Canadian 4-H Council Blog

Citizenship: Proud Canadians – 2012 National 4-H Citizenship Seminar

Youth Advisory Committee — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:01:17 +0000

Good day everyone!
My name is Heidi Pickard and I am NB’s Rep on YAC. This is my 2nd year as a YAC Rep and I had the chance to attend the Citizenship Seminar in Ottawa this past week as the YAC Assistant. I had a great week up in Ottawa and the conference went really well!
The conference started out on Friday, April 13th with the arrival of 53 very excited delegates from all across Canada. Our 2 BC delegates had arrived the day before and they were a great help welcoming the rest of the delegates at the airport, so a big thank you to them for that.
On Saturday, we started the day out with a bus tour around Ottawa and a guided tour of Parliament. The tour guides were amazing and very informative about our capital city! We also attended Fluton’s Maple Sugar Bush for a tour and horse wagon ride.
Sunday consisted of a newly created game of politics 101 called “cash cab” created by our very own assistant director Allison Porter. It was our first time ever attempting this game and we got lots of great feedback on how to improve for next year. We also had Judge George Springate come in and talk to the members about Citizenship and Immigration in Canada. He was a wonderful speaker and he had us all attempt a citizenship quiz to see if we have what it takes to be Canadian citizens…I’m sure I was one of the many who did not make it. We have lots to learn about our country! We also had Tyler McCann come in and talk to us about “A day in the life of an MP” and at dinner we had a keynote speaker, Jesse Hirsh, come and speak about the potential benefits and perils of technology associated with privacy and security. He was a very intuitive speaker and the delegates kept him on his toes with their many questions.
On Monday we attended a Citizenship Court Ceremony for a heartfelt swearing-in of new canadians led by Judge Springate. We also learned that one woman has finally become a Canadian citizen after 42 years of waiting! That makes you really appreciate your country even more! That night we went on an Ottawa Haunted Walk and I’m sure many of the boys including NB’s chaperone Harold Surrett, had quite a time scaring the girls.
On Tueday, we toured the War Museum and the Royal Mint. The delegates also had their Debate Session, which they did a really great job with. This year’s topic was; “Be it resolved: Should Canadians be prepared to give up some privacy for greater security. Or has the government already gone too far in invading our personal freedom?”
Finally on Wednesday, we had a presentation from the RCMP about privacy and security on the internet, the member’s had free-time at the Byward Market and we toured the Museum of Civilization. That evening we had our final banquet and final dance. Our guest speaker was Mike Allan, MP of New Brunswick who gave a great speech and one member from each province gave a small speech about what citizenship means to them. They all did an amazing job!
On Thursday, our last day, everyone said their final farewells and we all headed home after a long week full of great adventures.
I had a blast being the YAC assistant on this conference this year. I met lots of new people, learned so much and enjoyed working with such a great staff! I really want to thank Janet-lee Ferris the Program Coordinator, Glenda Symes the Program & Fund Development Associate, Joanne Hamilton the Seminar Director and Allison Porter the Assistant Seminar Director for giving me this opportunity and putting on such a great conference!
We also all went home with one great memory of our trip: The potatoe song, now known to us as the provincial anthem of New Brunswick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7uyKYeGPdE
Check it out!

Happy New Year

Youth Advisory Committee — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:45:22 +0000

Hey everyone, Liz here again, hope you all had a great Christmas and a great New Year, and yes I do know that is a little late. Here in Manitoba winter has finally arrived with a windchill of -43 for the past two days.

It is also Ag. Days here in Manitoba and Brandon was the home to big news, the kick to the count down to the 100th Anniversary! This means that 4-H is turning 100 years young next year, and I know I can’t wait to see what at least part of the next hundred years will bring.

I said that I would talk about City Survival and here it is:

The Manitoba 4-H Ambassador program runs City Survival every late January, early February, in Winnipeg. City Survival is designed to allow rural high school students the opportunity to see what university or college life is like in the city. Members get to try out a city scavenger hunt, having to find their way around the city, spend time in residence, learn how to budget for meals, what type of student-priced entertainment is out there and learn about resumes and interviews. The weekend is a lot of fun, since if the weather is nice it involves skating, learning to navigate the University of Manitoba campus, tours of any campuses that the members are interested in, as well as lots of games and 4-H songs. Overall the weekend in a ton of fun and really helpful to students as they get to try out university life, without the homework of course, giving them the chance to decide if university is right for them.

The Manitoba 4-H Ambassadors host the entire weekend, as well as plan all of the events. This gives Ambassadors the chance to step up to the plate as well, having the opportunity to plan and help run an event that is beyond just their club.

Well, I guess I should sign off for now, just have to say only 347 days until 2013 and 4-H’s 100th anniversary.

Christmas is coming!

