4-H Alberta Magazine - 2019-20 Fall & Winter Edition

4-H Magazine
Alberta
POSITIVE YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT P.5
TAKING ADVANTAGE
OF IT ALL P.8
EAST LACOMBE CELEBRATES P.20
UFA & 4-H P.22
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES P.23
y
EDITION
y
OCTOBER 2019 //
VOLUME 15 • ISSUE 3
PM41132526. If undeliverable as addressed, please return with the forwarding address to:
4-H Section, 108-7000 113 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
CONNECT WITH US!

We believe
in tomorrow’s
leaders.
That’s why ATB created the 4-H Loan Program. It provides
financing to 4-H members for the purchase of marketable
livestock—beef, swine, sheep, meat goats, and horses—
and other approved projects.
The program helps young Albertans
learn about farming and finance at
the same time. Its benefits include:
• Loans of up to $5,000.
• Rates as low as prime.
• No fees.
Talk to your 4-H leader to learn more
about the program or download an
application form at atb.com/4Hloan.
We’ll need a signature from a parent
or guardian, so be sure to talk to
mom or dad first.
Drop the completed form off at your
local ATB branch or agency and you’ll
be on your way to becoming a great
Alberta farmer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ALBERTA MAGAZINE
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Your stories and/or photos are important to us, and we want to
publish them in the next issue of 4-H Alberta Magazine.
Submit your articles and/or photos to magazine@4h.ab.ca.
Tips for submitting an article and/or photos for the Feature Articles
section or the Regional, District & Club Articles section of the 4-H
Alberta Magazine:
ARTICLES:
• Should be approximately 200 words in length.
• Should include the author’s name and position. (E.g. Jillian
Jackson, Club Reporter, Fun 4-H Club).
• Should include accompanying photos and captions.
DIGITAL PHOTOS:
• Should be sent as e-mail attachments, not as embedded images.
• Should be a large file size, 1MB or larger is preferable.
Contact Us
Club Registration
4-H Canada
It's Your History
Ambassadors
Taking Advantage of it All
Youth Service Leaders
Projects & Community Service
When East Meets West
Breeding Esteem in 4-H
East Lacombe Celebrates
UFA & 4-H Alberta
Events & Opportunities
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Deadline for Submissions: January 20, 2020 for inclusion in the
Spring/Summer 2020 issue.
4-H MOTTO
4-H Motto: Learn to do by doing.
4-H PLEDGE
I pledge
My head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
My health to better living,
For my club, my community
and my country and my world.
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE
Editor:
Cameron Horner, 4-H Specialist – Communications, 4-H
Section, Government of Alberta
Design and Layout:
Perpetual Notion Design Inc. – www.perpetualnotion.ca
Distribution to Public:
Fall/Winter, Spring/Summer
Advertising Inquiries
Please contact Bianca von Nagy at E: bvonnagy@4hab.com
FOLLOW ON…
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube
LEARN MORE ONLINE: www.4h.ab.ca
1

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20
CONTACT US
4-H
4-H Alberta has a number of people who would be happy to answer your
questions and provide you with assistance. Below is a contact list for the
Government of Alberta 4-H Section, the 4-H Council of Alberta, and the
4-H Foundation of Alberta.
EDITORIAL
I am going to date myself for just one moment but as I write this, it is
10 degrees and raining outside and it reminded me of a song from my
youth titled Cruel Summer by Bananarama. It somehow seemed like a
fitting description for Summer 2019 as well.
However, despite the lack of warmth and sunshine for many, we do
hope you managed to enjoy some of what 4-H has to offer. Whether
it was showcasing your livestock project, going places on a 4-H
exchange or laughing the days away at a summer camp there was
certainly a flurry of 4-H activities to be had.
As always, summer, no matter the weather, was over in what seemed
like a blink of an eye. So here we are with another wonderful 4-H
year upon us already. I think a lot of us can relate to that excited
feeling of attending the first club meeting – a chance to reconnect
with old friends and meeting new members and parents for the
first time. And for those new members and parents 4-H can seem
a bit overwhelming in the beginning so let us all remember to be
welcoming and understanding.
In this edition of the 4-H Alberta Magazine you will find stories of
adventure, travel, fantastic projects, amazing members and a whole
lot more. Articles that will reinforce how integral of a role 4-H plays in
the lives of today’s youth. Thank you again for all of your submissions.
So take a few moments and just revel in the non-stop happenings of
this awesome organization. Because it is awesome, and it is non-stop.
Lastly, one never knows where the next adventure will take us but
it has been a privilege to put together another edition of the 4-H
Alberta Magazine. I hope you still enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy
putting it together.
Until next time…
Cameron Horner
EDITOR AND 4-H SPECIALIST, Government of Alberta
2
4-H SECTION P: 780.422.4444 E: info@4h.ab.ca
AIRDRIE
BARRHEAD
EDMONTON
GRANDE PRAIRIE
LETHBRIDGE
STONY PLAIN
STETTLER
VERMILION
97 East Lake Ramp NE AIRDRIE AB T4A 0C3
4-H Specialist: Calgary Region - Alexia Hoy
P: 403.948.8501 E: alexia.hoy@gov.ab.ca
4-H Specialist: Programs – Katelyn Strang
P: 403.948.8509 E: katelyn.strang@gov.ab.ca
6203 49 Street BARRHEAD AB T7N 1A4
4-H Specialist: Northwest Region – Stacy Murray
P: 780.674.8250 E: stacy.murray@gov.ab.ca
J.G. O'Donoghue Building 7000 113 St NW RM 107 EDMONTON AB T6H 5T6
Director – Diane McCann-Hiltz
P: 780.422.2249 E: diane.mccann-hiltz@gov.ab.ca
4-H Specialist: Volunteer Development – Alesha Hill
P: 780.644.8550 E: alesha.hill@gov.ab.ca
Marketing and Learning Tools – Cindy Kremer
P: 780.427.4309 E: cindy.kremer@gov.ab.ca
Program Administrator – Corinne Wegner
P: 780.427.4340 E: corinne.wegner@gov.ab.ca
Club Supplies Distribution – Josanne Simonot
P: 780.422.4444 E: info@4h.ab.ca
Provincial Building 10320 99 St GRANDE PRAIRIE AB T8V 6J4
4-H Specialist: Peace Region – Nicole Hornett
P: 780.538.5630 E: nicole.hornett@gov.ab.ca
Agriculture Centre 100 5401 1 Ave S LETHBRIDGE AB T1J 4V6
4-H Specialist: South Region – Ginny Smith
P: 403.381.5815 E: ginny.smith@gov.ab.ca
Provincial Building 4709 44 Ave STONY PLAIN AB T7Z 1N4
4-H Specialist: Communications – Cameron Horner
P: 780.968.3519 E: cameron.horner@gov.ab.ca
Postal Bag 600 4705 49 Ave STETTLER AB T0C 2L0
4-H Specialist: East Central & West Central Regions – Yvonne Yaremcio
P: 403.742.7547 E: yvonne.yaremcio@gov.ab.ca
Box 24 4701 - 52 ST VERMILION AB T9X 1J9
4-H Specialist: Northeast Region – Shelly Ann Dodgson
P: 780.853.8115 E: shellyann.dodgson@gov.ab.ca
4-H FOUNDATION OF ALBERTA P: 780.422.4444 Toll Free: 1.877.682.2153 admin@4hab.com
WESTEROSE
4-H Alberta Centre RR1 Site 7 Box 10 WESTEROSE AB T0C 2V0
Chief Executive Officer – Leah Jones
E: ceo@4hab.com
Director, Development – Bianca von Nagy
E: bvonnagy@4h.ab.com
Fund Development Officer – Nicole Kaczkowski
E: nkaczkowski@4hab.com
Administrative Coordinator – Tricia Johnston
E: admin@4hab.com
Kitchen and Janitorial Supervisor – Anna Marshall
E: centre@4hab.com
4-H Centre Maintenance Manager – Don Johnston
E: centre@4hab.com
Board Administrative Support and Grant Writer – Barb Riley
E: board@4hab.com
4-H COUNCIL OF ALBERTA P: 780.682.2648 Toll Free: 1.877.682.2244 E: council@4hab.com
WESTEROSE
RR 1 Site 7 BOX 1 WESTEROSE AB T0C 2V0
Executive Director: Susann Stone
C: 780.898.4223 E: susann.stone@4hab.com
Leader Screening Coordinator: Bernadette Sereda
C: 780.898.3037 E: leaderscreening@4hab.com
Administrative Assistant – Amy Belec
P:780.682.2648 E: 4habstore@4hab.com

4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
LEARN TO DO
DOING
Since 1917
IT'S CLUB
REGISTRATION TIME!
By: Corinne Wegner, Program Administrator, 4-H Section
Welcome to the 2019/20 club year! The
following are a few tips that will help make
club registration a breeze!
Each General Leader and Club Registrar
will have received an email that includes
their username and password which they
use to register their club. The username
and password for each individual is unique
and nobody should use another person’s
username and password. If, however, you are
new to the position of General Leader and/
or Club Registrar please contact the 4-H
Registrar at 4hregistrar@gov.ab.ca.
At the first gathering of your club, hand out
the 4-H Alberta Member, Leader, Volunteer
and Cleaver Kid Registration Information
Forms (included in the email to the general
leader and/or club registrar and also available
online at www.4h.ab.ca/downloads/#Forms).
Have them complete the form and return it
to you. All of the personal information that
you need to register everyone in your club is
collected on these forms.
It is really important that everyone provide
a valid email account as 4-H Alberta uses
email to communicate with members,
leaders, volunteers, cleaver kids and clubs on
a regular basis.
Have your club’s banking information handy
as you’ll be required to provide the name
of the club’s financial institution, where it
is located, the account number and type,
the bank transit number and the financial
institution number. This information is
required to allow for the flow of sponsor
dollars to your club! Also make note of your
club’s Achievement Activity dates.
In order to receive your club supplies your
club must submit payment for registration.
There are three ways to pay for your club
registration: with a credit card online, a
cheque made out to 4-H Foundation of
Alberta or a phone call to the 4-H Foundation
of Alberta with your credit card information.
Once you have selected your method of
payment you can go straight into ordering
your club supplies. When ordering supplies,
identify the number of copies needed of
a resource, submit that resource to the
shopping cart then continue on to the next
resource needed. You can always see what
you have ordered for your club under the tab
Supplies located under your club information.
Visit www.4h.ab.ca/registration.html for
more information and to access the Online
Registration System tutorials which will
walk you through Logging In, Changing Your
Password and Leader Screening.
Your Regional 4-H Specialist or the 4-H
Registrar is also available to help you through
the online registration process. •
3

