Spring 2012 - 4-H Ontario
Spring 2012 - 4-H Ontario
Spring 2012 - 4-H Ontario
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SPRING<br />
<strong>2012</strong><br />
LEADERSHIP<br />
In Action<br />
volume 12 / issue 02<br />
official publication of 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong><br />
The Future is BriGHT<br />
Region 2 Hosts the Conference & Annual Meeting<br />
+<br />
Club<br />
REPORTS
Proud to be<br />
4 H Alumni<br />
4 -<br />
H Alumni<br />
Reconnect • Share Your Opinion • Grow 4-H History<br />
In preparation for 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong>’s centennial year, 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> staff are developing services<br />
and activities to help reconnect 4-H Alumni in communities and across the province. But first,<br />
your input is needed on what those Alumni activities and services should be. Now is the time<br />
to let us know. Share your ideas by filling out the online survey at the url below:<br />
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/4h-alumni-survey<br />
4-H <strong>Ontario</strong>’s Alumni program is funded through a Promotional Partnership with<br />
Hyland TM Seeds, including the staff position of 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong>’s Coordinator, Alumni<br />
Services. Hyland Seeds is passionate about agriculture and believes in supporting<br />
the people who are deeply rooted in the agricultural industry, and dedication to<br />
4-H Alumni is proof of this commitment.<br />
Thank you Hyland Seeds.<br />
Hyland and the Hyland Seeds logo are registered trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC.
LEADERSHIP<br />
In Action<br />
official publication of 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong><br />
Leadership In Action is distributed<br />
four times a year by 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong>.<br />
Issue dates are January (Special<br />
Edition), May (<strong>Spring</strong>), August (Fall)<br />
and December (Winter).<br />
Reproduction in whole, or in part,<br />
is forbidden without the written<br />
permission of 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong>.<br />
Copy deadlines:<br />
Dec. 10, Apr. 10, Jul. 10, Nov. 10<br />
Editor: Stephanie Craig<br />
Copy-editor: Nikki Kross<br />
Cover photo: Region 2 CAM<br />
Planning Committee Members<br />
wrap up on Saturday night.<br />
Editorial correspondence<br />
and subscription information:<br />
4-H <strong>Ontario</strong><br />
5653 Hwy 6 North, RR5,<br />
Guelph | ON N1H 6J2<br />
ph: 1-877-410-6748 | fx: 519-824-8759<br />
communications@4-hontario.ca<br />
4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca<br />
Publication Mail Agreement #40022887<br />
4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Staff<br />
Leadership<br />
Executive Director •Wraychel Horne<br />
Communications<br />
Sr. Mgr., Communications •Stephanie Craig<br />
Coordinator, Communications • Nikki Kross<br />
Coordinator, Alumni Services • Lois James<br />
Community Engagement & Development<br />
Sr. Manager, Volunteer & Community Engagement•<br />
Debra Brown<br />
Coordinators, Volunteer Support<br />
Region 1 & First Nations Outreach • Matt Hill<br />
Region 2 • position open<br />
Region 3 • Megan Burnside<br />
Region 4 • Faith Kirk<br />
Region 5 & 6 • Kathryn Lambert<br />
Coordinator, Database • Charlotte Palmer<br />
Finance<br />
Sr. Mgr., Advancement & Development • Andrew Moore<br />
Sr. Mgr., Human Resources & Finance • Doris Curran<br />
Coordinator, Finance • Trisha Lefler<br />
Programming<br />
Sr. Mgr., Programming • Marianne Fallis<br />
Coordinator, Programming & Events • Hanica Van<br />
Looyen<br />
Coordinator, Programming & Resources• Elizabeth<br />
Johnston<br />
Coordinator, Sen$e Programs • Andrew Campbel<br />
SUPPORT<br />
Executive Assistant •Patricia Hass<br />
Office Assistant • Cindy Byers<br />
We gratefully acknowledge the support of<br />
spring <strong>2012</strong> / volume 12 / issue 02<br />
contents<br />
Features<br />
11 Life Changing Leadership<br />
Senior 4-H Member receives one of<br />
Canada’s top scholarships<br />
12 Shining A Light on Region 2 at CAM<br />
Region 2 Planning Committee<br />
members recap their Conference &<br />
Annual Meeting experience<br />
14 On the Road to the Olympics<br />
4-H Alumnus, Cristy, takes on the<br />
<strong>2012</strong> Summer Olympic selections<br />
16 Lifeskill Lessons<br />
The <strong>2012</strong> Syngenta 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Arbor<br />
Award Recipients share their 4-H tips,<br />
tricks and talents<br />
In Every Issue<br />
4 Ask A Volunteer<br />
4 Ask A 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Ambassador<br />
5 What’s Up • Across the Province<br />
6 In Brief • Local Stories<br />
9 In Brief • Provincial Stories<br />
20 Scrapbook<br />
21 In Action Activity<br />
22 President’s Message<br />
23 Chair’s Message<br />
Editorial<br />
Contribution has many forms. Being an active contributor to organizations,<br />
communities, Clubs and our country is often what 4-H is about. The Volunteers on<br />
page 20 have contributed decades of time to the 4-H program. Tristan Emiry, featured<br />
on page 11, is a major contributor in his community, especially his school. Cristy<br />
Nurse, a 4-H Alumnus featured on page 14, contributes every day to her rowing team,<br />
hoping to be a contributing member of Canada’s Olympic team this summer. The three<br />
fantastic 4-H Volunteers, who received the <strong>2012</strong> Syngenta 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Arbor Award,<br />
which recognizes their outstanding volunteer contributions, are featured on page 16.<br />
Finally, many Club Press Reporters have contributed to this magazine by submitting<br />
their reports on 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/club-reports. Read their contributions on pages 6 - 9.<br />
7.<br />
16.<br />
14.<br />
toward the Leadership In Action<br />
magazine annual communication series.<br />
Remember, contributions come in all forms and sizes. Just by being involved in 4-H<br />
you are contributing to a movement of youth and Volunteers working together to learn<br />
by doing. Each time you say the Pledge, you are remembering the importance of<br />
contribution; to your Club, community and country.<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong> 3
ASK A VOLUNTEER<br />
by Paulette Macdonald<br />
How do I encourage<br />
my 4-H Members to<br />
stop using their cell<br />
phones during club meetings -<br />
Region 2 Volunteers discussed this hot<br />
topic question at the Region 2 Volunteer<br />
Symposium.<br />
Dear Region 2 Volunteers,<br />
Ah, the blessings and challenges of<br />
technology today! The question of cell<br />
phone use amongst 4-H Members is a<br />
good one. Volunteers from across the<br />
province have come up with these great<br />
ideas:<br />
• Design cell phone rules with the Members’ input. How would they<br />
handle certain situations You’d be surprised how innovative they are!<br />
• Inform the parents of the Club’s rules.<br />
• Have a basket at the meeting; drop their cell phones in at the beginning<br />
and pick them up at the end.<br />
• They can check their messages at break time (if they are mature<br />
enough).<br />
• Have Members tell friends ahead of time that they will not available<br />
during Club meeting times.<br />
Our own attitudes play a big part in the success of this “technology<br />
intervention”. If we, as Volunteers, think that this is an insurmountable force<br />
to overcome, it will be an uphill battle. Here’s the thing, cell phones aren’t<br />
going away anytime soon. As much as some of us want to control the cell<br />
phone and its user, I suggest that acceptance is far more productive.<br />
How about looking at cell phone use in the same way that we regard<br />
manners We know it’s important to persist because the young person will<br />
benefit in life. Learning to say “please” and “thank you” at an early age is<br />
effective. Likewise, cell phone etiquette is essential.<br />
So, let’s take the time to patiently teach Members how new habits will serve<br />
them better. Not only will the people in their lives appreciate their good<br />
manners, but they will impress future employers in a world where, sometimes<br />
we forget, manners count!<br />
Paulette Macdonald is the contributing Volunteer writer for this column and has been a Sudbury<br />
4-H Volunteer for 13 years. Got a question! Submit it to communications@4-hontario.ca<br />
I’m a Youth Leader<br />
and I’m wondering<br />
how to make<br />
activities interesting for all<br />
the kids in my Club. They’re<br />
of all different ages. Any<br />
suggestions” - Anonymous<br />
I am constantly thinking of ways<br />
to present a topic, or modify ideas<br />
from other organizations I am<br />
involved in. I always have some<br />
games “in my back pocket” for time<br />
fillers or when my fellow Members<br />
become restless. I try to switch up<br />
the way I present topics and ideas<br />
to my Club as the same way, all the<br />
time, gets old fast. It’s important<br />
to understand and realize that<br />
your Club includes Members of all<br />
ages and backgrounds. Keeping it<br />
simple is always effective because<br />
regardless of age, more information<br />
can be retained. I like to ask the Club<br />
questions. Keeping them involved<br />
and interacting results in some<br />
good discussions and ideas. Where<br />
appropriate I plan field trips, book<br />
guest speakers and pick things that<br />
easily relate to everyone in the Club.<br />
If a topic includes a lot of information,<br />
one way to present it is through<br />
a game like jeopardy. Using your<br />
creative abilities and imagination will<br />
go a long way and will make activities<br />
much more effective and interesting<br />
for everyone, regardless of age.<br />
The 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Ambassador program<br />
is proudly sponsored by<br />
GROWMARK, Inc. and UPI Energy LP.<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
WHAT'S UP<br />
across the province<br />
May 22<br />
Association Membership<br />
Coordinator Teleconference<br />
Noon and 8 p.m. (EDT)<br />
Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/events-calendar<br />
May 26<br />
Discovery Days - Belleville<br />
Registration deadline: May 11<br />
This day long event, sponsored by<br />
<strong>Ontario</strong> Cattlemen’s Association*, is all<br />
about introducing you to the 4-H program.<br />