Youth Advisory Committee — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:45:48 +0000

Hey everyone, this is Liz, the YAC rep. from Manitoba. I don’t know about everyone else, but I am getting super excited for Christmas.
To me Christmas is all about having the opportunity to spend time with friends and family. This to me includes all my 4-H family so to all of my 4-H Family I would like to say Merry Christmas.
I don’t know what all the clubs in all the other provinces do for Christmas, but I know that I love my club’s traditions. My club would always gather items for the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoe boxes. We would also do a special activity for us, sometimes it was a gift exchange, sometimes we went bowling and had potluck, sometimes we did both. So I hope that everyone is enjoying their club’s Christmas traditions.
I know that everyone must be busy getting ready for Christmas, I mean 8 days and counting but just remember to have fun, and don’t forget 4-H.
Here in Manitoba at least it is time to keep working on projects and maybe, for some far thinking people, it is time to think about a speech topic. I know for me as a Manitoba 4-H Ambassador it is a time to get things ready for City Survival, our big weekend that we host in Winnipeg to give high school students a chance to learn about university life, but more about that next time.
I guess at this time there is just one thing left to say:

Merry Christmas everybody, and have a great New Year.

Day 3 – National Conference

4-H Communications — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:25:31 +0000

An exciting day of programming greeted delegates on Day 3. Let’s begin…

After an hour bus ride to the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre members were treated to outstanding sessions about the development of drought-resistant genes in plants, asked to partake in an official taste-testing on two different varieties of apples and learning about how cultural changes in what we eat are leading to new and exciting production opportunities for producers and consumers alike.

The afternoon saw 4-Hers head back into the heart of the downtown Toronto where a visit to TD Bank Financial Group was in order. When the elevator stopped on floor 54, the view was absolutely breathtaking. Built in 1967, the TD Financial Building is literally a work of art – featuring an outstanding collection of Inuit paintings. There was also the announcement of 10 TD 4-H Agriculture Scholarships – it just so happened that four of these recipients were on hand to receive the official handshakes from Craig Bremner – VP of Agriculture Services. Congratulations to Lori Hart, Morgan McNeil, Erin Kehoe and Erica Friesen!

Back at the hotel the night was topped off with a presentation and discussion from Peter Schiefke – National Manager, The Climate Project Canada. Eye-opening and informative were a couple of the comments received from attendees.

Day 4 promises more of the same great sessions – stay tuned!

- Media and News Committee

National 4-H Conference – Day 2

4-H Communications — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 23:24:47 +0000

Well the second day of our conference got off to a grand start with a delicious breakfast, during which the provinces of Alberta, Quebec and Manitoba shared provincial 4-H information with the group – not surprisingly all the provinces considered their programs the best.

Afterwards, members sat in on a variety of “discovery sessions and presentations” delivered by a number of speakers representing several different organizations. Session topics ranged from robotics, to bio-security, to learning techniques.

An adventurous afternoon saw the group head down the 401 to the University of Guelph where they were greeted by Dr. Alex Smith. Dr. Smith, studies insect species and spoke about the staggering magnitude of unknown species on our planet and the methods which are used to catalogue them.

We then hiked over to test some high-tech John Deere tractors. They even let the delegates drive them! The technology available to producers today is truly staggering.

The day was topped off with a visit to Rogers Centre to watch a CFL game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger Cats. The home team won so the crowd left happy. Thank you to the Argonauts for the hospitality.

A great day and tomorrow promises more of the same!

- Media and News Committee

National 4-H Members Conference – Day 1

4-H Communications — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:39:50 +0000

Today, 4-H delegates from 10 provinces, as well as the United States and the United Kingdom arrived from their respective locations in order to begin the conference.

After settling in and getting to know other 4-Hers, conference participants enjoyed a delicious supper before welcoming the keynote speaker for the evening – Jasmin Hoffer. Ms. Hofer, a true entrepreneur, founded and is CEO of Energrow Inc., a company that designs and manufactures farm scale oilseed pressing systems. She used her own personal experiences to convey a valuable and inspirational message of “learn by doing” to all conference-goers.

Committee meetings and some social time wrapped up the first day’s proceedings with everyone excited for tomorrow’s agenda.

- Media and News Committee

Des nouvelles du YAC

Youth Advisory Committee — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:46:26 +0000

Présentement , les membres de l’AJRQ se préparent pour la HAYS de Toronto à laquelle ils participeront dans les prochains jours, les représentants seront les suivants
Québec Est: Rosalie Dubois, Lysanne Pelletier, Mark-Gabriel Bélanger, Jessica Rodrigue, Dominic Petitclerc, Laurence Boulet et Amélie Laliberté.

Québec-Centre: Patricia Auger, Lydia Auger, Anne-Marie Auger, Frédéric Marcoux, Roxanne Montplaisir et Maxime Montplaisir.

Québec Sud-Est: Annette Santschi et Cindy Jaton

Nous souhaitons beaucoup de succès à tous ces membres !