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
4-H HAS AN
UPDATED PLEDGE!
By: 4-H Canada Staff
Following 4-H Canada’s Annual General Meeting on July 11, 2019, the
4-H Pledge was updated to include ‘…and my world’ at the end.
4-H in Canada’s footprint is no longer limited by geography and our
programs and the interests of our members reach well beyond our
borders. It is something 4-H youth who attended the 2017 Global
4-H Network Summit know from firsthand experience, as they met
with other 4-H members from around the world and felt an increased
sense of belonging to a global community of more than seven
million youth involved in 4-H in over 70 countries. They immediately
proposed to align their Pledge in solidarity, so that their fellow
members across the country could pledge a similar promise as their
counterparts around the world every day.
The 4-H Pledge has been a symbol of 4-H in Canada for generations
and hundreds of thousands of members have recited these words
millions of times. It represents a 4-H movement that is proud of its
heritage and knows the importance of its legacy, while embracing
change in a determined, passionate and global-minded way.
We look forward to the day when youth will translate the words into
gesture, as they spread their arms further apart to acknowledge their
club, their community, their country and the world they live in.
To learn more about the updated 4-H Pledge, visit
4-h-canada.ca/pledge. •
Show Your 4-H
Colours Day is
November 6!
Join the celebration and wear your
favourite green in support of 4-H.
Get involved today at showyour4hcolours.ca
#ShowYour4HColours
Wear green. Celebrate. Give back.
4
SY4HC_2019_4HCanada_Ad_8.5x5.5_EN.indd 1
2019-09-06 3:02:49 PM

4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
HOW IS 4-H
IMPACTING YOU?
By: 4-H Canada Staff
How do you feel the 4-H program has
changed you as a 4-H member? What
assets do you think you have gained from the
experience? What are your thoughts on the
activities and experiences in your provinces?
4-H Canada wants to hear from you.
We’ve been working closely with the Search
Institute – a U.S.-based organization that
studies and works to strengthen youth
success in schools, youth programs, families,
and communities – to customize its Youth
and Program Strengths Survey, so that it is
specifically tailored to 4-H members
across Canada.
Measuring the impact of 4-H is essential to
improving our programs, ensuring relevancy
for youth members, and demonstrating the
effectiveness and quality of our programs.
By asking youth how they feel about
the 4-H program, this study will help us
further articulate the work we do as a
leading Positive Youth Development (PYD)
organization, and make the necessary
adjustments to continue to deliver worldclass
programs to 4-H youth in Canada.
The survey runs until January 31, 2020.
Custom links have been provided to each
provincial 4-H association.
WHAT IS 4-H CANADA’S POSITIVE
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FORMULA?
In 2014, 4-H Canada began to articulate
its Positive Youth Development (PYD)
vision. PYD is a globally-recognized and
heavily-researched approach to working with
children and youth that is strengths-based
and focuses on building assets in youth.
Within this approach, there are 40
developmental assets that young people
can build and develop, depending on a
variety of internal and external factors. Out
of all 40 assets, 4-H Canada has identified
six that best fit with the programming and
experiences offered across Canada. 4-H
Canada’s Positive Youth Development
Formula focuses on measuring these six
assets that lead to the development of
responsible, caring and contributing youth:
1. Positive Values
2. Responsibility
3. Skill Mastery
4. Leadership Development
5. Planning and Decision-making
6. Sense of Purpose
In addition, 4-H Canada’s programming has
three core “Essential Elements” in place, that
help to ensure that PYD outcomes can
be achieved:
1. A safe, fun, inclusive environment
2. Youth members are supported by
caring adults
3. Programming is based on
experiential learning or the
Learn to Do by Doing motto
The 4-H Section of the Government of
Alberta, the 4-H Council of Alberta, and
the 4-H Foundation of Alberta are working
closely with 4-H Canada to create awareness
of the PYD model and outcomes in Alberta.
They are also building 4-H programs in
Alberta that align with and support
these outcomes. •
5

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
IT’S YOUR HISTORY
By: Ginny Smith, 4-H Specialist – South Region
It’s your history. For your entire time
within 4-H.
It is very important for you and all 4-H
Alberta members to celebrate your individual
involvement and participation within 4-H
and in your community. For each year that
you are a member, a completed 4-H Diary
provides a perfect place to keep track of
your participation, personal growth and skill
development as you continually “Learn to do
by doing”.
Your completed diaries should be kept
somewhere safe, in a place you remember, as
they will come in handy for:
• Completing a resume or cover letter.
• Applying for scholarships and bursaries,
including those available exclusively to
4-H members and alumni.
• Illustrating your diverse experiences for
someone in an interview.
A COMPLETED 4-H DIARY PROVIDES A PERFECT
PLACE TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PARTICIPATION,
PERSONAL GROWTH AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT AS
YOU CONTINUALLY "LEARN TO DO BY DOING"
If you haven’t completed diaries in the past,
start now with the completion of one for
the 2018-2019 club year. And remember, it
is not too late to complete diaries for prior
years of 4-H membership if you didn’t do one
before. You just need to fill in the information
accordingly – using information from your
completed record book or club attendance
information - and have a club leader from
that particular year, sign it off as correctly
done. It won’t take long to complete one and
it will come in handy for years to come.
Not only is the 4-H diary a great information
source, but 4-H members are eligible to
receive the 4-H Alberta Award of Excellence,
based on their points accumulated within
the 4-H diaries. 90 points of participation is
usually achieved in about three years, and
equates to a Bronze award. From that level,
members can work towards 150 points for
silver, which can be in your 4th or 5th year
and 220 points for gold in about your 6th or
7th year. Many 4-H members achieve the
pinnacle 4-H Award of Excellence, Platinum,
once 320 points are reached. Following the
2017-2018 club year, almost 1000 Awards of
Excellence were presented to 4-H members
across the province.
The award itself has a new look, and 4-H
clubs and members are choosing different
ways to display them. The bronze, silver
and gold awards are coloured medallions,
displayed on green ribbons. Some clubs
present them this way, whereas some clubs
choose to either frame individual awards, or
plan for framing up to three awards together.
A medallion within a shadowbox holding
a photo of the member with his project is
another opportunity.
The platinum medallion is a focal point on
an attractive glossy black plaque that may
be displayed on a wall, or on a stand. Each
platinum award is personalized for the
recipient, illustrating the member’s name,
club or clubs and the year in which the award
was attained.
All of the awards are a nostalgic way
to remember your dedication, skill
development, learning and fun from 4-H
membership. The diary shows what you did
and how you developed along the way. A
great program, a great way to remember your
4-H history. •
GET
INVOLVED!
6

4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
LIFE OF A 4-H
ALBERTA AMBASSADOR
By: Adriana Van Tryp, South Region 4-H Alberta Ambassador
My name is Adriana Van Tryp and I am
serving my second term as a South Region
4-H Alberta Ambassador.
I want to focus on three key areas; how
to become an ambassador, the roles and
responsibilities, and cool events I have
planned, attended, emceed, and
volunteered at.
If one wants to be considered for
ambassadorship, they must attend the 4-H
Alberta Selections program. The process
then includes scoring on a quiz, how one’s
fellow group members score them, group
leader scoring, and the amount of diary
points calculated from ones last four years of
4-H. It sounds extensive but it really is just
about being yourself.
Ambassadors represent 4-H members at
regional and provincial events, and are a
resource to be utilized by members, leaders,
clubs and districts.
Those in an Ambassador role also exemplify
the leadership, communication and
development skills for which the 4-H Alberta
program is recognized. Consultation with the
region’s 4-H specialist and other 4-H staff is
also required. We also have a few conference
calls as well.
THOSE IN AN
AMBASSADOR
ROLE...EXEMPLIFY
THE LEADERSHIP,
COMMUNICATION AND
DEVELOPMENT SKILLS
FOR WHICH THE 4-H
ALBERTA PROGRAM IS
RECOGNIZED.
The following is a list of events and
opportunities I have partaken in:
• 4-H Foundation of Alberta’s Partner
Appreciation Event,
• Ambassador Training,
• Planning and Counselling SMC 2019,
• Emceeing at local Club and
District Events,
• Organizing events for the South Region
(We Sweat Green Run),
• Ring person for the South Region Sheep
and Beef Learning and Breeding Show
Day and South Region Horse Show,
• Writing articles for the 4-H Alberta
Magazine, and
• Moderating/posting on the 4-H Alberta
Ambassadors Instagram page:
@4halbertaambassadors. •
7

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
4-H - TAKING ADVANTAGE
OF IT ALL
By: Amanda Hardman, 4-H Member and 2019 Premier's Award Recipient
WHO WOULD HAVE
THOUGHT A TRIP TO
THE YUKON WOULD
START A JOURNEY
OF A LIFETIME?
Close to nine years ago, I visited some friends
in the Yukon, a part of one of the only 4-H
clubs there, to participate in a horse camp
filled with other 4-H members. I had a blast
while at the camp and caught the 4-H fever.
After experiencing how much fun working
with horses was, I came back home and
joined the Stony Riders 4-H club.
I stayed in horse for a few years, but as I
became more experienced with my club, I
began joining more life skills projects. In my
fourth year, I left horse and focused more
on other projects. After a while, I had done
almost everything apart from anything on
the provincial level and wanted something
new to do.
Luckily, 4-H Canada had recently rolled
out their national science fair. I never was
someone who was extremely interested in
science, but I gave a project a try. I went to
Nova Scotia for the in-person presentation
round of the science fair and had so much fun
I went back the next year and participated on
the 4-H Canada team at the Canada-Wide
Science Fair. That year, I also became a Youth
Service Leader with 4-H Canada, a role I took
up again this year. I have attended the annual
training weekend in Ontario and organized
two service projects in conjunction with the
club-to-club exchanges; one in Manitoba and
one in Rimbey AB.
With my participation in the Youth Service
Leader program, I have been invited to
numerous national youth conferences,
most in participation with the Canadian
government, representing 4-H Canada.
To top everything off, I have now gained
the honour of being named the 4-H Alberta
Premier’s Award winner for 2019. In my
coming years, I hope to pursue some
type of career in agriculture, possibly
in communications.
I consider myself very lucky for the timing
of all these events in my 4-H career, as if I
hadn’t entered in the science fair when I did,
I might have not still been in 4-H. Without
the science fair, it wouldn’t have given me the
step I needed to leave my comfort zone and
try new things, like attending provincial and
other national events. I do not know where I
would have been if I would have quit 4-H!
4-H HAS PROVIDED NOT
ONLY ME, BUT ALSO
MANY OTHER YOUTH
WITH THE OPPORTUNITY
TO GROW, TRAVEL
AND ACHIEVE.
8