All youth ages 9–12 are invited! $10/<br />
person. Pre-registration required. Visit<br />
4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/dicovery-days<br />
May 31<br />
<strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Foundation Golf-West<br />
Tournament Victoria Park East Golf<br />
Club, Guelph • Title Sponsor: Genuity®<br />
Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/golf<br />
June 2<br />
Discovery Days - Hanover*<br />
Registration deadline: May 18<br />
This day long event is all about introducing<br />
you to the 4-H program. All youth ages<br />
9 –12 are invited! $10/person. Preregistration<br />
required. Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/<br />
dicovery-days<br />
June 8<br />
Volunteer Orientation<br />
These events, for Volunteer applicants<br />
and Youth Leaders, begin at 7 p.m. and<br />
end around 10 p.m. Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/<br />
volunteer-orientation<br />
• Athens United Church, Athens<br />
• Baseline Community Centre, Bowmanville<br />
• Cayuga Mutual Insurance, Cayuga<br />
• Elgin Federation of Agriculture, St. Thomas<br />
June 9<br />
Discovery Days - Chatham*<br />
Registration deadline: May 25<br />
This day long event is all about introducing<br />
you to the 4-H program. All youth ages<br />
9–12 are invited! $10/person. Preregistration<br />
required. Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/<br />
dicovery-days<br />
June 8–10<br />
Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo<br />
Burlington • Visit www.equineexpo.ca<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
June 12–14<br />
Region 1 Volunteer Orientation<br />
These events, for Volunteer applicants<br />
and Youth Leaders, begin at 7 p.m. and<br />
end around 10 p.m. Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/<br />
volunteer-orientation<br />
• Rosslyn Community Centre, Thunder Bay<br />
• Morley Municipal Office, Stratton<br />
• Dryden & District Agricultural Complex<br />
June 14<br />
<strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Foundation<br />
Golf-East Tournament Anderson<br />
Links Golf & Country Club, Ottawa • Title<br />
Sponsor: Genuity® Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/golf<br />
June 16<br />
Discovery Days - Orangeville*<br />
Registration deadline: June 1<br />
This day long event is all about introducing<br />
you to the 4-H program. All youth ages<br />
9–12 are invited! $10/person. Preregistration<br />
required. Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/<br />
dicovery-days<br />
June 21–23<br />
Market Sen$e<br />
Registration deadline: May 17<br />
Kemptville Campus, U of G, Kemptville.<br />
Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/market-sense<br />
June 23<br />
Discovery Days - Perth*<br />
Registration deadline: June 8<br />
This day long event is all about introducing<br />
you to the 4-H program. All youth ages<br />
9–12 are invited! $10/person. Preregistration<br />
required. Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/<br />
dicovery-days<br />
July 12–14<br />
Canada’s Fruit<br />
& Veg Tech X-Change<br />
St. Williams<br />
Visit www.fruitvegtechxchange.com<br />
July 13<br />
Volunteer Orientation<br />
These events, for Volunteer applicants<br />
and Youth Leaders, begin at 7 p.m. and<br />
end around 10 p.m. Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/<br />
volunteer-orientation<br />
• Adamston-Bromley Twp Office, Renfrew<br />
• Quinte Sprots and Wellness Centre, Belleville<br />
• Brampton Fairgrounds, Caledon<br />
• Walkerton Agricultural Society<br />
July 23–27<br />
Career Sen$e<br />
Registration deadline: June 11<br />
University of Guelph, Guelph<br />
Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/career-sense<br />
July 31 & August 2<br />
Association Representative<br />
Teleconference<br />
Noon and 8 p.m. (EDT)<br />
Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/events-calendar<br />
August 9–11<br />
Beef Sen$e<br />
Registration deadline: June 28<br />
University of Guelph, Guelph • Sponsored<br />
by <strong>Ontario</strong> Cattlemen’s Association.<br />
Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/beef-sense<br />
August 10<br />
Volunteer Orientation<br />
These events, for Volunteer applicants<br />
and Youth Leaders, begin at 7 p.m. and<br />
end around 10 p.m. Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/<br />
volunteer-orientation<br />
• Ontrac Employment Resource Services,<br />
Smith Falls<br />
• Douro Parish Hall, Douro<br />
• EastGen Boardroom, Guelph<br />
• Ridgetown College, Ridgetown<br />
August 13–16<br />
Youth Adventure Camp<br />
Registration deadline: July 2<br />
Ganaraska Forest Centre, Campbellcroft.<br />
This three day camp is for all youth ages<br />
12–15. Hands-on activities and games<br />
will develop your skills in teamwork,<br />
leadership, goal setting, communication<br />
and confidence. YAC is sponsored by<br />
Monsanto Canada, Inc. and Turkey<br />
Farmers of <strong>Ontario</strong>. For more info visit<br />
4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/yac<br />
August 23–25<br />
Crop Sen$e<br />
Registration deadline: July 12<br />
Ridgetown Campus, U of G, Ridgetown •<br />
Sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited.<br />
Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/crop-sense<br />
August 29<br />
Association Membership<br />
Coordinator Teleconference<br />
Noon and 8 p.m. (EST)<br />
Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/events-calendar<br />
5
IN BRIEF<br />
local stories<br />
Peel 4-H Volunteers<br />
Recognized by Ministry of<br />
Citizenship and Immigration<br />
Submitted by Carol Williams<br />
Each year the Peel 4-H Association<br />
nominates a select group of their<br />
Volunteers for the Ministry of<br />
Citizenship and Immigration <strong>Ontario</strong><br />
Volunteer Service Awards. The<br />
<strong>Ontario</strong> Volunteer Service Award<br />
recognizes individuals for five to 60+<br />
years of continuous service in a given<br />
organization. This award celebrates<br />
the people who make <strong>Ontario</strong> a<br />
better place to live and recognizes<br />
the contributions of volunteers of<br />
all ages from seniors to youth. The<br />
ceremony held in Mississauga on<br />
April 2 recognized Betty Brander,<br />
Bob Early, Brenda Bebbington,<br />
Tim Boughen, Ashley Brander, and<br />
Deborah Judge. Congratulations!<br />
Betty, of Caledon, was recognized as<br />
a Leader of 4-H youth for 20 years.<br />
She is active in the Association as an<br />
organizer for fundraising, provincial<br />
opportunities and she is also a Peel<br />
4-H Association Director. Bob, of<br />
Caledon East, was recognized for<br />
being the Livestock Coordinator for<br />
15 years. He is also a Director of<br />
the Peel 4-H Association. Brenda, of<br />
Caledon, and Ashley, of Caledon, were<br />
recognized for being 4-H Leaders<br />
for five years. They are both also<br />
Peel 4-H Association Directors. Tim,<br />
of Bolton, and Deborah, of Caledon<br />
East, were recognized for being 4-H<br />
Leaders for five years.<br />
Thank you to Peel 4-H Association for<br />
recognizing their Volunteers in such a<br />
special way!<br />
Carol Williams has been a Peel 4-H Volunteer<br />
for 20+ years and is the current Vice President<br />
of the Association.<br />
Thimblina Quilters “Tie It Up”<br />
Submitted by Jane Buchanan, North<br />
Perth Thumblina’s Club<br />
On Saturday March 3, the North Perth<br />
Thimblina’s met again at the North<br />
Mornington Presbyterian Church.<br />
We began with some organizational<br />
details and received some extra<br />
information for our Achievement<br />
Books. President Tracy Stark opened<br />
the meeting with the 4-H pledge.<br />
Members shared how they were<br />
progressing with their individual<br />
‘quillow projects’ for the roll call.<br />
Secretary Emily Skinner shared the<br />
minutes from the last meeting. Leader<br />
Joanne Elg led the Members in a<br />
discussion about the progress of our<br />
quilting projects, and we talked about<br />
any problems or areas we needed<br />
some help. Members were then given<br />
some time to work on their quillows.<br />
After awhile, some Members were<br />
able to go and work on tying on the<br />
large quilt.<br />
Yummy snacks were enjoyed by<br />
Members thanks to Emily MacKay.<br />
All Members then were given the<br />
opportunity to judge five different<br />
pieced quilts. We learned about<br />
ranking them, and giving good<br />
supporting reasons for our decision<br />
to place them. Some factors that<br />
we talked about in our ranking were<br />
the colour coordination and design<br />
combinations.<br />
A big thank you to our wonderful<br />
Leaders, Joanne Elg, Carolyn<br />
VanderHeiden, and Nancy Rothwell<br />
for continuing to teach us more about<br />
how to tie, stitch, and judge quilts. We<br />
look forward to our next meeting on<br />
Saturday March 10, at 6:30. (Posted on<br />
4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca on March 4, <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Grenville Pizza Club<br />
Submitted by Connor Halpenny, Grenville<br />
4-H Dough Heads<br />
This is the first time the Pizza Project<br />
has been run in Grenville County.<br />
Our Club, The Dough Heads, has<br />
31 Members who love all kinds of<br />
pizza, from pepperoni to meat lovers<br />
and everything in between. We have<br />
had pizza for every meal, even four<br />
different breakfast pizzas and dessert<br />
pizzas with fruit and pudding on top!<br />
Next meeting we’re off to a local<br />
restaurant to learn how they make<br />
their pizza and to get to use a real<br />
pizza oven! The best part of each<br />
meeting–eating the pizza we make!<br />
(Posted on 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca March 17, <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Wrap of Potato Club<br />
Submitted by Mitchell Drysdale, Carleton<br />
4-H Fallowfield Mashers<br />
My name is Mitchell Drysale, I am<br />
a Member of Carleton County 4-H<br />
Clubs. There are many Clubs you can<br />
join when you’re a Member and one<br />
of the Clubs I am in now is a Potato<br />
Club. We’ve made up a name for our<br />
Club... “The Fallowfield Mashers”.<br />
In the Club we are learning all about<br />
potatoes. Did you know that PEI is<br />
Canada’s leading potato province<br />
Every meeting we are split into groups<br />
and we are given a recipe to make. All<br />
the recipes use potatoes in different<br />
ways like potato pizza which uses<br />
