CALGARY —B.C. 4-H numbers grew by 12 percent this year, mirroring smaller increases in the program in Manitoba, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island.
Delegates cited increases stemming from six- and seven-year-olds and aboriginals joining, leaders using innovative formats and the recent launch of the new 4-H logo.
“Some provinces have really upped their numbers, some others have seen slight declines,” said Donna Bridge, president of the 4-H Canada board of directors.
“We will look to see why they’re seeing those declines,” she said in an interview during the national rural youth group’s annual conference in Calgary.
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While Ontario, Alberta, Quebec and Nova Scotia recorded a drop in 4-H members, overall numbers across Canada have remained just under 25,000 in recent years.
Nationally, Bridge said the group is now supporting members by delivering more programs directly to the clubs and regions. She also cited increases in scholarships, sponsorships and programs like Proud to Bee a 4-Her.
In her address to the conference, she cited the importance of guidance and insight from 4-H’s Youth Advisory Council to ensure the program remains relevant to members.
Claudette Martin, 4-H B.C. manager, credits her program’s increase to promotional work done during the provincial program’s 100th anniversary year in 2014, initiatives like Bring a Friend days and increases in urban clubs.
The group had 2,366 members and 630 volunteer leaders in 2014-15, compared with 2,195 and similar leader numbers a year earlier.
Martin said livestock clubs focused on beef, dairy, light horses, and sheep are the most popular.
She said 4-H has evolved beyond just animals to include projects like photography and small engines.
“It’s not just strictly farm kids, but kids who have a connection to agriculture,” she said.
“It’s not just about raising your dog or sheep or tractor, it’s so much more,” Martin, citing the development of skills in organization, leadership and communication.
Martin said the B.C. program now needs to focus on its volunteers .
“They need more contact, more training. They’re telling us they need that,” she said. “We haven’t done as much of that as we would like.”