4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
The past two or three years have gone by
in a whirlwind, but I truly believe they have
been the best years of my life. Through the
4-H program I have been given so many
opportunities that other youth, especially
rural youth, do not always get to experience.
4-H has provided not only me, but also many
other youth with the opportunity to grow,
travel and achieve. Although I am a little
biased, I wholeheartedly believe 4-H is the
best youth program any youth can be in.
Over my years of membership, I have come
to realize that many other youth programs
do not give youth the opportunities to fully
learn to do by doing like 4-H does. They do
not give us the opportunity to try something
new and to learn from the experience. In 4-H,
if we fail, we fail, but we can learn from what
went wrong and take those newly learned
skills with us for the rest of our lives. I can
attest that after having my first big volunteer
event to organize on my own, I found some
areas of my plan after the event was over
that I knew I could improve on for next time.
Without the trust of 4-H, I would not have
been able to make those mistakes but be
able to learn from them.
Now that I am doing more outside of 4-H,
including working part-time and running my
own business, even in school, I have come to
realize how much the program has affected
my social skills.
Through my years of organizing and running
business meetings, keeping track of our
club’s money, attending and participating in
communications activities and everything
in between, my public speaking skills,
interpersonal skills and organizational skills
are leaps and bounds beyond what they
would have been without my years in the
program. Many people often mention how
not only mine but other 4-H’ers social skills
are well developed, even for our ages.
At the end of the day, it still seems so crazy
that I’ve gotten to where I am today, but 4-H
is what got me there. If I were to write out a
list of how 4-H has impacted me, it would be
a never-ending list! Thank you to everyone
who have helped me achieve more than I
could have ever imagined, from my family,
friends, leaders, volunteers and 4-H staff.
What I have learned from all those who have
helped me along the way have set me and
others up to be able to achieve our goals.
What I have been able to do these past few
years I would have never thought possible a
while back. I even remember telling my mom
about four years into my 4-H career that “I’d
never go to Selections” after hearing about
it, since I would have to be social the entire
weekend and I’d have to leave my room for
once. It just goes to show how influential the
first step can truly be!
To all the other members who might be in
the same situation as I was, my advice is
give everything a try. As well, don’t go into
opportunities only for the goal of winning.
Participation is so much more important than
winning. If I had gone into my first year of
the 4-H Canada Science Fair with my only
goal being to win, I probably wouldn’t have
come back the next year. Imagine how much
I would have missed out on! You never know
where something might lead you and you
never know what you might get out of it. If
you told me way back when that by going
to a senior winter camp, I’d get to meet the
Premier, I would have never believed you.
Take advantage of every opportunity that
comes your way! •
YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE
SOMETHING MIGHT LEAD YOU
AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT
YOU MIGHT GET OUT OF IT.
9

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
YOUTH SERVICE LEADERS
LEAD THE WAY
This summer, 22 Youth Service Leaders
travelled across Canada to lead and promote
community engagement, volunteerism and
service, and to help create a culture of service
for Canadian youth.
Youth Service Leaders (YSLs) are
ambassadors for 4-H service and community
engagement. They have been selected
through an application process and are
trained in service learning. YSLs were
matched with Club to Club Exchange
groups and helped plan, coordinate and lead
service-learning projects in partnership with
exchange groups and the communities where
projects are taking place.
In 2019 4-H Alberta has four outstanding
Youth Service Leaders. Brookelyn Felske,
Amanda Hardman, Carissa McGregor
and Kianna McGregor all demonstrated
tremendous leadership, passion and
camaraderie in leading their servicelearning
projects.
They were all too happy to share some of
their experiences.
“It has been a great experience to work
alongside these amazing 4-H clubs. They
not only helped plan such great projects, but
have helped me and the other members grow
ourselves into the leaders of tomorrow!”
– Brooklyn Felske
“This year my club dove gloves first into our
community! The Namao Trail Busters 4-H
club in Namao, Alberta strengthened their
passion for community service this year
through my Leadership/Community
Service project.
A new internet challenge called #TrashTag
encourages people to pick up garbage
wherever they find it. We spent two days
in the spring picking up garbage at the
high school, community hall, and along the
ditches to take part in the challenge.
IT HAS BEEN A GREAT EXPERIENCE TO WORK
ALONGSIDE THESE AMAZING 4-H CLUBS. THEY NOT
ONLY HELPED PLAN SUCH GREAT PROJECTS, BUT
HAVE HELPED ME AND THE OTHER MEMBERS GROW
OURSELVES INTO THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW!
There were some interesting finds, including
a bullhorn! We picked up lots of trash and
had lots of fun while doing so! 4-H’s passion
for community service has inspired many
young people in our club to help in any way
they can, even if it's picking up a piece of
garbage on the way to school.
We also participated in the Roots for Trees
program in Edmonton that is working to
increase the number of forest areas in the
city. We planted about 150 trees in record
time! Our club had a lot of fun and has
booked another planting time for this fall.
I’ll be doing the same project this year and
we are looking forward to more fun times
helping in our community!”
– Kianna McGregor •
10

4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
THE BENEFITS
SPEAK FOR
THEMSELVES
By: Adriana Van Tryp
As I write this article I am sitting in a car
traveling across Argentina...
I am in Argentina as a delegate for 4-H
Canada’s Going Global Exchanges Program.
Over the past three weeks I visited four
different 4-H clubs and attended 4-H camp.
In each instance I iterated the benefits of 4-H
and how it personally impacts me.
While in Argentina, I am expounding my
experiences as a member and ambassador
within 4-H. My hope is that by sharing
my benefits of staying involved in 4-H it
will motivate others to think twice before
discontinuing with this amazing program.
Travel: In 2018 I was selected as a Northwest
Territories Agriculture Development Tour
delegate by attending the 4-H Alberta
Selections program.
This year, 2019, I applied and went through
an interview process that allowed me to
travel to Argentina for three weeks with 4-H
Canada’s Going Global Exchanges.
Ambassadorship: I have always had a
passion for 4-H. The 4-H program has been
apart of my life for more years than not. As
a 4-H Alberta Ambassador I get to advocate
for a program I love, meet and network with
new people and attend exemplary events.
Resume/Applications: I created resumes
for scholarships, travel opportunities,
to gain membership on boards and in
my applications to universities last year.
Organizations and individuals told me it
helped me stand out from other applicants.
Institutions are aware that 4-H builds public
speaking and teamwork skills, how to run a
proper business meeting, networking and
interaction skills.
Scholarships/Money: Post secondary
education is not cheap. Through 4-H I
received District, Regional and Provincial
Scholarships. I am grateful as it allowed
University to be more cost manageable.
University: In September, I start my
second year of University. 4-H proved to
be an exceedingly valuable skill in my first
year. I gained an irreplaceable network of
peers. I was unafraid to say hello to the
person beside me or in joining a new club.
Presenting in class was simple because I
had done it so many other times in 4-H. In
one specific instance, when applying for the
Alumni Relations Officer in CERES Women’s
Fraternity, I used 4-H as the main reason I
would excel. •
11

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
KAYAKING
CRAZE
By: Chelsea Webber, Stony Riders 4-H Club
Ah kayaking, floating gently across a lake. Oh
so peaceful, but ever wonder how you get to
that peaceful experience? A lot of work goes
into having a blast kayaking, And The Stony
Riders 4-H Club is here to tell you about our
snazzy kayaking program.
You should always know how to get in and
out of your kayak as well as how to properly
steer and propel your kayak. The Stony Riders
4-H Club rents out the Stony Plain Outdoor
Pool before we go onto any lakes. Safety is
our main priority in kayaking, always know
the kind of kayak you’re using and to always
have the supplies for boating. For example:
always wear a life jacket and have a bail
bucket! You don’t want to recreate
the Titanic!
The members of the Stony Riders 4-H
club have been gracefully blessed to have
wonderful club leaders that taught us all
about cleaning our kayaks. You should always
thoroughly wash the inside and outside
of your kayak! Spreading of bacteria and
invasive species from one lake to another
can harm the ecosystem in those lakes!
Especially watch out for zebra mussels, they
can destroy lakes rapidly!
You should always know the weather before
you go kayaking and kayak in groups. Always
have a thunder and lightning watcher.
Kayaking in a storm is very dangerous so
having someone watching out for you all is
the wisest choice.
Make sure to have a whistle on you at all
times, you never know when it might start
pouring or snowing. This is Canada after
all eh?
The cherry on top of this program is the
camping trip at the end of the kayaking
season. Kayaking to a beautiful campground
to roast marshmallows and tell scary stories.
Putting a little effort into taking care of your
kayak and the safety of yourself and others
is rewarding. So come on out and kayak
yourself silly! •
12

4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
THE FRUITS OF
OUR LABOUR
By: Margo Redelback
LEARN
AND GROW
TOGETHER
In early 2019 the Brooks and Area 4-H Beef
Club contacted the City of Brooks - Parks
Department to inquire of potential projects
which the Club could partner on in order
to fulfill their commitment to community
service. Planned for a number of years, but
without enough funding to proceed, was
an edible shrub bed to be located within a
popular City park space. The purpose of the
bed being to provide variety of fruit-bearing
shrubs for use by individuals using the park.
Members of the Club were keen to assist
with this project and were successful in
obtaining funds through the UFA Funds 4-H
Clubs grant program to purchase fruitbearing
shrubs for the project.
Upon learning the Brooks and Area 4-H Club
would be providing funds and volunteering
their time to help plant the edible shrub bed,
several other local community organizations
also agreed to provide additional funds and
planting material to the project.
On a pleasant spring evening in early June
members of the Club assisted the City of
Brooks in planting edible shrubs including
blueberries, honeyberries, saskatoon berries,
raspberries, and strawberries. A companion
bed, consisting of vegetables originating from
several different countries, was also planted
adjacent to the edible shrub bed.
The leadership of the Brooks and Area
4-H Beef Club in working to implement
this project expanded to a collaborative
community partnership creating a large
garden, accessible to all who use this park. •
13