grated potatoes and potato chocolate<br />
cake which uses mashed potatoes, my<br />
favorite was scalloped potatoes which<br />
uses sliced potatoes. Each Member is<br />
asked to make potato recipes at home<br />
for their families too. Older members<br />
are suppose to make six recipes and<br />
younger members are supposed to<br />
make three. When we get together for<br />
our meetings we have a final project<br />
which is to make a recipe at home and<br />
bring it to the meeting for everyone to<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
try. At this meeting (Achievement Day)<br />
our parents can stay and try some too.<br />
This Club was a lot of fun just like all<br />
the 4-H Clubs. I learned a lot about<br />
cooking and I met new people too.<br />
(Posted on 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca on March 28, <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
1st Dufferin Dairy 4-H Club<br />
Meeting<br />
Submitted by Charlie Illick, Dufferin Dairy<br />
Club<br />
We opened the meeting by judging<br />
November Jersey heifer calves<br />
followed by five-year-old Jersey<br />
milking cows. George VanKampen<br />
then placed the cows and gave his<br />
reasons. Following the judging, we<br />
convened in the VanKampen’s house<br />
to hold the annual elections for the<br />
<strong>2012</strong> Club positions.<br />
This year our Club plans to go on a<br />
farm tour either to a unique dairy farm<br />
or a dairy processing plant. Dawn<br />
VanKampen distributed PAI Forms<br />
and the Leadership in Action. The<br />
PAI forms are due before the end<br />
of May. We hope to hold our next<br />
meeting on May 9th at 7:30 p.m. at<br />
the McCannell’s farm (Orangeview).<br />
Jessica thanked the VanKampen’s for<br />
holding the first dairy meeting of <strong>2012</strong>.<br />
Alicia closed the meeting with the 4-H<br />
pledge. (Posted on 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca on March<br />
31, <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Power Tool Knowledge<br />
Submitted by Caitlin Gaudet, Durham<br />
East 4-H Woodworking South Club<br />
measurements in an inch. Most<br />
Members chose their projects as well.<br />
The options are a round end table or a<br />
bread box. Some Members found their<br />
own plans for a different project. At the<br />
end we ate chocalate chip oatmeal<br />
cookies:) Tee-Hee. (Posted on 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.<br />
ca/club-reports on April 12, <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
My first ever 4-H meeting...<br />
and it was GREAT!<br />
Submitted by Lauren Churchill, Essex<br />
4-H Vet Wild Mustangs Club<br />
As I approached the Wild Mustangs<br />
(AKA the 4-H Vet Club) on April<br />
3 rd at the Essex Civic Center, I was<br />
warmly welcomed by the Club Leaders<br />
Susan and Anne. Since it was my very<br />
first time in 4-H and since this was<br />
the Club’s first meeting of the year,<br />
we played a game to get to know<br />
each other. In the game one of the<br />
Leaders would stick a Disney animal<br />
character’s name on your back, and<br />
then you had to go around to other<br />
Members and ask them three “yes<br />
or no” questions to help you figure<br />
out what your character’s name was.<br />
Once you figured out which character<br />
you were you had to find someone<br />
else from the same movie (i.e. Belle<br />
and the Beast, Woody and Buzz, Pooh<br />
and Piglet).<br />
When everyone had paired up we<br />
sat down and started to get to the<br />
serious business of nominations.<br />
Once the ballots were all counted<br />
and we had the positions for our Club<br />
executive filled the results were as<br />
follows: President - Emma, Secretary/<br />
Treasurer- Nic, Press Reportermyself,<br />
Photographers - Darin and<br />
Alexandra. When we got all the politics<br />
out of the way we were informed that<br />
our wonderful and brilliant Leaders<br />
Susan and Anne had booked us an<br />
exciting and informative trip to visit the<br />
University of Guelph Animal Hospital<br />
in July.<br />
With how much fun we had at<br />
the meeting and with all the great<br />
participants in the Club I am excited<br />
about the new experiences I will have<br />
through this club and through being<br />
involved in 4-H. (Posted on 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca<br />
on April 15, <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
New Verner 4-H Goat Club<br />
Submitted by Jessica Leonard, Sudbury<br />
4-H New Verner Goat Club<br />
The first meeting of the Verner 4-H<br />
Goat Club took place on April 22nd,<br />
<strong>2012</strong> at the Emiry Farm in Verner.<br />
Twelve of the thirteen participants<br />
are new 4-H Members and were<br />
eager to start the meeting. We began<br />
with presenting our homework on<br />
researching different breeds of goats.<br />
Then we introduced our guest speaker<br />
We had a great 4-H woodworking<br />
meeting on April 10th. This year 20<br />
kids joined. First we had elections for<br />
President, Vice President, Secretary,<br />
and News Reporter. Then we made<br />
our Judging and Go For The Gold<br />
teams and decided who will make<br />
the project board to show at the fair.<br />
Everyone had fun looking at some of<br />
the power tools such as a drill press,<br />
jointer, chopsaw, tablesaw, sander,<br />
and routers. We also talked about<br />
some safety when woodworking. Our<br />
Leader showed us all the different<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
The New Verner 4-H Goat Club Members and Volunteers.<br />
7
Dr. Tracy Pecoskie (DVM). She<br />
taught us about keeping care of our<br />
Saanen dairy goats and taking their<br />
temperature to see if they are sick. Did<br />
you know that a goat’s temperature<br />
should be about 39.5 degrees Celsius<br />
which is two degrees higher than<br />
humans Then we gave them vitamin<br />
E with selenium injections. It was my<br />
first time giving a needle and it was<br />
scary at first but I got the hang of it.<br />
Nathan Leonard then got to thank<br />
our guest speaker and present her<br />
with a card. Next we took our first<br />
group photo with all Club Members<br />
and screened Volunteers. Then we<br />
did a judging class for Basset Hound<br />
puppies and they were all very cute so<br />
it was hard to pick a winner. After that<br />
we went inside to wash our hands and<br />
had donuts and juice for a snack.<br />
I can’t wait for our next meeting where<br />
we will visit a farm that has Boer goats<br />
that are used for meat. I hope I can<br />
think of a good question to ask! (Posted<br />
on 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca on April 22, <strong>2012</strong>)<br />
10km MS WALK with the 4-H<br />
Fitness 4-Health Team<br />
Submitted by Rachel Balkwill, Essex 4-H<br />
Fitness Club<br />
Well we did it! After a few months of<br />
training and lots of determination, the<br />
Essex County Fitness 4-Health Club<br />
completed and went beyond achieving<br />
their goal of walking in the 5km MS<br />
Walk on Sunday, April 22nd at 10 a.m.<br />
5km option or, if we dared, continuing<br />
on Robson Road towards to The Erie<br />
Shores Golf Club marking the half<br />
point of the 10km walk.<br />
Well we dared and we paid (ouch)!<br />
Going for it and doing the 10km<br />
instead of the 5km wasn’t a difficult<br />
choice for our 4-H team, we have<br />
been known to push through the pain<br />
with our fitness pro Jen Moore of the<br />
BeachWalk Family Fitness Centre; in<br />
fact most of us had only just gotten<br />
over the aching muscles from our<br />
second fitness test with Jen that past<br />
Thursday. Back to the walk, we were<br />
use to the idea of working hard and<br />
were rewarded with a wonderful lunch<br />
back at the Kinsmen Complex and<br />
accomplishment in our hearts.<br />
Sure there was some pain, sweat and<br />
tears but in the end we all crossed the<br />
finish line and it was all for the good<br />
cause, helping to raise money for the<br />
MS Society. I don’t think our Leaders<br />
could have been more proud of us.<br />
Our trainer Jen Moore would also<br />
be proud to know how well we did –<br />
thanks to her limit pushing training we<br />
had the courage to complete this walk.<br />
We were lucky to have gotten in some<br />
extra practice on April 12th, walking/<br />
jogging nearly 4km from Leader<br />
D-Anne Peters and daughter Maddie’s<br />
house to their grandmothers home<br />
and back again in Harrow.<br />
A lot of thanks goes out to all of the<br />
people who helped us in raising our<br />
funds for the MS Walk. We hope to<br />
keep beating our goals in fitness and<br />
also advise others to do likewise. This<br />
experience has been overwhelming<br />
with wonderful results. More meetings<br />
are due to be planned soon and other<br />
goals to be completed as well, our<br />
next goal “Try-a-Tri” Triathlon. See you<br />
there! (Posted on 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca on April 23,<br />
<strong>2012</strong>)<br />
Doing the 10km<br />
instead of the 5km<br />
wasn’t a difficult<br />
choice for our 4-H team,<br />
we have been known to<br />
push through the pain with<br />
our fitness pro Jen Moore<br />
of the BeachWalk Family<br />
Fitness Centre. We were<br />
use to the idea of working<br />
hard and were rewarded<br />
with a wonderful lunch back<br />
at the Kinsmen Complex<br />
and accomplishment in our<br />
hearts.”<br />
Actually we are proud to announce<br />
that all Members completed well over<br />
5km that morning. At first we thought<br />
only of completing our goal of 5km<br />
but all or most Members ended up<br />
completing the full 10km course!<br />
Our long walk began at the<br />
Leamington Kinsmen Complex; it led<br />
us along Erie Street all the way down<br />
to the water front and the Leamington<br />
Marina to check-point #1. From this<br />
point we had the choice of either<br />
taking the shorter route via Cherry<br />
Lane back and completing just the<br />
The Essex Fitness 4-Health Team celebrates their successful 10km walk.<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
IN BRIEF<br />
provincial stories<br />
Amber Underwood Memorial<br />
News Competition<br />
This annual competition gives young<br />
4-H writers a chance to practise and<br />
demonstrate their writing skills. The<br />
competition asks 4-H Members, split<br />
into two categories, to submit a 500<br />
word report on (1) 4-H program, event<br />
or success story, (2) a review of a<br />
