’t let water go to waste.”

WHAT THEY DO: • Refills water bottles and uses reusable containers • Takes short, 5-minute showers • Turns off the water when brushing teeth and washing hands

DID YOU KNOW: Less than 3% of the world’s water is fresh (drinkable), and most of it is frozen in the Antarctic, Arctic, and glaciers.

Using water smartly can help ensure that we continue to have clean water to drink, wash, and stay healthy.

I pledge my • HEALTH • to better living

WATER WIZARD RECYCLE RANGER “Knows proper recycling techniques and shows others what items below in which bin.”

WHAT THEY DO: • Recycles all paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum they use • Brings their own bag instead of getting disposable ones • Takes few napkins, only what they need

GET BUSY: Complete the sorting challenge below. Then set a weekly challenge at your house. Remember to tell your family and friends why it is important to place items in the correct bins!

Spring 2022 • The 4-H Advantage

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I pledge my • HEALTH • to better living

ENERGY EXPERT “Never wastes electricity, and always turns off lights when they’re not needed.”

WHAT THEY DO: • Turns off the lights • Unplugs unnecessary items (with parents’ help) • Reads books on different types of energy and how they are used

DID YOU KNOW: Instead of using oil, gas, or coal, which pollute the environment, we could be using a lot more energy from cleaner sources that nature will replenish, called renewable energy. Examples of renewable energies include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and water.

GREEN GUIDE “Keeps plants healthy and doesn’t let them go to waste.”

WHAT THEY DO: • No snack left behind! Gives what they don’t eat to someone who will • Learns what plants grow in their area

HERO TIP: The best way to learn about edible plants up close and personal is to grow your own! See what you can plant in your area.

Learn more about the Climate Action Superheroes and find even more activities at www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/ climate-action-superheroes-info. *All artwork courtesy of the United Nations

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The 4-H Advantage • Spring 2022

Just like with physical health, it’s important to check in with yourself about your mental health. And 4-H Canada’s Unbox Your Mind initiative is here to help you explore and discover what types of guidance, support, or tools work best for you to identify, recognize, and manage stress in yourself or your peers.

Here’s just one example of the Unbox Your Mind hands-on activities. Head to 4-h-canada.ca/unbox-your-mind to download all resources and activities and become a mental health champion!

MAKE YOUR OWN STRESS BALL When you feel fidgety, give a stress ball a try. Using one makes the muscles in your hands contract and grow stronger.

This leads to improvements in nervous system functions and reduces hormone and stress levels!

YOU’LL NEED: STEP 1 Stretch both balloons by blowing them up and deflating them a few times.

• 2 Balloons • Funnel

STEP 2 Place the funnel into the neck of one balloon.

• 1-2 cups of filling material (dry sand, flour, or rice)

STEP 3 Slowly pour or spoon your filling material into the funnel. Gently use the skewer or pencil to help the material down the funnel and into the balloon. Be careful not to poke a hole in the balloon.

• Wooden skewer or pencil

STEP 4 Compress the filling material by pinching the neck of the balloon at the base of the funnel and gently pushing the filling material into the main part of the balloon.

STEP 5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the balloon is filled to the size you want.

STEP 6 Carefully remove the funnel and tie a knot in the balloon.

STEP 7 Cut the neck off the second balloon.

STEP 8 Stretch the second balloon over the filled balloon beginning with the knotted end.

• Scissors • Optional – large spoon, permanent markers *IMPORTANT NOTE: This activity should be done with the guidance of an adult

WHAT’S NEXT? Take note of when using the stress ball works for you, and when it might be too much of a distraction. If it doesn’t work or feel comfortable for you, that’s ok too. Think about what you need from a mental health or fidget tool. Look for other options that better meet your needs.

STEP 9 (Optional) Decorate your stress ball using permanent markers and give it a unique look.

Spring 2022 • The 4-H Advantage 23

I pledge my • HEALTH • to better living

UNBOX YOUR MIND TO BECOME A MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION

LEADERS’ CORNER

HELP YOUR CLUB GET CAREER-READY! It’s exciting to see 4-H’ers find their passion and start on the path to pursuing their dream career. And club leaders are a vital resource for youth to turn to during this exciting, but often challenging, time in their lives.