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
IT'S HAMMER
TIME
By: Geoff Rohleder, Cremona 4-H Club - Metalwork Project Leader
The 4-H multi club in Cremona offers a
unique opportunity where members of the
metalwork project can work with tools that
most people only ever get to see on TV.
The metalwork project involves many
different aspects of metalworking, from
welding and blacksmithing to grinding and
plasma cutting. Members are introduced
to these skills through demonstrations and
practice, and then are given the opportunity
to apply those skills to their own
individual projects.
Some of the past projects included knives,
coat racks, and various other creations
that the members envision. Parents often
comment that they wish they could have
had the same opportunity when they were
younger as most of the skills the members
learn are extremely useful in the
agricultural industry.
The project could not be a success without
the generosity and support from the
community members who volunteer their
time to teach these skills to the
next generation.
The 4-H members are extremely fortunate
to have access to Mystic Forge, one of the
largest blacksmith forges in Western Canada.
The kids are thrilled that they can get the
chance to work with specialized tools and it
is truly fascinating to watch the visions the
kids have in their heads transform into actual
works of art. •
14

4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
October 25-26, 2019
Both Days, Both
CAMPUSES!
Visit our Vermilion or Lloydminster campus – or both!
October 25-26
Apply for free | Talk with faculty and students | Participate
in hands-on activities | Learn how you can take the lead!
Save the application fee when you apply
online or in person.
Enter to win an iPad Air. Plus, if you take a tour you could
win a $1,000 tuition credit!
RSVP and learn more at lakelandcollege.ca/openhouse
AIMING
HIGH
DID YOU KNOW THAT ARCHERY
IS THE FASTEST GROWING 4-H
PROJECT IN ALBERTA?
Jody Wacowich, leader of the Kneehill 4-H Multi Club and a coach
with Archery Alberta wanted to create an opportunity for the
members in the project to have a competition beyond their regions,
so the 4-H Alberta Mailmatch will be offered in 2020.
The Mailmatch will give archery project members across the province
a chance to compete against each other. It will be open to all ages and
equipment types and members will shoot a minimum of two scores
to a maximum of four scores to be entered in the competition.
Members can submit scores in January, February, March and April.
The winners will be announced by late April. The cost to enter will be
$10 and the registration deadline is December 31st.
For more information check the Alberta 4-H website or contact Jody
at 4hleaderjody@gmail.com. •
15

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
WHEN EAST
MEETS WEST
By: Branden Langeweg, 4-H Member – North 40 Mile 4-H Club
The leaders of our club, North 40 Mile
4-H, asked us if we were interested in
participating in the 4-H Canada Club to Club
Exchange program. Of course, everyone was
very excited. It was eventually determined
that our club would be paired up with a 4-H
club from Ontario – the Durham West 4-H
Club. Each club would be hosted by their
partners for a week in each province and
every member had a ‘twin’.
MEMBER
ROLE
MODELS
Before we could go anywhere, however, we
had some fundraising to do. We had to raise
money for flights to Ontario and of course
for some Calgary Stampede tickets - chuck
wagons and a night show. We also have to
raise money for all the other tourist attraction
expenses that we wanted to show our
Ontario group.
16

4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
After much anticipation, it was time to welcome our guests. The
first day we picked up our “twins” from the airport. Every day we
had something to do like a tour of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump,
Waterton National Park, the Great Canadian Barn Dance, and
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park. Some of these things I hadn’t even
done so it was great opportunity to explore Alberta. My favorite
was the Great Canadian Barn Dance because they taught you how
to line dance and the two-step. Another favorite was the tour of
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump which was cool because we were
learning about it in social class in school and I always wanted to see
it in person. Part of participating in a 4-H Canada exchange is doing
a community service project in each province.
We all had great time and I hope to do it again next time. I would
definitely encourage other clubs to take advantage of the 4-H Canada
Club to Club Exchange program!
We would like to give a big shout out all the sponsors of events and
donations that made this amazing opportunity possible. •
Our club chose two projects - painting the local rodeo ground
bleachers and building bat houses on farms that are in close
proximity to windmills. It was then time to drop our Ontario friends
off at the airport. We were excited to know we would be seeing
them in a few short weeks.
Before we knew it, it was our turn to take a plane to Ontario and
see some interesting things like the lift locks, CN Tower, Ripley’s
Aquarium, a Toronto Blue Jays game, and Niagara Falls. I really
enjoyed seeing all of these places. The Blue Jays game was my
personal favorite because they are a good team and they won the
game. The CN Tower was also amazing because there was a glass
floor that you could look through!
Before we did our Ontario community service project there was a
car rally to see where everyone was staying. Of course we ended up
at Dawson Ball’s for a swim in the pool! For our community service
project we built birdhouses and did some yard work for WindReach
Farm. We also had a question game about 4-H, Alberta and Ontario
and that was a lot of fun.
Time sure went by fast – I guess that means we had a lot of fun –
and soon it was time to say goodbye to our new besties and head
for home.
Earn Up To $500
For Your 4-H Alberta Club
We’re giving $20,000 to 4-H clubs in our Chinook
Financial communities. Apply for up to $500 for
your 4-H club to support:
WE ALL HAD GREAT TIME AND I
HOPE TO DO IT AGAIN NEXT TIME.
I WOULD DEFINITELY ENCOURAGE
OTHER CLUBS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE
OF THE 4-H CANADA CLUB TO CLUB
EXCHANGE PROGRAM!
1.
Opportunities for learning and building
career skills
2. Tools, supplies and support needed to help
your club with volunteer activities
Learn more about eligible 4-H clubs and how
to apply at ChinookFinancial.com/4H
Applications Open November 1, 2019
ChinookFinancial.com/4H
17

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
BREEDING ESTEEM
IN 4-H
By: Claudelle (Seguin) Key, 4-H Alumnus and 1989 Premier’s Award Recipient
If we follow our peer group, most commence
a career in their early twenties. Based on
personal experience, I believe many begin
to re-evaluate their careers within 20 years.
I’m not sure if it’s because 40 years of age is
the quintessential middle age, forcing us to
recognize that if we sincerely want to make
a change, the time is now. Or if it’s because
after about 20 years, one has long mastered
a skillset, and the human mind and heart just
naturally crave or yearn for a change.
His unceasing commitment parallels that
of our 4-H leaders - those nominated for
the prestigious national volunteer leader
awards. As a result of his drive and devotion
to 4-H, the energies and accomplishments
of 4-Hers continue to be recognized, the
benefits and values of the program continue
to be esteemed, and the support and
sponsorship from the community continue to
be extended.
I experienced this, this past spring, while
home at my parents perusing the Westlock
News. Coming across the extensive, fullcolor
feature on the local 4-H Achievement
Day, I immediately recognized the labours of
this local writer (his signature stamp), and
commented to my Mom, “After all these
years, Mr. Dunford still just does so much to
highlight and promote 4-H.”
Given his dedication to a career three
decades old, which is apparent in his
continued, long-standing and tireless
coverage of 4-H, there is indeed one
newspaper journalist who defies the notion
that one’s enthusiasm ever wanes. In the
face of writing about 4-H for more than
30 years, when you read or enjoy his latest
4-H story or feature, you could easily think
he’s a first-time reporter, on a first-time
assignment, covering his first-ever beat.
AS A RESULT OF HIS DRIVE AND DEVOTION TO
4-H, THE ENERGIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OF 4-HERS CONTINUE TO BE RECOGNIZED,
THE BENEFITS AND VALUES OF THE PROGRAM
CONTINUE TO BE ESTEEMED, AND THE SUPPORT
AND SPONSORSHIP FROM THE COMMUNITY
CONTINUE TO BE EXTENDED.
LEFT: Les Dunford has long been a great advocate for
the 4-H program.
ABOVE: 9-year old Les with one of his family’s Angus x
Holstein heifers.
18

4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
Our family’s path had first crossed Les
Dunford’s, - senior writer for the Town
& Country (a weekly supplement to the
Athabasca Advocate), the Barrhead Leader,
the Lac La Biche Post and the Westlock
News - more than three decades earlier,
when he’d first began untiringly covering and
promoting 4-H.
“I don't like just pulling in the winners,”
admits Dunford. “A lot of the kids put in the
same efforts and all the same care for their
animals,” he says, noting that years earlier
he had supported the idea of selling ads so
a fuller Achievement Day feature could be
both produced and sustained. “It’s work,
but there’s a pleasure in doing it,” he says,
explaining that people regularly comment
and let him know they appreciate seeing
the coverage. “The kids like seeing pictures,”
he says. While he acknowledges that the
cutlines take a bit more work because they
afford information such as the animal’s name,
starting weight and breed, he expends the
energy to further engage his readers. “I’m
grateful that the Westlock and Barrhead
Achievement Days are two weeks apart.
This allows me to work on them for two
weeks steady.”
His care for 4-H was evident at the onset of
his newspaper career some 30 years ago.
“The 4-H Reports would come in. Sometimes
they’d get used, sometimes they wouldn’t.
I didn’t think that was really fair,” says
Dunford, recalling that because there wasn’t
an assigned location in the local paper, many
would hit the cutting room floor. Often handwritten,
some would come through the mail
and they would never have a photo because
no one had a scanner. Since he had control
over the Town & Country, he suggested the
Reports be centralized and reside there. “This
would encourage our younger readers to
open up the paper and read it. It’s the pride.
The kids see their names in the paper and
say, ‘I wrote that. That’s mine.’” In addition,
4-H news would be spread throughout four
different communities.
“It’s the enjoyment I get out of it… It’s very
satisfying to see the kids grow and develop
skills - skills that will serve them well for the
rest of their lives,” says Dunford, admitting
that he enjoys seeing how these young
people improve in how they look after
their animals.
PHOTO: Visiting a tomato farm in Ontario.
“The first year they’re stumbling around the
ring with their animal and are having a hard
time - they’re not leading, but goading it
along. Sometimes the animal takes over.
But everything changes by the next year.”
This writer highlights that it is very rewarding
to watch kids grow up in 4-H. “I look down
at them and they’re shorter than me. Next
year, by golly, they’re taller than me,” he says,
explaining that he’s watched two generations
of kids flourish in 4-H and adds if you include
their parents (a few who are still leaders),
he’s worked with three generations. “They’re
kids and then they become young adults.
I see them mature and become leaders
themselves,” he says.
“I see the effort they put in and the rewards
they get out…The reward comes to the kids
who work hard. The animal shows better.
Whether it’s the showmanship championship
or grooming, it generally pays off.” He adds,
“You can tell which kids put in the extra
effort, which care more…. I’ve seen tears
when they lead that animal in the ring for
the last time. They know what’s coming.
They know they have to say goodbye….
It becomes personal.”
Dunford adds, “The kids are enjoying what
they’re doing and learning at the same time.”
In his mind, the interprovincial exchanges
epitomize this.
“It really broadens their 4-H experience….
They get to learn more about their country,
cultural differences and it helps bring a
better sense of unity - kids in one part of
the country see that kids in another part
are basically the same…. It’s interesting to
see how quickly new friendships are made
- lifelong friendships. I’ve seen romances
blossom out of there,” he says, adding with
a smile, “Not sure if it lasts.” In his mind,
another great benefit is the scholarships.
“Between these and the different travel
experiences, it expands their whole lives by
having all these opportunities if they take
advantage of them.”
This gentleman admits he’s far from alone
when witnessing the difference 4-H makes
in a young person’s life. He recalls how the
vice principal at the local high school always
maintained she could tell which kids in her
class were in 4-H, simply because of their
public speaking skills and how they spoke
in class. “I’ve heard where some people
say they’d actually hire a kid over another
because he or she has been in 4-H. They
know these kids learn to do by doing…. A
person figures that kid knows how to work,”
says Dunford.
“I’VE GAINED A LOT OF
THE LEARN TO DO BY
DOING JUST BY BEING
INVOLVED IN THE WAY
I AM.”
While he had the privilege of watching two of
his grandchildren flourish in 4-H, he further
lights up when he speaks about watching his
almost four-year old great-granddaughter
Emily ‘help’ his son, or her Grandpa, feed
and water the animals at Farmfair. “I only
wish I had the 4-H experience as a kid,” says
this great-grandfather, whose contributions
have impacted 4-Hers for over 30 years and
have allowed the program to thrive beyond
measure. “I know Emily’s going to be in 4-H
one day.” •
19