current agricultural or rural community<br />
concern, or (3) an interview with a<br />
community leader. The competition is<br />
supported by the Amber Underwood<br />
Memorial Endowment Fund. Congrats<br />
to the 2011 winners Makenzie Dickie<br />
and Nicole Shelley. Their winning<br />
entries are featured below.<br />
4-H Rabbit Club Essay<br />
By Makenzie Dickie: Junior Category<br />
Many people enjoy rabbits but some<br />
don’t know how to care for them.<br />
There are a lot of people in the<br />
Haldimand County Rabbit Club.<br />
Most people enjoy learning about<br />
their rabbits in every meeting there<br />
is something new to discover about<br />
them. Most people in the club breed<br />
and raise rabbits, so if you are looking<br />
for one, you can buy from them. Our<br />
club has noticed from the different<br />
outings and inter-county rabbit shows<br />
that the popular breeds of rabbits are<br />
Mini Rex, Holland Lop, and there is<br />
a wide variety of meat and Flemish<br />
Giants.<br />
Rabbits come in different colours,<br />
shapes and sizes. As well as different<br />
features rabbits fit into different<br />
classes such as fancy and meat.<br />
When showing and looking at how<br />
well the rabbits fit into their described<br />
breed types they would be sorted<br />
into those categories. There are<br />
very many breeds of rabbits, some<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
are pure bred and some are mixed.<br />
The only difference is that pure<br />
bred is supposed to have only that<br />
one breed of rabbit all throughout<br />
it’s background, while mixed would<br />
have different breeds or breed in<br />
the background of the rabbit. There<br />
are many breeds of rabbits that are<br />
probably unknown at the moment.<br />
When looking after a rabbit there<br />
are a lot of things that are very<br />
important. Rabbits can have a lot of<br />
health problems if you don’t look after<br />
them properly. An important part of<br />
the rabbits health is to monitor their<br />
feeding habits. You have to know what<br />
to feed them and how much because<br />
they can get a very bad stomach<br />
sickness. A symptom that normally<br />
comes with this is a bloated stomach.<br />
This occurs because rabbits can’t<br />
throw up. Ways to prevent this from<br />
happening would be to five the rabbit<br />
plenty of hay. Some things that are<br />
not good for a rabbits stomach would<br />
be a lot of fruit and even vegetables.<br />
The reason vegetables are bad for<br />
a rabbit’s stomach is because too<br />
many of them can give them diarrhea.<br />
Looking after rabbits is a very big<br />
responsibility.<br />
Things that the rabbit club do are<br />
going on different outings. This year<br />
they went to a rabbit meat plant. They<br />
learned different ways and strategies<br />
of caring for meat rabbits. The rabbit<br />
club also hold and inter-county rabbit<br />
show. This happens at the end of<br />
the year when all the fair showing is<br />
over. All the clubs around the area<br />
come to where the show is being<br />
hosted. Normally Haldimand hosts it.<br />
The rabbit club also has a barbeque<br />
before the Caledonia fair to practice<br />
showing their rabbit and getting<br />
together for the last time before the<br />
fair.<br />
Everyone in the club would agree that<br />
they like the club because of all the<br />
fun they have together. They show<br />
rabbits, go on trips, learn about rabbit<br />
hopping and meet new friends. They<br />
also learn how to look after rabbits<br />
by identifying the breed, showing and<br />
caring for them.<br />
Makenzie, a Haldimand 4-H Member,<br />
submitted the winning entry in the Junior<br />
Category of the 2011 Amber Underwood<br />
Memorial News Competition. Makenzie<br />
has completed six 4-H projects.<br />
How To Judge: Bubbles<br />
By Nicole Shelley: Senior Category<br />
The Hanover 4-H Judging Club has<br />
been running for three years, but in<br />
2011 it got a fresh new makeover.<br />
Now, the new and improved judging<br />
club has 8 members this year who<br />
have learned that judging goes above<br />
and beyond simply judging animals,<br />
fruits and vegetables, and sewing.<br />
From the first meeting in June to the<br />
achievement day at the Grey Bruce<br />
Judging Competition in August, the<br />
9
members have been taught that they<br />
judge everything from the moment<br />
they wake up in the morning to the<br />
second they go to sleep at night. And<br />
the skills the learned will last them a<br />
lifetime.<br />
When the members walked onto<br />
our farm for the first meeting of the<br />
year, the look on their faces told a<br />
truer story than words could have,<br />
describing how they felt about judging.<br />
As leader and youth leader, my mom<br />
and I could easily read their minds.<br />
“Yup, it’s just another 4-H credit. Same<br />
old thing.” But when my mom told the<br />
kids that their first task was to judge<br />
bubbles, their eyes went as big as<br />
saucers. “How in the world do you<br />
judge bubbles” was the unanimous<br />
questions. It was explained that each<br />
of them had to blow bubbles, and then<br />
judge who blew the most, the biggest,<br />
and the longest. From that moment,<br />
the standard was set. Following the<br />
bubbles, the members had to judge<br />
water pails fro a fair (the criteria was<br />
a one day fair where they had to carry<br />
the pail a long distance), as well as<br />
hats, flowers, gum and pens.<br />
Excitement spread as they anxiously<br />
waited for the next meeting. And what<br />
met them the following week were<br />
beach balls, chairs, candy, water guns,<br />
horses, and marshmallow sticks. They<br />
worked their way through the judging<br />
of the items, as well as reasoning out<br />
why they placed each item where they<br />
did. The members established that<br />
even if their placements were wrong<br />
according to the official placing, if well<br />
done, their reasons could still raise<br />
their score. Their memories of the<br />
previous week’s fun were refreshed<br />
as they used the marshmallow sticks<br />
to make and judge smores, judging<br />
who’s was the best. They learned that<br />
you need to judge fairly, even when<br />
you have something of your own in the<br />
competition.<br />
The weeks flew by as the members<br />
went from easily distinguished classes<br />
and placings to harder classes<br />
and reasons. But in every case,<br />
the class was always well enjoyed<br />
and the judging went hand in hand<br />
with fun. Finally, six weeks after the<br />
club started, it was the day all the<br />
kids had been waiting for. The Grey<br />
Bruce Judging Competition was the<br />
achievement day, and the kids were<br />
full of adrenaline as they got ready to<br />
compete with their judging skills. The<br />
classes were hard and some were<br />
unexpected, but afterward the club felt<br />
enthusiastic. When the winners were<br />
announced, 4 out of 8 of our club’s<br />
members placed, with our youngest<br />
member winning three awards!<br />
This year has been an experience<br />
with the new and improved judging<br />
club. With the crazy classes, eye<br />
opening ideas, water fights, and a<br />
whole lot of fun, I can’t wait for next<br />
year. There will be more members<br />
because the news of fun we have had<br />
has spread to many others. But with<br />
more members in the club, it means<br />
more opportunities for excitement and<br />
learning, and more ideas for things to<br />
judge. And to think it all started with<br />
judging bubbles!<br />
Nicole, a Grey 4-H Member, submitted the<br />
winning entry in the Senior Category of the<br />
2011 Amber Underwood Memorial News<br />
Competition. Nicole has completed 24 4-H<br />
projects.<br />
Essex 4-H Member Awarded<br />
CIBC 4-H Scholarship<br />
In mid January the Canadian 4-H<br />
Council and CIBC announced the<br />
recipients of the <strong>2012</strong> CIBC 4-H<br />
Scholarship. Each of the three<br />
recipients is in their last year of<br />
study in secondary school and were<br />
each awarded $2,500 toward postsecondary<br />
education. One of the<br />
recipients was Leah Meanwell, a<br />
Senior Essex 4-H Member.<br />
Leah plans on attending the University<br />
of British Columbia, Vancouver<br />
campus, this fall where she has been<br />
accepted for Kinesiology with hopes<br />
of becoming a physiotherapist. At first,<br />
she couldn’t believe she was one of<br />
three Members selected from the pool<br />
off 99 applicants. “I found out I won<br />
the scholarship through email and I<br />
thought it was a joke, that one of my<br />
friends had somehow forged it, or that<br />
it was spam. When I realized that<br />
neither of those were very probable<br />
and that the news was real, I was<br />
ecstatic,” Leah explained.<br />
Applicants must submit their<br />
2010/2011 grade average, a 500-word<br />
essay on what 4-H has done for them,<br />
what they hope to achieve through<br />
higher education, and three reference<br />
letters.<br />
Leah’s favourite 4-H projects have<br />
been Printmaking and Dark-Room<br />
Photography. Her Club Leaders<br />
for both were Kimmy and Marshall<br />
Heaton, who also gave her a reference<br />
for this scholarship.<br />
Danica Jensen, a 4-H Member<br />
in British Columbia, and Jessica<br />
Overmars, a Nova Scotia 4-H<br />
Member, were the other <strong>2012</strong><br />
scholarship recipients. “We continue to<br />
be impressed by the exceptional work<br />
and community contributions of 4-H<br />
youth right across Canada,” said Steve<br />
Meston, Senior Vice-President, CIBC<br />
Commercial Banking. Congratulations<br />
Leah, and good luck in the fall!<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
FEATURES<br />
LIFE CHANGING LEADERSHIP<br />
This 4-H Member’s volunteerism expands across the world<br />
By Nikki Kross<br />
4-H’r Tristan Emiry was recently selected as a recipient<br />
of one of Canada’s top scholarships, the Loran Award.<br />
The Loran Award is more than just a scholarship; it’s a<br />
leadership development program. Loran Award recipients<br />
are given $80,000 in funding over the course of their four<br />
year undergraduate degree as well as some amazing<br />
leadership development opportunities including mentoring<br />
and a summer internship program.<br />
This unique scholarship is awarded to only 30 Canadian<br />
youth each year. What separates the Loran Award from<br />
other Canadian scholarships is its focus on character,<br />