Supporting 4-H’ers on this journey is easier than you might think! Check out these simple ways to build career readiness skills into your existing club programming within each Leadership Development Pillar:

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATIONS • Show how local, national, or international businesses and organizations build community engagement opportunities into their employee culture.

• Practice mock job interviews, and be sure to encourage members to ask questions about the job and the company or organization.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

WANT MORE WAYS TO INCORPORATE CAREER READINESS INTO YOUR CLUB? Visit 4-h-canada.ca/growingcareers/ resources to explore 4-H Canada’s Careers on the Grow resources for leaders!

ENVIRONMENT & HEALTHY LIVING • Discuss the importance of work-life balance, and brainstorm strategies to maintain balance.

• Invite a guest to share how their company or organization is changing their business practices to better protect the environment.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY

• Delve into new and emerging career options in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas.

• Explore the ag-related careers available in urban settings, and how agriculture skills transfer to these growing career sectors.

• Choose a STEM-related skill and integrate hands-on ways for members to continually improve the skill throughout your next club project.

• Invite a chef to speak about how they have integrated food security practices into their business, and how it impacts the work they do.

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The 4-H Advantage • Spring 2022

FUEL THE FUN WITH THE FCC 4-H CLUB FUND

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!

Through the generosity of Farm Credit Canada (FCC), each year $100,000 is available in grants of up to $500 for 4-H clubs, districts, and regions across Canada. You can use these funds for events, activities, materials, and more! Here’s just a few examples:

Put your hands together for the Volunteer Leader of the Year recipients recognized in 2021!

2020 National Volunteer Leader of the Year Supported by Co-operators Carol Williams – Peel 4-H Club, Ontario

CREATE AT-HOME ACTIVITY KITS

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Carol Williams

2020 Provincial Volunteer Leaders of the Year

Photo Credit: Headingley 4-H Club (MB)

BUILD ROBOTS Photo Credit: Aberdeen Sunset Rangers 4-H Club (SK).

*Photo taken prior to COVID-19.

WORK WITH HONEYBEES Photo Credit: Burnham 4-H Community Club (SK).

*Photo taken prior to COVID-19.

What could your club do with $500? Get ready for your best club year yet. Learn more at 4-h-canada.ca/clubfunds and watch for 2022 application information.

Dalyse Robertson – Neepawa & Area 4-H Club, Manitoba Greg Rand – Cornwallis Project 4-H Club, Nova Scotia Jody Williams – Ellerslie 4-H Club, Prince Edward Island To learn more about the Award and see all recipients to date, visit 4-h-canada.ca/awards/volunteer!

Watch for 2022 nominations to open this fall.

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NEW YOUTH SAFETY RESOURCES ROLLING OUT The safety and well-being of youth is at the core of 4-H in Canada. While we celebrate the diversity of the program from coast-to-coast, when it comes to youth safety, consistency is key. That’s why 4-H Canada and the provincial 4-H organizations have a shared goal to ensure all volunteer leaders across the country have access to the same industry-leading safety training and resources.

4-H ONTARIO DEVELOPS VIRTUAL RESOURCE LIBRARY

Check out these new youth safety resources:

Over the course of the pandemic, 4-H Ontario recognized the need to fully embrace online experiences and support volunteers in creating and facilitating engaging virtual project activities.

The Youth Safety Refresher Course launched in January 2022. 4-H volunteer leaders, provincial 4-H staff and Youth Advisory Committee representatives are required to complete the one-hour, interactive online Refresher course module once every three years. Watch for a notification from your provincial organization when your Refresher course is due.

When funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communities Fund was received In March 2021, 4-H Ontario hired Digital Resource Coordinator, Adriana Van Oostveen, who has been working with the Volunteer Support Team to execute the Virtual Resource Library.

Safety Checklists for a variety of higher-risk activities will be available in spring 2022 to support leaders and staff in following industry best practices, providing fun, inclusive, and safe environments, and aligning with insurance policies. A variety of activities will be covered, from aquatics to rodeo, with new activity checklists developed on a regular basis by the 4-H Standards & Youth Safety Working Group. If you have any suggestions for topics, please reach out to your provincial 4-H organization.