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
EAST LACOMBE 4-H BEEF CLUB
CELEBRATES 100 YEARS!
By: Erik Sharp, Club Reporter
East Lacombe Beef is the longest continually run 4-H club in Alberta
and it celebrated 100 years at the Central Alberta Agriculture
Grounds in Lacombe, Alberta on June 15, 2019.
The club celebrated with a BBQ, speeches, cake-cutting ceremony
followed by the club’s year-end awards. Four of the current members
received their Platinum Awards of Excellence. Over 200 people
attended the celebration including alumni members and leaders.
The celebration ended with a family dance.
HISTORY OF EAST LACOMBE 4-H BEEF CLUB:
The club was founded by Joe Biglands in 1919 and ran under the name
“Lacombe Boys Breeding Club” which was the first youth organization
recorded for Lacombe. Some of the original members included John
Long, Hugh Sharp, Josh Biglands, Bert Sharp and George Walters.
Hugh Sharp’s great grandchildren are currently the 4th generation to
be active in the club and are very proud of the history that the Sharp
family has with the club.
The Lacombe Boys Breeding Club was concerned with raising good
breeding heifers and met once a month. In 1929, the name was
changed to the Lacombe Junior Calf Club which included both boys
and girls, with Joe Biglands continuing as Leader until 1949.
Steers were now a big part of the club, and judging, show fitting and
animal care were discussed at their monthly meetings. A finished
steer would weigh 700-750 lbs. In 1949 the grand champion steer
sold for $0.60 per pound with the reserve selling for $0.40
per pound.
In 1952, boys and girls clubs were changed to 4-H and came under
supervision of the Department of Agriculture. The Lacombe Calf
Club had grown to such a size that it was split into two clubs. East
Lacombe A and East Lacombe B or Best East Lacombe.
Activities have always been a part of East Lacombe 4-H Beef Club.
The club’s curling bonspiel dates back to the 1950’s and is still an
annual event for the club with 4-H members from all over central
Alberta participating.
The club has taken part in a number of community service activities
from Santa’s Anonymous, food banks and raising charity steers.
PHOTO: 2019 East Lacombe 4-H Beef Club Members pictured with the charity steer.
20

4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
THE FOUNDING LEADER AND MEMBERS OF EAST LACOMBE BEEF HAD THE
DESIRE TO LEARN, AND TO IMPROVE WHICH HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN
THROUGH THE YEARS. THE CLUB IS CONTINUING TO THRIVE THANKS TO
DEDICATED 4-H FAMILIES AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
A name change was done in 2002 to East
Lacombe Multi 4-H Club which included a
horse project. The horse project ran for two
years. The club was then reverted back to the
East Lacombe 4-H Beef Club.
The club has participated in two exchanges.
In 2005 the club had an exchange with a 4-H
Club from Leader, Sk. The second exchange
was in the summer of 2018 with the Anola
Northern Lights Club / Lorette Busy Bees
Club from Oakbank/St. Adolphe, MB.
Over recent years two club members, Julie
Sharp and Riley Sharp have competed and
have been successful in winning trips at the
Provincial Judging Competition in Vermillion.
Julie travelled to Denver, Colorado to the
Western National 4-H Roundup Judging
Competition where her team placed 4th
overall in beef judging. Riley travelled
to Billings, Montana for the Northern
International Livestock Expo
Judging Competition.
East Lacombe 4-H members have had a
strong presence at the 4-H Regional Heifer
Show and the 4-H Provincial Heifer Show
winning numerous skill competitions and
conformation classes and championships.
Our members participate in public speaking
and presentations competitions not only
within the club but also at district, regional
and provincial levels.
East Lacombe is supported by area
businesses and community members in the
form of sponsorships and purchasing steers.
The sale average is around $3.00 per pound.
The founding leader and members of East
Lacombe Beef had the desire to learn, and
to improve which has been passed down
through the years. The club is continuing to
thrive thanks to dedicated 4-H families and
the local community. •
Our club members have participated in
“Selections” for many years and they
have been awarded the Northern Alberta
and Northwest Territories Agriculture
Development Tour and 4-H Canada
Citizenship Congress in Ottawa, ON. In 2016,
Christine Suominen, a past East Lacombe
4-H Member won the prestigious 4-H
Alberta Premiers Award.
To showcase the success of our female
projects, one of our members Emilee Oro
had the idea to add a Progeny class (Bred &
Owned by 4-H member) at our achievement
day. This class has consistently grown in
numbers since its inception.
ABOVE: This 1949 scene at the Central Alberta Pavilion was typical of the 4-H shows for many years. Joe Johnson,
farm manager at the University of Alberta, was judge, assisted by Howard Fulcher. Joe Biglands, centre with cane, is
speaking with Wilf Edgar, a prominent Hereford breeder. Roy Ballhorn is standing beside Edgar.
Lacombe, the First Century photo
21

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
UFA AND 4-H ALBERTA
BUILDING FUTURE LEADERS TOGETHER
4-H Alberta and United Farmers of Alberta Ltd. (UFA) have a long
history together spanning over 80 years and this year alone, UFA is
proud to have funded over 200 clubs in the province.
“4-H members learn leadership skills that set them up for success
for the remainder of their lives,” says Kimberly MacDonald, UFA’s
Community Investment Manager. “We believe strongly in providing
opportunities for youth development and our partnership with 4-H
allows us to support future generations of agricultural leaders.”
Leaders like Emmett Sawyer.
Sawyer first caught the public’s attention when he was 13-years-old
and published a 4-H speech on YouTube. The speech was about
building consumer trust by being open and transparent about how
farmers grow and raise the food we buy. At just 16-years-old, he was
named the Canadian Seed Trade Association Future Influencer at the
2016 Grow Canada Conference.
Sawyer’s passion for agriculture began at a young age, having grown
up on the family farm west of Acme. His involvement in 4-H began
ten years ago as a member of the Swalwell 4-H Club.
Up until April when his term ended, Sawyer was the 4-H Alberta
Ambassador for the Calgary Region, acting as a resource for clubs.
He is thankful for the 4-H program because he says there are many
benefits. “Other than team building and learning new communication
skills, there are also educational scholarships to be won as well, so
it’s a program with endless opportunities and I wouldn’t trade my
experience with 4-H for the world,” said Sawyer.
4-H MEMBERS LEARN LEADERSHIP
SKILLS THAT SET THEM UP FOR
SUCCESS FOR THE REMAINDER
OF THEIR LIVES
Sawyer was also recently awarded the 4-H Canada L.E.A.D.
Scholarship Award. The scholarship consists of $20,000, awarded
$5,000 per University year for up to four years, and the opportunity
to receive guidance from a mentor in the recipient’s field through their
education journey.
Sawyer is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in Agriculture
Enterprise Management at the University of Lethbridge. “I’m very
passionate about food security and making sure we produce the
safest and most environmentally-friendly food that we possibly can,”
he said. He is also very interested in the policy behind agriculture,
“how the government makes decisions to make sure that agriculture
is on track and protecting the environment while moving the industry
forward in a safe way, whether with chemicals used or seed varieties.”
Sawyer is also very passionate about UFA. In fact, not only is he a
member but he’s also working for the summer at the Strathmore UFA
Farm & Ranch Supply store. He says his future goals include working
for an agriculture co-operative or a corporate agriculture company,
and possibly farming. For now, he appreciates the support that UFA
has given him, not only through the sponsorship of 4-H Alberta but
also for being given the opportunity to broaden his skill set by working
in an agricultural co-operative setting. “I have always appreciated the
support from UFA, not only for sponsoring my 4-H club and projects
and now for employing me, but also for being trusted advisors and
suppliers at our family farm. It’s because of organizations like UFA
that I’m able to pursue my dreams.”
In his short 19 years, Sawyer has become a powerful representative
for 4-H, for UFA and for all young leaders in agriculture. Whether it’s
supporting a local club’s riding clinic or helping to fund a new pair of
shearing scissors, UFA is proud to sponsor 4-H Alberta and to give
back to local communities where our members live and work. •
22

4-H Alberta
Provincial
& Regional
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
y
• •
y
GUIDE
2019-2020
4-H CLUB YEAR
23