service and leadership potential, rather than solely<br />
academics. It was this focus that lead Tristan to apply for<br />
this scholarship over others. “I decided to apply for the<br />
Loran Award because I knew I had attributes that could<br />
match up to most of the candidates, and I really liked that<br />
it was a leadership development program,” explains Tristan.<br />
The application process for the Loran Award is quite<br />
rigorous. “First you submit a written application with<br />
three reference letters, and you then go on to regional<br />
interviews and finally national interviews,” explains Tristan.<br />
Throughout each stage, the applicants must clearly<br />
demonstrate independence, a commitment to character,<br />
service, and leadership, as well as strong academics and<br />
extra curricular involvement.<br />
With a resume like Tristan’s, it’s no wonder he received this<br />
scholarship. Tristan has been the student parliment Prime<br />
Minister for the past two years where he started multiple<br />
school groups including the arts council and athletics<br />
council. He is an excellent athlete; he’s been on his school<br />
soccer, track, curling, basketball and cross-country teams.<br />
Of course Tristan’s resume also includes a 4-H section. He<br />
is a Sudbury 4-H Member, who has completed 25 Clubs.<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
Provincially, he has attended Youth Adventure Camp,<br />
Leadership Camp and, most recently, Future Leaders In<br />
Action. Tristan was also one of the seven 4-H Members<br />
who worked together to create four 4-H public safety<br />
announcements on farm safety in 2010.<br />
For the past two years, Tristan also spearheaded the<br />
Spread the Net campaign at his high school. Spread the<br />
Net provides bed nets for children and families in Africa to<br />
prevent the spread of malaria. In 2010, Tristan managed<br />
his school’s campaign, which raised $13,307.91, making<br />
them the top Spread the Net fundraising school in Canada.<br />
The 2011 campaign raised an astonishing $31,752.<br />
Tristan’s outstanding efforts earned him the position of<br />
the first ever youth ambassador for Spread the Net. This<br />
gives him the chance to travel to various communities and<br />
promote the program. Tristan also hopes to complete an<br />
internship with the organization.<br />
Tristan is looking forward to the upcoming opportunities<br />
he has just over the horizon. He plans on attending<br />
the University of Guelph in the fall for either agriculture<br />
economics or animal science. Of course, the Loran Award<br />
leadership development opportunities are also a cause<br />
for excitement. “I’m really looking forward to having a<br />
mentor, and for the summer internship,” says Tristan. “The<br />
opportunity to network with people will be huge.”<br />
Tristan understands the value in programs that focus on<br />
leadership skills. His many volunteer opportunities have<br />
helped shape him into the exceptional leader he is today.<br />
Tristan is thrilled to take his next leadership step. “This is<br />
the kind of thing that can change your life,” Tristan says.<br />
“I’m extremely happy and excited to be given this great<br />
opportunity.” Congratulations Tristan for winning this<br />
prestigious award.<br />
11
FEATURES<br />
Shining a Light on Region 2 at CAM<br />
Record Number of Attendees at this year’s Conference & Annual Meeting<br />
By Sharon Halpenny and Barb Scott Cole<br />
The 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Conference and Annual Meeting (CAM)<br />
is a collaborative learning experience for each and every<br />
4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Volunteer who wishes to attend. This three day<br />
long conference has a focus on celebrating 4-H Volunteers<br />
and arming them with tools and contacts to take on the 4-H<br />
year ahead. There were an amazing 206 attendees this<br />
year from 46 different 4-H Associations!<br />
Workshops, Jam Sessions, and fun social recreation<br />
activities give Volunteers a great chance to connect with<br />
each other and participate in a little “Learn To Do By<br />
Doing”. CAM also hosts some of the year’s biggest 4-H<br />
Volunteer events including the Syngenta 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong><br />
Arbor Award Banquet and the Monsanto Volunteer<br />
Recognition lunch. These events celebrate outstanding and<br />
longstanding 4-H Volunteers. They’re full of food, fun, and<br />
4-H recognition.<br />
This year, Region 2 had the exciting challenge of<br />
organizing CAM <strong>2012</strong>. We gathered a group of dedicated<br />
4-H Volunteers who had a knack for event planning and<br />
tackled the event head on. CAM <strong>2012</strong> was a labour of love<br />
for the entire Region 2 CAM Planning Committee. We set<br />
out a year ago to plan and execute a weekend that shone<br />
a bright light on all the positive aspects of our region,<br />
our Volunteers, and our passion for the 4-H program.<br />
Positive energy was the cornerstone of everything we did.<br />
From choosing our theme, “The Future Looks Bright”, to<br />
decorating, suggestions for workshops, and collecting<br />
items for the silent and live auctions, we tried to highlight<br />
the things that make 4-H and Region 2 unique. This was a<br />
great opportunity for us to reveal our favourite things and<br />
best kept secrets in Eastern <strong>Ontario</strong>. From our favourite<br />
maple syrup recipes from Lanark County, to white water<br />
rafting in Renfrew, and the unique artisans and merchants<br />
in many of our smaller villages along the Ottawa, Rideau<br />
and St. Lawrence rivers, we tried to find a way to share our<br />
treasures with the rest of 4-H.<br />
This year, CAM introduced some new features. The<br />
addition of an Association Representatives networking<br />
session and the new schedule for the Regional Jam<br />
Sessions were well received by CAM attendees. Both of<br />
these sessions were a great opportunity to connect with<br />
Volunteers from within and outside each attendees region.<br />
Making connections between Volunteers from across your<br />
region or across the province is the best part of attending<br />
CAM. It’s an opportunity to reflect, re-connect, and<br />
revitalize yourself as a 4-H Volunteer.<br />
We were excited to be a part of the many memorable<br />
highlights that occurred during the CAM weekend. The<br />
record breaking number of delegates who attended this<br />
year was truly impressive and we thank everyone for<br />
their support. We were so proud to have Region 2’s own<br />
Deborah Brown named a Syngenta 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Arbor<br />
Award recipient. Also, an amazing $16,000 was raised from<br />
the silent and live auctions. Ultimately, the biggest highlight<br />
of our CAM experience was the close bond we formed as<br />
a group, which will foster a greater connection between our<br />
Associations and across our Region. We’re already talking<br />
about some fun region-wide events, such as a 4-H Day at<br />
Calypso Water Park, so our Members can get to know one<br />
another better just as we have been able to do.<br />
Even though planning CAM was a year long endeavour,<br />
everyone had a fantastic time sharing Region 2 with the<br />
delegates, and learning and growing together as a group.<br />
We believe we succeeded in letting everyone know that<br />
“The Future Looks Bright” for 4-H and Region 2!<br />
Thank you to the following businesses, organizations, companies, individuals, and government agencies for<br />
supporting the <strong>2012</strong> 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Conference and Annual Meeting: Bayer CropScience Inc., Brandon Ryan, Dairy<br />
Farmers of <strong>Ontario</strong>, Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited, the Government of Canada, the Government of <strong>Ontario</strong>, Lillies<br />
Holsteins (Sam and Brenda Dunster & family), <strong>Ontario</strong> Mutuals, Ottawa Valley Seed Growers, Monsanto Canada, Inc.,<br />
Ray’s Relief Milking (Raymond Dunster), Scotiabank, Syngenta Canada Inc, and Thompsons Limited.<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
2.<br />
1.<br />
3. 4.<br />
The record<br />
breaking<br />
number<br />
of delegates who<br />
attended this year was<br />
truly impressive and<br />
we thank everyone<br />
for their support.” -<br />
Sharon & Barb<br />
5.<br />
6.<br />
7.<br />
1. Volunteers Joanne, Katherine and Karen catch up on Sunday morning. 2. <strong>Ontario</strong><br />
4-H Council Past-President Shonna Ward hands incoming President John den Haan the<br />
President’s gavel. 3. Volunteers Debbie, Karen and John are all smiles. 4. Alice Jones,<br />
Conference Coordinator, is presented with a parting gift from the Region 2 CAM Planning<br />
Committee, as well as her 10 year 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Volunteer pin. 5. Some of the Region 5<br />
CAM Planning Committee members, Jennifer, Erica, Ben, Darrell, Sharon and Grace,<br />
pose while launching the theme of the 2013 conference: Back to the Future! 6. Caitlin,<br />
from Quebec 4-H, and Emily, from PEI 4-H, draw the Dream Dinner Lottery’s First Early<br />
Bird prize winner’s name: Catherine Agar & Arjan Kouwenberg of Salford, <strong>Ontario</strong> (ticket<br />
#17). 7. Volunteers “Learn To Do By Doing” in the Square Dancing workshops.<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong> 13
FEATURES<br />
Cristy, bottom row and second from the left, and her teammates celebrate their silver medal win at the 2011 World Championships in Bled, Slovenia.<br />
on the Road to the Olympics<br />
A Halton 4-H Alumni Story<br />
By Lois James<br />
When people think 4-H they don’t usually think of rowing<br />
but, in the case of Alumnus Cristy Nurse, it all ties together.<br />
Cristy is an elite athlete who is vying for a position on<br />
Canada’s Olympic women’s 8 rowing team, which is<br />
the team that will compete at the Olympics in London,<br />
England this summer. Cristy believes there is a strong link<br />
between her 4-H experience and her athletic success. 4-H<br />
competitions taught her many valuable skills and lessons<br />
that have had a big impact on her athletic career including<br />
self motivation, sportsmanship and a drive to succeed.<br />
“Through 4-H and working on my family dairy farm, I<br />
developed strong work ethics, dedication and learned<br />
that you get out of something what you put into it,” Cristy<br />