“I have really enjoyed helping volunteers pivot by providing them with ideas, activities, and tools to take their club activities virtual,” said Adriana. Some of her most recommended tools for volunteers include Mentimeter, Kahoot, Wheel of Names, Canva, Google Forms, Jeopardy Labs and Genially. Adriana has also developed self-guided training modules and resources to support volunteers. To date, more than 30 resources have been added.

For more Youth Safety info and resources, visit 4-h-canada.ca/youth-safety.

Volunteers can expect to see four new resources added each month.

For more info, contact Adriana at digitalresources@4-hontario.ca.

Financing you can build a dream on If you see your future in agriculture, we’re here to help – from dream to reality. Ready to explore your opportunities? Let’s get started. fcc.ca/YoungFarmer

DREAM. GROW. THRIVE. 26 The 4-H Advantage • Spring 2022

FUN & GAMES 4-H WORD SEARCH Can you find these familiar 4-H words?

Head Heart Hands Health

Clover Pledge Club Community

Global Diversity Inclusion Loyalty

4-H Word Search

W I O YW J I G NWN Z J G R O Q Y B C T SWH N WW L L A B I N B Z X P UG V H C S E K I S R G L O B A L L I J WL MO B X E A G Z S M P A L R H A DOU C U Q E E F WW N K X A E BWS L I V R VM L H I B A T H A ND S L X C S T S DO P N X K Y TW I Q C X Z K F HH F D V X X DG A V I H Y P WOWO M P F F I Q K X

vironment

Agriculture Environment STEM Leadership

D I V E V S U A U E P R D A K Z V L I Z B O C F A N U E DD X N E KWV T S S Z Y F SM I T A Z E A L MQ T DNO I I M

Agriculture

E Z Z S O S T G R L I R I C Y C Y J G V

R J O G R N A H T T T N S R L U N S O Q

S I T Y Z OQ R K FWB XW T P C I J S C O K F S J UD DW L Z B D J E E T L R B Q N VWR A N K J Z N I D L J Y K H VWO X OG E C K Y P R F A L I A L UWD U P L E S R J B P T D H B E B R Y G O I O K T T E ON P Y P H P I VM T E J Z S U E E GN I D B O R N L A O I R K Y T G

Leadership

Spring 2022 • The 4-H Advantage

Community

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SPOT (AND COLOUR!) THE DIFFERENCE Can you spot the five differences between the two drawings below?

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

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The 4-H Advantage • Spring 2022

Spring 2022 • The 4-H Advantage 29 Answers: Computer, butterfly, birds in sky, pig, guitar

TRIVIA TIME!

THE 4-H ADVANTAGE SCAVENGER HUNT It’s time to test your 4-H knowledge in a funfilled scavenger hunt… because who doesn’t love a bit of trivia?

Can you guess the answers to these 10 trivia 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, find the answer key at the bottom of this page.

TIME TO GET SCAVENGER HUNTING! 1.

How much money did 4-H Canada award in scholarships in 2021?

2. How many episodes are currently in the 4-Minutes with 4-H video series?

3.

Which 4-H Canada conference features a debate?

4.

Who is the Chair of the Global 4-H Youth Committee?

5. What type of animal was involved in Mac Dykeman’s 2021 4-H Canada Science Fair project?

6. Which Calgary, AB landmark was lit in green for Show Your 4-H Colours 2021?

7. What club is run by 2020 National Volunteer Leader of the Year Carol Williams?

8. Which Climate Action Superhero fights misinformation with true facts and scientific evidence?

9. What fruit can be used to make a volcano?

10. What goes inside the circles of the Careers on the Grow Mind Map?

Answers: 1. Over $127,000 2. 10 3. Citizenship Congress 4. Logan Emiry 5. Chickens 6. Mosaic Stadium 7. Peel 4-H Club 8. Truth Talker 9. Lemon 10. Categories

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The 4-H Advantage • Spring 2022

Spring 2022 • The 4-H Advantage 30