4-H CAMP
WE LIKE IT HERE,
MAYBE YOU WILL TOO.
Registration Opens
DECEMBER 1, 2019
4-H ALBERTA camps provide 4-Hʼers
Illustrative with Camps the opportunity Ad to spend time with old
friends and develop new lifelong friendships,
live and learn in a natural and safe setting,
enjoy the outdoors, and participate in an
endless list of activities.
Junior
Camps
AGES 9-11
Combined
Camps
AGES 10-13
intermediate
Camps
AGES 12-14
senior
Camps
AGES 15-20

CAMPS
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
PROGRAMS
• •
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
PROVINCIAL
CAMPS AND
PROGRAMS
SELECTIONS
Event
Every 4-H members has the potential to do
great things and through the 4-H program,
we help them try to reach that potential. The
Selections program is one of those ways in
which we provide members with the keys to
ensure their own success and the success of
those around them. Since 1957, Selections
has been one of the premier learning and
networking opportunities for Alberta 4-H
members with various informative sessions
and speakers. In 2020, the program will
be focused on the future – moving out,
budgeting, careers and much more! At
the end of the short program, the newest
Alberta Ambassadors and the Premier’s
Award winner will be selected and a number
of travel opportunities will be awarded.
The trip winners, Alberta ambassadors and
Premier’s Award recipient all play a very
large role in the success of the 4-H program
through engaging with other members,
getting involved in their communities and
demonstrating the benefits of 4-H.
DATES
May 1 - 4
LOCATION
Olds College, Olds AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
March 1
For more information: alesha.hill@gov.ab.ca
SELECTIONS LEADERSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
BE NAMED THE 2020 PREMIER’S
AWARD RECIPIENT
Since the first Premier’s Award was
presented in 1964, one senior 4-H member
is honoured with this prestigious recognition
each year. This is the highest honour that
an Alberta 4-H member can receive,
recognizing exceptional communication
and leadership skills, as well as a strong
dedication to their own personal growth
and the growth of the 4-H program. The
Premier’s Award recipient represents 4-H on
a provincial level, attending and speaking at
various events, engaging with 4-H'ers and
even meeting with the Premier of Alberta.
BECOME AN AMBASSADOR
Each year at the Selections program, 14 new
members join the ranks of the 4-H Alberta
Ambassadors. Two senior members from
each region are selected for a two year
term where they will promote 4-H Alberta
through programs, speaking at events and
public engagement. To be selected as an
Ambassador, members are judged on their
diary points, their engagement in a group
setting and their knowledge of agriculture,
current events and the 4-H program itself.
Having experienced first-hand much of
what 4-H Alberta has to offer, these senior
members or recent alumni are the perfect
spokespeople for 4-H Alberta.
SELECTIONS TRAVEL
OPPORTUNITIES
4-H CANADA CITIZENSHIP CONGRESS
The 49th annual 4-H Canada Citizenship
Congress will once again prove a challenging
but inspiring opportunity for delegates
across the country. Participants will get
to experience government procedure up
close and personal while simultaneously
developing communication skills and
expanding their horizons. Throughout the
week, members will engage in workshops
and sessions that will culminate in the
annual debate. Attendees will learn the skills
necessary to construct insightful arguments,
be persuasive and effectively convey their
thoughts. Throughout the trip, members will
also have the opportunity to explore Ottawa,
Parliament Hill and learn more about Canada.
DATES
April or May 2021
*This trip takes place the following year
LOCATION
Ottawa ON
4-H CALIFORNIA
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Be sure to pack your sandals, a bathing suit
and lots of sunscreen for the 2020 4-H
California State Leadership Conference.
Soak in the sun, meet new people and
experience 4-H at the University of California
at Davis. At the four day conference you will
participate in many activities focused on
leadership development, civic engagement
and so much more.
DATES
July 2020
LOCATION
California
25

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20
4-H
4-H CANADA MEMBERS FORUM
Developed in 1931, this hallmark program
rotates annually between host locations.
With a different leadership development
theme each year, delegates also visit a
local agricultural event, such as the Royal
Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, or
Regina’s Canadian Western Agribition.
Through experiential learning, workshops
and interactive site tours, delegates
develop a deeper awareness, knowledge
and understanding of the program theme.
They return home equipped to apply new
knowledge and skills to club projects in their
home communities.
DATES
November or December 2020
LOCATION
Toronto ON
ALBERTA/NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT TOUR
Join 4-H’ers on the road trip of a lifetime
through northern Alberta and the NWT. If
you like the outdoors and agriculture, this is
the trip for you as your group will have the
chance to see beautiful landscapes, stop at
various agriculture businesses and camp
along the way. By the end of the trip you will
also have learned a lot about yourself and
made incredible friendships with your
travel companions.
DATES
July or August 2020
LOCATION
Alberta and NWT
COUNSELLOR
In Training
The Counsellor In Training (CIT) program
gives our 4-H senior members, ages 15 to 20,
a chance to develop the knowledge and skills
needed to become a summer
camp counsellor.
The CIT program consists of the program
participants learning about the upcoming
programming for the summer, including an
overview of the theme and the activities and
challenges that will be held at the various
camps. Counsellors learn about our skill
sessions and acquire the knowledge on how
to instruct and lead these sessions.
Successful participants of the CIT program
will be placed at one or more camping
programs, regionally and/or provincially, and
will be responsible for teaching, supervising,
and caring for camp participants.
WHO CAN ATTEND
Senior Members
DATES
July 5 - 9
LOCATION
Alberta 4-H Centre, Battle Lake
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
May 1
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE
April 15
For more information: 4h.ab.ca
LEADER
In Training
The Leader in Training (LIT) program is
an exciting four-day program for senior
members who are ready to take the next step
in regards to leadership, responsibility, and
learning about programming.
LIT provides 4-H members the skills
necessary to program plan, to implement
programming effectively, and to learn
more in-depth information on behavior
management, risk management, counselling
and teaching techniques, communication,
and leadership.
Graduates of the LIT program will then work
directly with the Camp Directors during
a camp program where they will have the
opportunity to plan a portion of the program,
to implement the programming and to act
as an assistant to the Camp Directors by
getting hands-on experience in overseeing
the day-to-day activities of the camp.
Applicants must have taken our Counsellor
In Training (CIT) program, along with a
minimum of one week of counselling at a
summer or winter camp program.
WHO CAN ATTEND
Senior Members who have taken CIT
DATES
July 6 - 9
LOCATION
Alberta 4-H Centre, Battle Lake
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
May 1 (application process)
For more information: 4h.ab.ca
SELECTIONS IS AN EVENT I LOOK FORWARD TO
EVERY YEAR! IT BREAKS MY HEART I CAN'T
ATTEND AGAIN! EVERY YEAR I GET TO MEET
NEW, AMAZING FRIENDS, PARTICIPATE IN FUN
ACTIVITIES AND RENEW MY LOVE FOR 4-H.
IF THERE'S ONE EVENT YOU SENIOR MEMBERS
SHOULD ATTEND THIS YEAR, IT'S SELECTIONS!
26

4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
intermediate
Camp
We all need a little TLC in our lives right??
Well at Intermediate Camp we’re all about
Teamwork, Leadership, and Communication
and we’re going to make this camp the
highlight of your summer!!!! Whether
tackling the low ropes course or the many
games and activities trust, communication
and teamwork are all integral parts of
learning at this camp. Escape your comfort
zone and take on an active leadership role
with your new camp besties.
Campers will have the opportunity to explore
nature and the outdoors, the arts, sports, and
much, much more.
WHO CAN ATTEND
Intermediate Members
DATES
July 26 - 30 or August 16 - 20
LOCATION
Alberta 4-H Centre, Battle Lake
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
May 1
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE
April 15
For more information: 4h.ab.ca
COMBINED
Camp
Are you between the ages of 10 and 13?
Looking to take your camping experience to
the next level? If so, you should totally come
join our fabulous crew at Combined Camp!
With awesome games and activities planned
(did someone say extreme slip-n-slide?)
you'll leave this camp feeling confident in
your new found skills and more than capable
of standing strongly on your own two feet.
We offer the opportunity for our campers
to explore nature and the outdoors, the arts,
sports, and much more.
With two camp dates available, parents this
is a great opportunity to send your kids to the
same camp!
WHO CAN ATTEND
Junior and Intermediate Members
DATES
July 12 - 16 or August 9 - 13
LOCATION
Alberta 4-H Centre, Battle Lake
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
May 1
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE
April 15
For more information: 4h.ab.ca
JUNIOR
Camp
This camp is a great opportunity to ease
into our provincial camps and programs!
Our dedicated and well-trained staff and
counsellors ensure you feel safe
and included.
You will laugh any uneasiness away through
days filled with fun, sun and evenings around
the campfire. Before you know it, camp will
be over and you'll be counting down the days
until you can come back.
Junior Camp is perfect for you first-time
campers or those of you that just can’t get
enough water sports, low ropes, GAGA ball
or meeting new friends. And parents don’t be
surprised if the only tears shed are when your
kids see your car coming to pick them up.
Not sure about being away from home for
five days? Come check out our new threeday
camp. We promise the same great fun!
WHO CAN ATTEND
Junior Members
DATES
July 19 - 23 or August 6 - 8 (3 days)
LOCATION
Alberta 4-H Centre, Battle Lake
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
May 1
For more information: 4h.ab.ca
27

Funds available to 4-H’ers who greenUp!
Do you have a project designed to save energy or help the
environment? Our annual community grants can help you
plant trees, naturalize an area or create energy efficiency.
Our greenUp grant program is designed to help create
or enhance an environmental program for students in
Elementary/Junior High schools in Alberta. We have
25 $1,000 grants for schools within our service area to
implement an environmental education program. For more
information, visit: service.fortisalberta.com/energyefficiency.
As an Alberta based electricity distribution provider, our
community investment program is based on the guiding
principle that our organization’s success depends on the wellbeing
of the 240 communities in which we operate, and where
our employees live and work.
Follow us on:
facebook.com/fortisab
@fortisalberta
youtube.com/fortisab
instagram.com/fortisalberta
Offering programs in Agriculture,
Agriculture Technology (2 NEW Programs!),
Animal Science, Brewmaster, Business,
Equine, Fashion, Horticulture,
Land & Environment, Meat Processing,
Tourism and Trades & Apprenticeships.
Come Visit Us!
Open House (Olds) - October 18, 2019
Open House (Calgary) - October 19, 2019
Experience More: oldscollege.ca/visit