L’AJRQ se prépare également pour l’AJRQ-Génie qui se déroulera le 4-5 février dans la région de Montmagny, les cercles hôtes sont les CJR Du Kamouraska , CJR De Rivière-Ouelle et de Bellechasse-Montmagny. Il s’agit d’un activité de type Génie en Herbe. Deux fermes de la région seront également visitées la journée du dimanche. Par la suite, l’Assemblée Générale se déroulera en Mars et sera organisée par le CJR Vaudreuil-Soulange. Les 2 personnalités de l’AJRQ ainsi que les Tout-Québec y seront dévoilés!

New 4-H Year, New Opportunities

Youth Advisory Committee — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 03:58:22 +0000

Hey Everyone,

Guess what? It’s October, and October is my favorite month! No, it’s not becuase of Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie (although now being a universtiy student that is pretty nice) and it’s not becuase Halloween is just around the corner, it’s becuase the 4-H year is just getting rolling (at least here in SK). 4-H registration starts about the same time as school, and although it is great that we are starting we don’t really do a whole lot until October. For those of you that haven’t already started (and are old enough) it’s a great time to start looking at national 4-H trips and start applying for the ones that you would be interested in. Trust me, they are A LOT of fun! It’s always good to work on your record book all year round as well, although most of us don’t feel like we have time to do our record book right now i would reccomend everyone get a head start anyways becuase finishing the night before achievement day is never a good idea. Judging competitions are often starting up around now as well as lots of scholarship opportunities for senior members.

Everyone remember to wear green for National 4-H day on November 2nd.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more 4-H events and more YAC blogging.

Have a SPOOKtacular October !

What does fall bring for your 4-H?

Youth Advisory Committee — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:40:25 +0000

4-H is something we all have in common, yet it is quite different province to province. My name’s Kim and I represent Ontario for the Youth Advisory Committee. I have always found it intriguing to learn about the difference in facilitation of 4-H across the country, but we all achieve the same incredible experiences- in one way or another- that help us build our skill set.
What happens in fall for 4-H in Ontario? SO MANY THINGS. Members are finishing many of their traditional clubs at local fair achievement days, showing off their sewing and champion steer. Many who show livestock are soon learning whether they made it on their county Royal Agricultural Winter Fair team as well. Many many of our clubs happen between April-October and I have over 25 clubs (projects in many other provinces’ terms) and we have a vast amount of different clubs. Some of my favourite clubs that I have been involved with or have read about are: veterinary, moviemaking, chocolate and even paintball. One of my favourite all time clubs happened in 2008, when the International Ploughing Match was held close to home in Teeswater Ontario. Our club was called the “Matchmakers Club,” where we learned how they organize and put on the match. We did a lot of volunteering at the actual match, and it was a unique experience that none other than 4-H could have provided.
All in all, we all have very different experiences in 4-H. However, the leadership, communication, teamwork, and countless opportunities 4-H provides for us is the same.

Bonjour tout le monde!

Youth Advisory Committee — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:27:19 +0000

Hi, my name is Charles and I am the Québec YAC representative. Before going anywhere, I have to say that I am French and English is not my first language (I didn’t spoke or write any of it before I was 13). Therefore, sorry for any mistakes you will find in this post. This is my first year in the YAC and I enjoy it!

This summer went by very fast. With the warm weather we had down here – almost no days of rain – it was a fabulous summer for outdooring and tourism… but a uncertain summer for farming. I have been very busy because I have 2 jobs this summer, one in an archeological site near my house and in a restaurant. I have been busy, but I like it that way!

August is a nice month. Not only my birthday is in August, but it is the last month of summer and everyone seems to be excited and enjoying the last days before we are all back to school. Speaking of which, I will be, in 2 weeks, a University student. Does that make me old? Anyhow, I am going into Université Laval (in Québec city), because I want to become a teacher! Yes, it’s far away from farming.

My 4-H summer wasn’t very busy because – and it’s a shame, really – I didn’t complete a project. Although, I was busy organizing this new exciting program with my partner Kim Hooey, Ontario YAC representative. We are on the National Conference planning committee (Science and Technology Symposium), which will take place in Toronto next November. I think Kim and I are positive elements ont the committee and we are looking forward to make it happen. I also made promotion of national activities at our provincial event – the Rally – last July. My club’s achievement day went by very well, as usual, and our local fair too. We sold ice cream, as a fundraiser, and people were very generous. If you are looking for a good fundraising activity, ice cream booth is VERY lucrative (especially on hot, humid, days like we had!).

I will write another post before the end of this summer, directly for Québec city! I am moving in this wonderful city this Saturday (August 27th) and I will let you guys know how’s life in Québec city!

Prenez soins de vous et profitez bien des derniers jours de l’été!
Charles Gascon – Québec YAC representative