says. “Because 4-H was part of our family life, the safety<br />
of competing in the family with my sister and brothers<br />
helped me, although it was a big adjustment to move<br />
from 4-H competitions to national and international rowing<br />
competitions.”<br />
Cristy was an avid 4-H Member in Halton, completing 45<br />
livestock and life skills Clubs, and winning many awards for<br />
her contributions to 4-H. Her 4-H accomplishments include<br />
winning the Provincial Go For The Gold competition, being<br />
a member of the <strong>Ontario</strong> Judging Team at the World Dairy<br />
Expo, exhibiting the Grand Champion calf at the Gencor<br />
Challenge, and winning the President’s Cup showmanship<br />
competition at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.<br />
“My favourite 4-H memories involve the competitions and<br />
the good times and many friends I made in 4-H travelling<br />
to shows, working as a county team member at the<br />
Scotiabank Classic and the week spent in Madison with<br />
4-H Members from across North America. Many of my<br />
friends are still those I formed through 4-H and continued at<br />
university,” says Cristy.<br />
Her experience at 4-H competitions taught Cristy the<br />
importance of winning and losing. “I know what it’s like to<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
Because 4-H was<br />
part of our family<br />
life, the safety of<br />
competing in the family<br />
with my sister and brothers<br />
helped me”<br />
be left standing in the outer ring of a<br />
4-H showmanship calf class waiting for<br />
the judge to pick you,” Cristy explains.<br />
Although being the first person the<br />
judge picks is always a great feeling,<br />
competitions also show you areas for<br />
improvement. Cristy’s parents, Halton<br />
4-H Leaders Jeff and Kenda Nurse,<br />
also stressed the importance of good<br />
sportsmanship. Losing sometimes is<br />
part of the learning process and they<br />
would not accept complaints about<br />
competition results from her or her<br />
siblings. “They told us if we don’t like<br />
being at the bottom of the class, then<br />
we should work harder to improve,”<br />
explains Cristy.<br />
Cristy’s competitive spirit was also<br />
well utilized outside of 4-H on various<br />
sports teams. As a talented athlete,<br />
Cristy was recruited to play basketball<br />
at the University of Guelph on the<br />
varsity team. In 2008 she graduated<br />
with a B.A. and then entered law<br />
school at the University of Ottawa<br />
where she is presently enrolled. It was<br />
during university that Cristy had her<br />
first experience with rowing.<br />
“I actually only started rowing in the<br />
summer of 2006,” says Cristy. “I<br />
wanted to move from basketball into<br />
a new sport and had always been a<br />
fan of rowing during the Olympics.” A<br />
job interning at a Mississauga law firm<br />
close to the Don Rowing Club gave<br />
her the opportunity to give rowing a try.<br />
Although she had never rowed before,<br />
her height and athleticism earned<br />
her a position in a formed crew. Two<br />
weeks later she competed in her<br />
first regatta. A former New Zealand<br />
national team coach spotted her<br />
potential and encouraged her to make<br />
the sport her new pursuit. “I worked<br />
with him for the next two years, and<br />
in 2008 I won the under 23 women’s<br />
pair event at the Canadian Rowing<br />
Championships,” Cristy explains.<br />
After the Canadian Rowing<br />
Champions, Christy was encouraged<br />
to move to the National Training<br />
Centre in London. She decided<br />
to make this move in 2010 after<br />
completing her second year of law<br />
school. “My improvement really<br />
accelerated and that year I made the<br />
Canadian women’s 8 rowing team<br />
and won silver at the World Rowing<br />
Championships in New Zealand. I<br />
elected to defer my studies to focus<br />
on rowing full-time and in the spring<br />
of 2011, I was again selected to the<br />
women’s 8 team,” Cristy shares.<br />
Last August, Cristy and the women’s<br />
8 rowing team won silver at the World<br />
Championships in Bled, Slovenia.<br />
Since then, Cristy has been a member<br />
of the Olympic selection camp, which<br />
is the group of athletes in contention<br />
for spots on the Olympic team. Final<br />
Olympic team selections will be made<br />
in June.<br />
The women’s 8 rowing team has<br />
historically been Canada’s most<br />
successful event for medals at the<br />
Summer Olympics, making the<br />
pressure for the final selection and<br />
the Games quite high. “There are<br />
high expectations by Canada for the<br />
team to do well, although we put even<br />
more pressure on ourselves as we<br />
want to pay back to Canadians for<br />
their support to the Own the Podium<br />
program,” explains Cristy.<br />
No matter the outcome of the<br />
Olympic team selections, all 4-H’rs<br />
can be proud of Cristy’s amazing<br />
accomplishments. The skills she<br />
developed through 4-H competitions<br />
and her athletic career, including her<br />
positive attitude, dedication, hard<br />
work and sportsmanship are all truly<br />
outstanding. That being said, it sure<br />
would be nice to see Cristy have a<br />
seat in the boat and wear an Olympic<br />
medal around her neck!<br />
Lois James is 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong>’s Coordinator,<br />
Alumni Services, a position 100% funded by a<br />
Promotional Partnership with Hyland TM Seeds.<br />
Hyland Seeds is passionate about agriculture<br />
and believes in supporting the people who are<br />
deeply rooted in the agricultural industry, and<br />
dedication to 4-H is proof of this commitment.<br />
Cristy competing as a Senior 4-H Member at one of many 4-H shows she<br />
attended throughout her 4-H career. Photo by: Anne Howden Thompson<br />
Cristy, second from the end, and her teammates on the water.<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong> 15
FEATURES<br />
LiFE SKILL<br />
LESSONS<br />
From Deborah, Brian, & Anne Marie<br />
Taking Notes from the <strong>2012</strong> Syngenta 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Arbor Award Recipients<br />
By Nikki Kross<br />
Introducing the recipients of this year’s Syngenta 4-H<br />
<strong>Ontario</strong> Arbor Award: Deborah Brown, Brian O’Neill and<br />
Anne Marie Werry.<br />
The Syngenta 4-H Arbor Award is 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong>’s most<br />
distinguished Volunteer award. It recognizes the hard work,<br />
dedication, talent, significant leadership and initiative that<br />
Volunteers bring to the program. Volunteers are the heart<br />
of 4-H and their service is instrumental in 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong>’s<br />
continued success.<br />
Volunteers who receive this award have served the<br />
organization for over ten years and have positively<br />
impacted 4-H at various levels. This award also celebrates<br />
their involvement in other community activities and<br />
organizations. Syngenta 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Arbor Award<br />
applicants are nominated by their local 4-H Associations.<br />
Deborah, Brian and Anne Marie are all outstanding 4-H<br />
Volunteers. They have dedicated countless hours to<br />
pledging their head, heart, hands and health to ensure 4-H<br />
Members have an amazing Club experience.<br />
Each one of these Syngenta 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Arbor Award<br />
recipients brings their own unique flavour and expertise to<br />
the 4-H program. Among friends, Members and fellow 4-H<br />
Volunteers, Deborah is well known for her ability to create<br />
the ultimate 4-H Club experience, Brian is recognized for<br />
his ability to motivate people to step outside their comfort<br />
zone, and Anne Marie is famous for her organization and<br />
time management skills. The skills and dedication they<br />
bring to the 4-H program are second to none.<br />
Exceptional Club delivery, quality organization skills and<br />
persuading people to step outside their comfort zone are<br />
hot topics in the 4-H Volunteer world. Because Deborah,<br />
Brian and Anne Marie have impressive Volunteer rosters<br />
and years of 4-H experience, what better way to learn<br />
about these popular topics than from the “experts”<br />
themselves These skills are not only beneficial for<br />
4-H Club Leaders, but, like many 4-H skills, they are<br />
transferable and helpful in a variety of situations.<br />
Thanks goes to Deborah, Brian and Anne Marie for sharing<br />
their experience, tips and techniques!<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
Deborah Brown<br />
The 4-H Motto Master<br />
I try to match<br />
timid Members, or<br />
beginner Members<br />
with outgoing people to<br />
encourage them to let loose,”<br />
says Deborah.<br />
DWhen 4-H Volunteers have a question about creating a<br />
fun and exciting Club in the Grenville 4-H Association,<br />
Deborah Brown is the go to person for advice. Deborah<br />
has been a 4-H Volunteer for over 40 years and she’s led<br />
an impressive 100 projects on a variety of different topics<br />
including horticulture, agriculture, life skills and outdoors.<br />
During her time with 4-H, she’s learned a thing or two about<br />
creating a great 4-H Club experience.<br />
Deborah’s secret recipe for creating amazing Clubs is a<br />
combination of hands on involvement, fostering an open<br />
Club atmosphere, and channeling the “Learn To Do By<br />
Doing” motto in all aspects of her Club activities.<br />
Deborah is a big advocate for experiential learning. “I have<br />
a very hands on approach and I approach every Club with<br />
a “Learn to Do By Doing” attitude,” explains Deborah. She<br />
encourages her Members to get in and get their hands<br />
dirty, which always results in a Club experience packed<br />
full of fun and learning. Because school environments<br />
don’t always foster hands on learning and focus more on<br />
visual and auditory learning styles, Deborah thinks that<br />
incorporating the “Learn To Do By Doing” approach really<br />
helps keep youth engaged and entertained.<br />
To compliment her hands on learning style, Deborah also<br />
ensures her Club atmosphere is open, inviting, and free of<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
judgment. Because hands on participatory learning styles<br />
can be intimidating for certain personality types, Deborah<br />
tries to match up Members to bring each individual out<br />