Scholarships, Awards
•
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
•
4-H ALBERTA
SCHOLARSHIPS
Past and present 4-H members registered
for a minimum of three years, are eligible
to apply for 4-H Alberta scholarships.
Successful applicants must provide proof of
attendance from a post-secondary institute
as a full-time student.
Applications open March 1, 2020 and close
May 15, 2020.
For more scholarship opportunities and
application information, visit
www.4h.ab.ca/About/scholarships.html.
TRAVEL THE
WORLD
Going Global Exchanges is your chance to
experience how 4-H works in a different
country and explore sustainable agriculture
and food security practices from a global
perspective. Exchanges are available to 4-H
members or alumni aged 18 to 25.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
November 30
Visit 4-h-canada.ca/goingglobal to apply.
CAREERS ON
THE GROW
Careers on the Grow is a career exploration
program that encourages 4-H Canada
members to explore career paths, apply their
skills and gain hands-on work experience.
Made possible through the generous
support of the RBC Foundation, Saputo and
McDonald’s, Careers on the Grow provides
4-H members with internship placements,
networking and mentorship opportunities
and career exploration resources.
Internships are available to 4-H members or
alumni ages 18 to 25.
2020 placements to be confirmed.
For more information visit:
4-h-canada.ca/growingcareers
SPARK THE
SCIENTIST
IN YOU!
Do you have an awesome idea to make a
difference in the world around you? Why
not turn it into a science fair project and
present it at the 4-H Canada Science Fair
in Saskatoon in March 2020? Winners will
receive the ultimate prize of competing at
the Canada-Wide Science Fair in May 2020.
Registration is open to 4-H’ers in grade 7 to
12 or CÉGEP programs.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
January 16
Visit 4-h-canada.ca/sciencefair to apply.
BECOME
A YOUTH
SERVICE
LEADER
Hands to Larger Service is a national initiative
that empowers youth like you to improve
the world around you through service. Why
not be a Youth Service Leader (YSL) next
summer and get in on the action? As a
YSL, you can work across Canada to lead
and promote community engagement,
volunteerism and service while helping
create a culture of service for youth.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
December 29
Visit 4-h-canada.ca/handstolargerservice
to apply.
LAND YOUR
DREAM JOB!
4-H Canada’s free Career Development
Webinars will equip you with the tools you
need to stand-out in the job application
process and prepare you to enter
the workforce!
Learn more and register to attend an
upcoming webinar today at:
4-h-canada.ca/growingcareers/webinars
29

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
LEADERS • •
LEADERS
UNCOVER THE LEADER IN
YOU…ACHIEVING YOUR 4-H
LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL
Leaders, parents and senior members are
invited to attend this day-long event that will
feature a keynote speaker and a number of
different 4-H sessions.
DATE
November 16
LOCATION
Grande Prairie AB
*There will be a members stream (Frosty Fest) for juniors,
intermediates and cleaver kids.
DATE
November 23
LOCATION
Drumheller, AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
November 1
For more information: alesha.hill@gov.ab.ac
4-H CANADA HEALTHY
LIVING INITIATIVE
Through the new Healthy Living Initiative,
4-H Canada has developed a series of
resources and webinars designed to
increase the knowledge and capacity of its
volunteer leaders when working with youth
members. These resources will train leaders
to recognize youth in distress and provide
the access to support they need. The first
of three focuses – Mental Health – is now
available for download at 4-h-canada.ca/
healthyliving. Check back in December
for more resources on physical and
nutritional health.
30
HANDS-ON SCIENCE TRAINING
4-H Alberta is offering 4-H Canada’s
Hands-on Science Training Program!
Hands-on Science is an interactive leader
development workshop that helps leaders to
incorporate science and technology within
their existing 4-H projects. This two-day
training will give leaders the tools to promote
science opportunities to youth, identify ways
to highlight scientific ideas in 4-H clubs
and programs and to develop a stronger
foundation of the basics of scientific inquiry
and process.
DATES
Dec 7 - 8
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
November 15
LOCATION
Edmonton Area
For more information: alesha.hill@gov.ab.ac
BECOME A KEY LEADER
If you are a 4-H leader who is passionate
and knowledgeable about the 4-H program,
and want to lend a helping hand, you may
want to consider becoming a Key Leader.
Each Key Leader acts as the ‘go-to person’
within a district to offer support, help out
and answer questions that others may
have. They are dedicated and experienced
leaders themselves who are well versed in
club, committee and council operations. Key
Leaders strive for the success of the 4-H
program and those within it.
For more information or if you are interested
in pursuing this opportunity, contact your
district council or Regional 4-H specialist.
4-H CANADA NATIONAL
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
The 4-H Canada Leadership Summit is the
premier 4-H professional development,
knowledge sharing and networking
opportunity for 4-H volunteer leaders. In
February 2020, meet 4-H leaders, provincial
directors and staff from across the country
when we meet in Ottawa Ontario!
The conference is an opportunity to explore
a variety of programs and topics of interest
through all four of 4-H Canada’s Leadership
Development Pillars. Participants can expect
to learn more about 4-H in other provinces,
share best practices, learn more about 4-H
Canada programs, and have lots of fun. For
more information visit 4-h-canada.ca.
DATES
February 8 - 11
LOCATION
Ottawa, ON
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
October 15
Visit 4h.ab.ca/About/documents/
LeaderDevelopmentApplicationForm.pdf
to apply.
For more information: alesha.hill@gov.ab.ca

4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Growing Leaders
OF TOMORROW
Cervus Equipment is committed to growing
future leaders by proudly supporting 4-H
Alberta programs in our communities.
cervusequipment.com
CHAPERONE
OPPORTUNITIES
AGRICULTURE
DEVELOPMENT TOUR
Pack your bags and head off on the road trip
of a life time with 20-22 senior 4-H members
through northern Alberta and the Northwest
Territories. You will travel by bus and stop at
various landmarks and agriculture centres,
all while camping each night amidst the
beautiful northern scenery. Though you
will depart as strangers, you will return
as a family. This year’s route and ultimate
destination have yet to be determined but
more information will be made available
closer to the Selections program.
DATES
July/August 2020
LOCATION
NWT & Alberta
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
June 1
Visit 4h.ab.ca/About/LeaderPrograms.html
to apply.
For more information: alesha.hill@gov.ab.ca
4-H CANADA
CITIZENSHIP CONGRESS
Chaperone 4-H Alberta’s seven participants
at the 4-H Canada Citizenship Congress.
While at the program, participants
will deepen their understanding of
governance and public policy, nurture your
communication skills, and expand their
horizons as they discover some of what it
means to be Canadian in the nation’s capital.
Workshops will culminate with the annual
debate where 4-H members will construct
insightful arguments, and practice skills of
persuasion and public speaking.
DATES
May 5 - 10
LOCATION
Ottawa ON
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
December 1
Visit 4h.ab.ca/About/LeaderPrograms.html
to apply.
For more information: alesha.hill@gov.ab.ca
31

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
CLUBS
• •
9TH ANNUAL 4-H ALBERTA
PARTNER APPRECIATION
EVENING
Our partners, sponsors, and donors play
an integral role in 4-H and this is our
chance to say thank you. Once again, the
4-H Foundation of Alberta would like to
invite clubs, leaders, parents and members
to participate in the 9th Annual Partner
Appreciation Evening. Participants will be
treated to a delicious meal where they will
have the chance to mingle with sponsors,
share their 4-H experience and demonstrate
the value and benefits of the program.
The 4-H Foundation of Alberta is looking
for volunteers to help make this event a
grand success.
DATES
October 22
LOCATION
Airdrie AB
If you or your club is interested
in participating please contact:
nkaczkowski@4HAB.com
CLUB TO CLUB EXCHANGES
Explore Canada through our Club to Club
Exchanges! Groups of eight to ten youth and
two chaperones participate in a reciprocal
exchange with a 4-H group from another
part of the country. This gives each group a
chance to explore one of the biggest, most
vibrant and most diverse nations in the
world. The Club to Club Exchange challenges
participating groups to become community
ambassadors as they host their twins and put
their hometowns on display.
For more information:
4-h-canada.ca/clubtoclub
32
FCC 4-H CLUB FUND
With the continued support of Farm Credit
Canada (FCC), we’re providing another year
of the FCC 4-H Club Fund. These funds
are available to all 4-H clubs, districts and
regions across Canada. Together with FCC,
our goal is to help young Canadian’s “Learn
To Do By Doing” in a safe, inclusive and
fun environment.
$100,000 is available in grants of up to $500
per club, district or region across Canada.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
October 31
For more information:
4-h-canada.ca/clubfunds
SHOW YOUR 4-H COLOURS
November is 4-H month and 4-H’ers
across Canada love to show their 4-H
pride all month long, but know that the first
Wednesday of the month is our chance to
make a big splash—of green that is!
Show Your 4-H Colours Day is National 4-H
Day in Canada and is your chance to wear
green, celebrate 4-H and share what 4-H
means to you as a member, volunteer leader,
alumni or supporter, all while having tons of
fun. Don your 4-H colours, get out into your
communities, post to social media, do acts
of kindness, and share your enthusiasm for
everything 4-H! Wear green, take selfies and
share your 4-H pride with the world using
the hashtag #ShowYour4HColours
DATES
November 6
Visit www.showyour4hcolours.ca to learn
how you can get involved.
STEEPED IN SOIL
Through this initiative, supported by
Syngenta Canada, your 4-H club will learn
the nitty-gritty about soil, participate in a
global science experiment, and choose from
a variety of hands-on activities to understand
the importance of soil health!
By participating in this program,
members will:
• Learn about and identify soils
• Understand the importance of
healthy soils
• Conduct in-the-field tests
• Participate in a nation-wide citizen
science experiment.
REGISTRATION OPENS
January 1 - February 29
Apply at 4-h-canada.ca/steepedinsoil
PROUD TO BEE A 4-H’ER
This annual initiative supported by Syngenta
Canada educates and engages 4-H youth
to broaden their understanding around the
importance of pollinators and the multiple
factors that impact bee health. 4-H clubs
receive pollinator-friendly seed packets that
they can plant at home or in community
gardens, hand out in the community or sell
as a fundraiser. They also receive pollinator
info cards they can share with their friends
and community.
REGISTRATION OPENS
January 1
For more information:
4-h-canada.ca/proudtobee

