Shelburne 4–H Club: something for everyone!

September 10, 2014 · 0 Comments

In 2015, 4-H Club will be marking a milestone celebrating over 100 years of pledging their four “h’s” that being head, heart, hands, and health to their communities. The 4-H Club is specifically for kids and young people from ages 8-21 and has contributed to the enrichment of knowledge and life experience for all children who enrolled, not just those from farm oriented families.
Offering an interesting and diverse array of programs from life skills such as cooking programs to growing vegetables, to learning how to show a cow at a fall fair and so much more, there is something to captivate the interests of all children who are interested in learning and enjoying all aspects of life.
Shelburne’s 4-H Secretary/Treasurer, Mary Lynn Smith is excited for the upcoming Fall Fair where many kids from Dufferin County will come and show their animals. The stakes are high as eventually, some may well win the coveted invitation to represent Dufferin County at the Royal Winter Fair.
“It’s so rewarding for kids who are showing their animal they have trained. The 4-H Club has many different programs to offer, including photography, Dogs, First Aid, Great Outdoors, Light Horse, Computer,Scrap-booking,Sewing, Judging, learn how to become a press reporter, and even take part in the exchange program,” commented Smith. “We are looking for new volunteer leaders for the Field Crops Club, and the Horse Club. All leader applicants will be subject to screened background checks. We are approximately 50 members strong. It’s important to point out how much fun the programs are and kids from anywhere can enjoy themselves.”
Many of those who join the 4-H Club as children seem to thrive, continuing to volunteer their services as in the case of Don McCutcheon who was a leader and volunteer for over 55years following his childhood experience as a boy in the 4-H Club. “Following in his father’s footsteps, Bill, Don’s son, was also a 4-H member and is currently the leader of the sheep club,”commented Smith.
Parents are encouraged to partake in the activities as well as learning and sharing the experience along side their children further enhancing the quality of time spent together.
At a low annual price of $80, the 4-H Club also offers field trips, scholarships, youth conferences, and according to their website, www.4-h-canada.ca, lifetime friendships,national and international travel, hands on experiences, career opportunities, and so much more can be had once becoming a member.
Not eight years old yet? Not a problem. With the understanding that 4-H is not a babysitting service, parents can experience the programs set up for the youngest of the 4-H’rs, the Cloverbuds, for those under 8 years of age.
Smith reminds the 4-H Dairy Club’s Achievement Day is Saturday, September 13th at noon while the 4-H Sheep Club Achievement Day is Sunday at 10 a.m. Smith hopes to see a great turnout at the Fall Fair.

By Alex Sher