of their shell. “I try to match timid Members, or beginner<br />
Members, with outgoing people to encourage them to let<br />
loose,” says Deborah. Deborah will also play goofy games<br />
with her Members to help them unwind and be themselves.<br />
To further foster her open and fun Club atmosphere,<br />
Deborah also ensures she personally gets to know every<br />
Member to better understand what each individual needs<br />
to have a great Club experience. “I try to get to know all the<br />
Members to understand who they are and where they’re<br />
coming from in life,” explains Deborah. She will then build<br />
Club activities that work for the entire Club.<br />
Deborah’s recipe for success can be practiced in any 4-H<br />
Club. Her Clubs are a great example of how to channel<br />
the 4-H motto and core competencies into an interactive<br />
and fun learning experience for all. “Deborah lives and<br />
breathes 4-H,” shares fellow 4-H Volunteer, Arline Rutter,<br />
“and is the epitome of the 4-H motto, ‘Learn To Do By<br />
Doing’.” This “Motto Masters” leadership techniques are<br />
sure to help create an enriching, fun and inviting learning<br />
environment whether it’s on a sports team, in 4-H Clubs,<br />
the classroom, or workplace environment.<br />
17
FEATURES<br />
Brian o'Neill<br />
The Member Motivator<br />
You need to always<br />
make sure you<br />
keep open lines of<br />
communication and be there<br />
with an open ear to listen,<br />
and really listen to what the<br />
Members need,” says Brian.<br />
BBrian O’Neill is recognized in his 4-H community for his<br />
caring nature, team work and sportsmanship skills. He has<br />
developed a sound reputation for his ability to motivate<br />
Members to move outside their comfort zone and challenge<br />
themselves to reach their true potential.<br />
Brian recognizes that persuading people to step outside of<br />
their comfort zone can be a tricky feat to master. Luckily,<br />
he’s identified a few tips and tricks that have helped<br />
him overcome this challenge. Identifying himself as an<br />
approachable and supporting Leader, creating group<br />
involvement, and gradually pushing Members out of their<br />
comfort zone are Brian’s tried, tested and true leadership<br />
techniques.<br />
Brian notes that identifying yourself as a supportive and<br />
approachable Leader is one of the most important factors in<br />
being able to encourage Members to move outside of their<br />
comfort zone. “You need to always make sure you keep<br />
open lines of communication and be there with an open<br />
ear to listen, and really listen to what the Members need,”<br />
says Brian. According to Brian, when you demonstrate<br />
to Members that you are there for them, and genuinely<br />
care about their interests, it builds a level of trust between<br />
Leader and Member. Once this trust is established they are<br />
more willing to accept guidance and advice.<br />
Group involvement is another technique that Brian uses. If<br />
there is a Member who is hesitant to move outside of their<br />
comfort zone, Brian will get the Club Members involved to<br />
create group encouragement. When everyone is involved,<br />
this makes the hesitant Member feel supported and it gives<br />
that extra push they often need. Through leading various<br />
Clubs, Brian’s learned that sometimes Members are afraid<br />
to step outside of their comfort zone because they don’t<br />
want to make a mistake or be judged. Establishing this<br />
team environment eliminates these fears.<br />
The final word of advice from Brian addresses the speed<br />
at which Leaders should encourage Members to explore<br />
things beyond their norm. “You need to bring them in,<br />
and let them stay in their comfort zone to begin with and<br />
then slowly push them out,” says Brian. Taking baby steps<br />
can often be more effective than jumping with both feet<br />
into unknown territory because it helps to slowly build a<br />
Member’s confidence.<br />
Among Members and Volunteers alike, Brian is looked up<br />
to for his ability to provide leadership and direction that<br />
challenges individuals to be the best they can be. When<br />
encouraging your 4-H Members, friends or colleagues to<br />
try something they wouldn’t normally do remember Brian’s<br />
advice. In his 21 years of 4-H Volunteer service Brian’s had<br />
a lot of success practicing these techniques.<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
Anne Marie WERRY<br />
The Multitasking Guru<br />
“You always have to<br />
be ready for hiccups,”<br />
explains Anne Marie.<br />
Anne Marie Werry is known among her friends and<br />
colleagues as the multi-tasking guru. She is an active<br />
member of the Brooklin Agriculture Society, the Catholic<br />
Women’s League, Kedron Park Association, the Lindsay<br />
Fair, the Canadian Cancer Society and 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong>, just to<br />
name a few. Although Anne Marie’s commitments are vast,<br />
she always manages to give her all to every organization<br />
she works with, including 4-H. She has dedicated hours<br />
of her time to running 4-H Clubs and she’s also taken on<br />
numerous executive Volunteer positions.<br />
The key lessons Anne Marie has learned through her<br />
volunteering efforts include: prioritizing, using time frames,<br />
becoming best friends with a planner and to-do list, and<br />
planning timelines efficiently. In terms of prioritizing, Anne<br />
Marie recommends focusing on what needs to be done and<br />
leaving tasks that are not as high of a priority to the end.<br />
In addition to this, Anne Marie suggests that each person<br />
needs to recognize what patterns work best for them and<br />
follow these to become more efficient. One example she<br />
provides is recognizing if you are a morning or night person<br />
and loading your heavy work into those time periods.<br />
One of Anne Marie’s biggest recommendations is to use<br />
a planner. Her planner has gotten her through some very<br />
hectic times! Using a planner and to-do lists to organize<br />
schedules is very beneficial to ensure everything can be<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
completed. Once your planner has helped identify and<br />
prioritize items, setting aside time frames to complete each<br />
project will be helpful for staying on track, just be sure to<br />
leave a little wiggle room. “You always have to be ready for<br />
hiccups,” explains Anne Marie.<br />
Anne Marie recognizes that mastering time management<br />
and organization skills can seem a bit overwhelming at<br />
first. To become familiar with good time management<br />
techniques, she recommends surrounding yourself with<br />
Leaders who have skills you admire. “These are definitely<br />
skills you have to learn from others and they have to be<br />
practiced if you want to develop them,” says Anne Marie.<br />
Attending 4-H leadership workshops and surrounding<br />
herself with efficient individuals has been crucial for Anne<br />
Marie’s learning. “Working with great leaders and great<br />
organizers rubs off,” she shares.<br />
Anne Marie stresses the fact that efficient time<br />
management does not require a certain personality type<br />
and is rather a skill set that can be learned by all. These<br />
skills have helped her through many 4-H events, meetings<br />
and conferences, and they’re sure to benefit many 4-H’rs.<br />
With a little bit of learning and a lot of practise anyone can<br />
become a multitasking guru like Anne Marie.<br />
19
1.<br />
SCRAPBOOK<br />
1. 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Volunteers celebrating Milestone years of volunteer service were recognized at the<br />
Monsanto 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held in conjunction with CAM. Those in<br />
attendance were: Front Row (left to right): Laura Thorkildsen, Hamilton-Wentworth 4-H - 40 Years;<br />
Barbara McKenna, Hamilton-Wentworth 4-H - 40 Years; Deborah Brown, Grenville 4-H - 40 Years.<br />
Middle Row: Suzanne Barker, Kawartha Lakes Haliburton 4-H - 20 Years; Lynn Clelland, Renfrew<br />
4-H - 30 Years; Sharon Grubb, Bruce 4-H - 25 Years; Ann Marie Chechalk, Niagara 4-H - 25<br />
Years; Susan Brown, Essex 4-H - 20 Years. Back Row: John den Haan, South Simcoe 4-H - 25<br />
Years; Lynne Flewwelling, Wellington 4-H - 30 Years; Paul Coultes, Huron 4-H - 20 Years; Barb<br />
McIntosh, Oxford 4-H - 20 Years; Donna Bridge, Bruce 4-H - 20 Years.<br />
2.<br />
3.<br />
2. & 4. Future Leaders In<br />
Action participants took on<br />
the rope courses and had<br />
a fantastic time in March.<br />
3. Robert McKinlay and<br />
Abby Woodhouse make<br />
milkshakes at the Beaver<br />
Valley Milk Makes It Better<br />
Club achievement.<br />
Background Images courtesy of<br />
Marie Stones: http://www.freedigitalscrapbooking.com<br />
4.<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
IN ACTION<br />
we all scream for icecream!<br />
This activity and recipe are from the newly updated Milk Makes It Better project resource. Thank you to the Dairy Farmers of<br />
<strong>Ontario</strong> for supporting this project resource update! A big thanks also goes to John Drummond for sharing these ice cream making<br />
techniques at the <strong>2012</strong> 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> Conference & Annual Meeting Milk Makes It Better workshop.<br />
The Melt Test Experiment<br />
How can you tell the quality of ice cream One way is the price. Premium (highest quality) ice cream is usually more expensive, partly<br />
because it contains less air. It therefore takes longer to melt. Check it out for yourself!<br />
• Place a small scoop of regular ice cream in one bowl and the same sized scoop of premium ice cream in another.<br />
• The one that contains the least amount of air will melt more slowly.<br />
• Using a stop watch, check the samples every 10 minutes. Observe the samples and write down your findings.<br />
Make Your Own Vanilla Ice Cream In Minutes<br />
Ingredients<br />
• ice<br />
• salt<br />
• 500mL (2 cups) whipping cream<br />
• 175mL (¾ cup) sugar<br />
• 0.5mL (1/8 tsp) salt<br />
• 500mL (2 cups) table cream<br />
• 7mL (1 tsp) vanilla<br />
Equipment<br />
Small can that will fit inside a coffee can OR small and large Ziploc bags,<br />
dry measures, liquid measures, and small measuring spoons.<br />
Instructions<br />
1. Mix salt and ice together. The salt will make the ice even colder!<br />
Keep ice in the freezer or in a cooler.<br />
