For an organization that is almost 100 years old, 4-H Alberta isn’t showing its age. That must be because its members have always been ages nine to 20.
The youth club will celebrate its 100th birthday next year, and the southern region announced its celebratory plans Sept. 27.
The 56 clubs in the southern zone, ranging from the more traditional beef, horse and sheep clubs to such projects as fitness, canine and snowmobiling, will host an event Jan. 7 at Lethbridge Exhibition Park.
The clubs will create “Cloverville,” an indoor town that will showcase club activities, contain a live theatre stage and include a virtual 4-H camp, memory lane for alumni, an area for arts and crafts and “just a ton more,” said southern region 4-H celebration committee chair Andy Pittman.
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A day in Cloverville will be followed by a banquet, installation of a time capsule and a speech by pro rodeo announcer and author Dave Poulsen.
Pittman said 4-H members are enthusiastic about the pending celebrations, but the new 4-H year starts Oct. 1 and the club’s projects and hands-on participation remain key to 4-H clubs’ success and longevity.
“The great thing about 4-H is that it teaches so many life skills,” said Pittman.
The organization has been able to remain fresh by diversifying beyond strictly agriculture-based activities so members can pursue projects suited to their interests so long as there is a leader to guide them. Active participation in projects is also a way to escape “screen time” that permeates the lives of today’s young people.
There are seven 4-H regions in Alberta, and the southern region encompasses the area south of Calgary. It includes 56 clubs with more than 950 members and more than 250 volunteer leaders.
Kayley Dueck, a former member of Coaldale’s equestrian and sheep clubs, has finished her ninth year as a member and now plans to become an assistant leader.
“I’ve been able to network with people across the province,” she said during the centennial celebration announcement.
She said 4-H public speaking helped her overcome shyness, and club activities play a role in educating today’s young people about agriculture.
“A lot of times, there’s a lack of knowledge about agriculture,” she said. “4-H is great about building awareness around that.”
Pittman said 4-Hers take their club motto, “learn to do by doing,” very seriously and also live by the pledge. However, besides the head, hands, heart and health that make up the four Hs, the club is also about four Fs: fun, friends, food and family.
“I can’t say enough about these amazing members,” said Pittman.
Christine Suominen, this year’s winner of the 4-H premier’s award, spoke about lasting friendships formed through the club and the feeling of community that it fosters.
“I would not be where I am today without the help of 4-H,” said the current University of Lethbridge student and 11-year member of the club.
For more information on 4-H 100th birthday celebrations, visit www.southcentennial.com.