2. Combine whipping cream, sugar, salt, table cream and vanilla. Stir<br />
until sugar dissolves and refrigerate for a couple of hours to allow<br />
flavours to blend.<br />
3. Pour mixture into a small can, fix lid tightly and place inside a coffee<br />
can (or pour mixture into small Ziploc bag, seal bag and place inside<br />
larger Ziploc bag).<br />
4. Place ice (that has had salt added) to the large can (or put in the<br />
large Ziploc bag).<br />
5. Roll can around OR shake Ziploc bag for approximately 10 minutes.<br />
Mixture should start to solidify.<br />
6. Enjoy your ice cream!<br />
**Recipe Variation: Add 250mL (1 cup) crushed chocolate chips or crushed Oreo<br />
cookies to ice cream mixture just before churning.<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
21
MESSAGES<br />
<strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Council<br />
By using tools, such<br />
as surveys, your<br />
thoughts will be<br />
collected and heard by the<br />
<strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Council Board of<br />
Directors.”<br />
4-H Is in Full Swing<br />
by John den Haan, <strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Council President<br />
With spring in full swing, so is the 4-H<br />
season. There is excitement in the<br />
air with new 4-H Members signing<br />
up for their first Club and the more<br />
seasoned Members looking forward<br />
to re-acquainting with old friends.<br />
4-H Associations are full of activity<br />
with Volunteers organizing various<br />
Club events, and the 4-H staff is busy<br />
planning the many 4-H opportunities<br />
hosted throughout the summer.<br />
Through everyone’s participation and<br />
support, 4-H is able to deliver the best<br />
leadership program for youth. Thank<br />
you to everyone for the part you play<br />
on the 4-H team.<br />
Following the <strong>2012</strong> Conference<br />
and Annual Meeting (CAM), it was<br />
very clear that communication<br />
and transparency are extremely<br />
important to everyone involved in<br />
the 4-H program. This year, the first<br />
Association Representative networking<br />
session was held at CAM. Several<br />
comments, concerns and suggestions<br />
were brought forward and they are<br />
now being addressed and followed up.<br />
Through Association Representative,<br />
President and Vice-President<br />
participation in teleconferences, held<br />
two weeks prior to <strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Council<br />
Board of Director meetings, your<br />
input is a valuable tool in directing<br />
the 4-H program. Correspondence on<br />
important issues will be sent out to<br />
everyone involved in 4-H, and it will be<br />
posted on the website. By using tools,<br />
such as surveys, your thoughts will be<br />
collected and heard by the <strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H<br />
Council Board of Directors. Everyone’s<br />
involvement is important to ensure<br />
successful communication.<br />
This year will see an increase in<br />
discussion between the <strong>Ontario</strong><br />
4-H Council and the <strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H<br />
Foundation. Together we will work as<br />
one to develop common goals and<br />
then achieve them.<br />
In <strong>2012</strong>, the <strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Council<br />
looks forward to supporting you in<br />
developing the skills of leadership and<br />
self-confidence in 4-H Members and<br />
Volunteers alike. Thank you for your<br />
commitment to the 4-H program.<br />
<strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Council Directors<br />
Beverly Agar • Cassandra Chornoboy, Director-Youth • Anne Conrad • John den Haan, President • Angie Fairfield • Kim McCaw • Marie McNabb • Dave<br />
McNichols • Brian O’Neill, Vice President • Tammy Oswick-Kearney • Valerie Stone, <strong>Ontario</strong> Youth Representative, Canadian 4-H Council • Shirley<br />
Tomlinson • Anne Verhallen, Director at Large • Shonna Ward, Past President<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
<strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Foundation<br />
As part of our<br />
outreach, we have<br />
sponsored the <strong>2012</strong><br />
4-H Participant Cards. It’s<br />
one more way for us to say,<br />
“We’re part of the 4-H family,<br />
get to know us better!”<br />
Part of the 4-H Family<br />
by Peter Brown, <strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Foundation Chair<br />
The <strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Foundation is<br />
increasingly active in working with<br />
groups and individuals in local<br />
communities. We would like 4-H<br />
families and Volunteers to know that<br />
the Foundation has a key role in the<br />
long-term sustainability of 4-H. As part<br />
of our outreach, we have sponsored<br />
the <strong>2012</strong> 4-H Participant Cards. It’s<br />
one more way for us to say, “We’re<br />
part of the 4-H family, get to know us<br />
better!”<br />
One way to “get to know us better” is<br />
by using the Foundation to assist with<br />
local 4-H investments. Often there is<br />
uncertainty as to how much money<br />
to keep on hand, how safe it is, what<br />
to do if a large donation comes in,<br />
and how and when money should be<br />
invested to get the most from your 4-H<br />
dollars. It’s important to determine how<br />
your local Club/Association wants to<br />
manage funds. Get buy-in by making<br />
a clear written plan for all to approve.<br />
Get assistance to make the plan if<br />
necessary. These are your funds for<br />
the benefit of your local 4-H Clubs –<br />
that’s an important responsibility.<br />
Longer-term funds and donations are<br />
what the Foundation can help with.<br />
Within the <strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Foundation<br />
Endowment Fund there is a named<br />
fund for each of the 4-H Associations.<br />
These remain your Association’s<br />
funds. They are simply held centrally<br />
to benefit from the safety, professional<br />
management and return that comes<br />
with being pooled with a larger<br />
fund. The focus of these dollars is<br />
“long-term”. The returns from your<br />
Association Fund go back to your<br />
Association or, with your direction,<br />
are re-invested for the future. That’s<br />
how you can make some of your<br />
local dollars work harder for 4-H in<br />
your communities. It is also a great<br />
place to consider putting a significant<br />
donation when the donor wants the<br />
impact to remain local.<br />
The 4-H Foundation exists to help with<br />
the long-term financial sustainability<br />
of 4-H. “Get to know us better” by<br />
inviting a Trustee to speak to your<br />
Club or Association about what we do.<br />
Have a great summer!<br />
<strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Foundation Trustees<br />
Ron Bolton • Bryan Boyle • Peter Brown, Chair • Nancy Brown Andison • Peter Cameron • Joanne Currie • Ralph Dietrich • Steve Dolson • Paul<br />
Henderson • Susan Humphries • Robert Larmer • Dr. Rob McLaughlin, Vice Chair • Edward Y. Morwick • David Rose • Tim Ross • Bert Stewart • Rod<br />
Stork, Past Chair • Hon. Lyle Vanclief, Ambassador<br />
Leadership In Action • <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
23
BE IN The know:<br />
Publication Mail Agreement #40022887<br />
LEADERSHIP<br />
In Action<br />
official publication of 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong><br />
Embrace The Future<br />
The Canadian 4-H Council’s strategic plan has caused a<br />
great deal of conversation and feedback. THANK YOU to<br />
the over 700 individuals who answered the provincial survey.<br />
The <strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Council Directors, <strong>Ontario</strong> 4-H Foundation<br />
Trustees, and staff look forward to presenting YOUR opinions<br />
at the June 1 st Canadian 4-H Council AGM. Watch the monthly<br />
E-Newsletter for further updates.<br />
Discover 4-H Fun in a new way!<br />
What do a hot chocolate river, burping cows and checkers<br />
have in common Discovery Days! You’ll get to make crafts,<br />
learn about livestock, and try your hand at trivia and judging. All<br />
youth ages 9–12 are invited. Remember, you don’t have to be a<br />
4-H Member to attend so bring a friend along! Check out all the<br />
dates and locations at 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/discovery-days<br />
Are you 12–15 Come to YAC!<br />
Want to go on a 4-H adventure Youth Adventure Camp (YAC)<br />
is the place to be. Make your summer camp experience a 4-H<br />
one! This camp is open to everyone ages 12–15. Date: August<br />
13–16 at the Ganaraska Forest Centre, Campbellcroft, ON<br />
More details at 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/yac<br />
4-H Folklore<br />
The official blog of 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong> has been launched! The blog<br />
is dedicated to sharing each 4-H’rs unique experience. From<br />
camps and conferences to favourite memories, this blog will<br />
reveal the happy, sad, challenging and hilarious stories that<br />
make 4-H, 4-H. Check it out at blog.4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca<br />
We’d also love to read your 4-H story on the pages of 4-H<br />
Folklore. Send an email to Nikki at nkross@4-hontario.ca and<br />
let us know your most favourite 4-H moment!<br />
Sen$e<br />
Three fantastic youth conferences are fast<br />
approaching, Career Sen$e, Crop Sen$e<br />
and Beef Sen$e. Be sure to check out all the<br />
conference details at 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/conferences<br />
GOT Photos<br />
The Leadership In Action magazine would<br />
love to feature some of your 4-H photos.<br />
To see yourself in the pages, send your<br />
photos to communications@4-hontario.ca<br />
ThanKS!<br />
4-H <strong>Ontario</strong>’s programming receives<br />
contributions from generous sponsors. The<br />
camps and conferences listed here receive<br />
funding to help supplement the cost of<br />
registration. Thank you to all 4-H <strong>Ontario</strong><br />
sponsors! Visit 4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca/sponsors<br />
4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca<br />
facebook.com/4H<strong>Ontario</strong><br />
twitter.com/4H<strong>Ontario</strong><br />
blog.4-H<strong>Ontario</strong>.ca<br />
Return undeliverable addresses to:<br />
4-H <strong>Ontario</strong><br />
5653 Hwy 6 North, RR5,<br />
Guelph | ON N1H 6J2<br />
financecoord@4-hontario.ca