FIND YOUR WINGS
Find Your 4-H Wings is an exciting campaign
supported by TransCanada that encourages
4-H’ers to get active outdoors and learn
about their winged friends!
Members will again have the opportunity for
hands-on activities where they can:
• Get actively engaged in the outdoors,
make healthy choices, and contribute to
their community.
• Be active stewards of the environment
and participate in hands-on activities.
• Participate in activities that explore
issues related to biodiversity,
endangered species and the importance
of sustaining habitats.
• Share their knowledge with others and
build community awareness about
protecting our winged friends.
REGISTRATION CLOSES
December 16
For more information
4-h-canada.ca/findyour4hwings
DISCOVER SCIENCE
Discover Science, supported by Bayer
Canada and NSERC, is 4-H Canada’s newest
initiative to help 4-H’ers explore STEM
(science, technology, engineering and math)
in a fun and hands-on way! Through this
initiative, club members of all ages will work
together to complete a science experiment,
themed around a current topic in STEM.
Kits will be sent out to participating clubs
and will contain all of the necessary pieces
to complete the experiment. The goal is for
members to cultivate their curiosity and
spark their passion for science through a fun,
accessible, and hands-on activity!
For more information:
4-h-canada.ca/discoverscience
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
As Alberta’s largest agricultural show,
Farmfair International has been helping
grow future leaders for over 45 years.
• Junior Futurity Showcase – Nov. 9
• 4-H Day – Nov. 9
farmfairinternational.com
#FARMFAIR | Edmonton EXPO Centre
I WOULD DEFINITELY ENCOURAGE
OTHER CLUBS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE
OF THE 4-H CANADA CLUB TO CLUB
EXCHANGE PROGRAM!
- Branden Langeweg — North 40 Mile 4-H Club
TRAVEL
WITH US
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
33

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
SHOWS •
COMPETITIONS
•
4-H ALBERTA BEEF HEIFER SHOW
For 43 years the 4-H Alberta Beef Heifer
Show has provided 4-H members the
opportunity to showcase their beef female
project, hone their skills and gain further
knowledge of trends in the beef industry, all
within an experiential environment designed
for their learning and development. Through
participation in the Beef Heifer Show, you will
develop your passion for the beef industry,
share your vision with other youth and
adults, and have tons of fun.
Furthermore, you will sharpen your skills in
showmanship, judging, grooming and beef
knowledge – plus show off your
prized project animal in a series of
conformation classes.
Don’t have a female project but still want to
see what all the hype is about? No problem!
Come and experience firsthand by helping
out fellow 4-H’ers and take part in all the
non-animal opportunities.
WHO CAN ATTEND
All Members
DATES
July 6 - 9
LOCATION
Olds Regional Exhibition, Olds AB
REGISTRATION
April 1 – June 1
4-H ALBERTA SHEEP SHOW
The 4-H Alberta Sheep show is celebrating
its 10th year in 2020!!!
This always-popular show is a reflection
of the thriving Alberta sheep industry
and provides a tremendous educational
opportunity at the provincial level for 4-H
members to broaden their knowledge of
showing, trimming, and judging sheep, as
well as the general sheep industry.
In addition, the 4-H Alberta Sheep Show
is great place to learn best practices and
connect with like-minded youth. In other
words, you will be meeting a lot of
great people!
So if you want to: sharpen your skill base in
an industry focused event; get involved at
the next level and network; and expand your
knowledge base beyond the farm gate then
this is an opportunity you do not want
to miss.
Don’t have a breeding animal? No problem!
Any member registered in the sheep project,
with any level of experience, can attend the
4-H Alberta Sheep Show without an animal.
COMPONENTS OF THE SHEEP SHOW
• Informative Demonstrations & Sessions
• Trimming
• Showmanship
• Sheep Judging
• Show Team Judging
• Marketing
• Costume Classes
• Conformation Classes
WHO CAN ATTEND
All Sheep Members
DATES
July 7 - 10
LOCATION
Olds Regional Exhibition, Olds AB
REGISTRATION
April 1 – June 1
34

4-H ALBERTA STEER
CARCASS COMPETITION
Want to take part in one of the fastest
growing projects in Alberta? Read on!
“Making the grade” is not about how the
steer looks in the show ring, it's about
marbling, yield, ribeye size, fat thickness
and carcass size as the main criteria. Each
of these criteria are determined by a single
grader that travels to each facility for
competition consistency. Once harvested,
all steers are graded by Dr. Oscar Lopez-
Campos - a Livestock Carcass Merit and
Market Competitiveness Research Scientist.
We all like a good cut of beef, right? Well,
the goal of this competition is to raise quality
beef for a restaurant. This is unique, but also
challenges and encourages you to consider
many different aspects when selecting an
animal for a specific goal.
To take things even a step further you
will submit DNA samples that provides a
Carcass Trait Profile on your animal, to better
understand the traits your carcass project
exhibits. You are then able to compare the
DNA results to the grading results. Carcass
traits analyzed included marbling, average
daily gain, fat thickness, ribeye area and
tenderness. Pretty interesting stuff!
In addition, the 4-H Alberta Steer Carcass
Competition incorporates a “science and
technology” theme by providing each you
with another tool to consider when looking
at your animal(s). By providing a genetic
profile on 17 different traits, ranging from
average daily gain and calving ease, to fat
thickness and stayability, you are better able
to determine what is the genetic makeup of
your herd.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
December 15
For more information: alexia.hoy@gov.ab.ca
REGIONAL
CALGARY REGION
WINTER BONANZA
It’s January! It’s winter! So embrace it and
come for a weekend of fun and friends.
DATES
January 3 - 5
LOCATION
Kamp Kiwanis
COUNSELOR DEADLINE
November 1
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
November 15
AWARDS DAY
DATES
November 30
LOCATION
Hosted by Kneehill District
CURLING BONSPIEL
Hurry hard!! Come for a great day on the ice
with members from across the region.
DATES
February 17
LOCATION
TBA
4-H ON PARADE
One of the largest 4-H shows in the world,
4-H on Parade offers a regional show with
something for everyone. From livestock
and equine, to life skills and everything in
between, this event is truly one of a kind and
a must attend!
DATES
May 28 - 31
LOCATION
Calgary Stampede Grounds
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
EAST CENTRAL REGION
INTERMEDIATE WINTER CAMP
All Intermediate 4-H members in the region
who are between the ages of 12 and 14 (as
of January 1, 2020) are invited to register for
Intermediate Camp. The camp will include
sessions, games, group activities and lots of
fun! Maximum of 80 campers.
DATES
November 22 - 24
LOCATION
Circle Square Ranch, Halkirk AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
November 1
FUN DAY
All 4-H members in the Region are invited
to register for Fun Day! The day will include
craft sessions, games, swimming and a
whole lot more!
DATES
January 4
LOCATION
William E Hay Stettler Secondary Campus,
Stettler AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
January 2
JUNIOR WINTER CAMP
4-H’ers here is a great opportunity to join
your friends for a weekend of fun and laughs.
DATES
February 21 - 23
LOCATION
Circle Square Ranch, Halkirk AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
TBA
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
April 1
For information on Calgary Region events
contact: alexia.hoy@gov.ab.ca
35

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20
4-H
4-H NIGHT AT THE
RED DEER REBELS
Join 4-H members and their families from
the West Central and East Central 4-H
Regions to enjoy an evening of hockey!
DATES
March 14
LOCATION
Enmax Centrium, Westerner Park,
Red Deer AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
January 24
For information on East Central Region
events contact Yvonne Yaremcio at
Yvonne.yaremcio@gov.ab.ca
NORTHEAST REGION
FALL FLING
Talk to anyone that has ever attended
and they will tell you this is the best 24
hour camp in the country! Come join the
Bonnyville District and other junior 4-H
members from around the Northeast Region
for games, challenges, creative sessions,
and great fun. This camp also gives senior
members a chance to learn responsibility
and leadership, as they act as junior staff
throughout the weekend.
DATES
November 22 - 23
LOCATION
Ecole Notre Dame High School, Bonnyville AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
November 15
For more information on Northeast Region
events contact Shelly Ann Dodgson at
shellyann.dodgson@gov.ab.ca
YOU BE THE JUDGE &
CONSUMER DECISION MAKING
Join us for an interactive livestock judging
and consumer decision making workshop.
DATES
February 8
LOCATION
Lakeland College, Vermilion
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
March 31
36
WEST CENTRAL REGION
INTERMEDIATE WINTER CAMP
Great games, group activities, friends and
fun – need we say more?!?
DATES
January 17 - 19
LOCATION
Alberta 4-H Centre, Westerose AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
December 15
JUNIOR WINTER CAMP
4-H’ers here is a great opportunity to join
your friends for a weekend of fun and laughs.
DATES
February 28 - March 1
LOCATION
Alberta 4-H Centre, Westerose AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
January 15
4-H NIGHT AT THE
RED DEER REBELS
Join 4-H members and their families from
the West Central and East Central 4-H
Regions to enjoy an evening of hockey!
DATES
March 14
LOCATION
Enmax Centrium, Westerner Park,
Red Deer AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
January 24
For information contact Yvonne Yaremcio at
Yvonne.yaremcio@gov.ab.ca
NORTHWEST REGION
8TH ANNUAL HORSE PLAY
A fun day learning all about horses. Includes
guest speakers, ID stations, slide show quiz,
games, lunch and sessions with horses.
DATES
November 2
LOCATION
Sturgeon Agriplex, Cardiff AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
October 23
KNOWLEDGE COLLEGE &
4-H FAIR
The NW 4-H Knowledge College is for any
leader, volunteer, parent or senior member in
the Northwest Region. The 4-H Fair is open
to all 4-H members and adults.
DATES
November 23
LOCATION
Lac Ste Anne
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
November 1
4-H NIGHT AT THE
EDMONTON OIL KINGS
DATES
January 5
LOCATION
Rogers Place, Edmonton
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
TBA
WHAT’S YOUR BEEF?
A beef project specific learning day open to
all 4-H members and leaders.
DATES
January 18
LOCATION
AgBarn, Barrhead AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
January 3
4-H WINTER WEEKEND
Join in the games as we toboggan and play
in the snow, enjoy some warmth with a
dip in the pool and indoor games, get to
know others from around the region, and
re-acquaint yourself with friends made at
summer camp. This camp is open to 9-12
year old members only.
DATES
January 25 - 26
LOCATION
Camp Nakamum, Busby AB
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
January 3
For more information on Northwest Region
events contact Stacy Murray at
stacy.murray@gov.ab.ca

SOUTH REGION
CONSUMER DECISION MAKING
WORKSHOP AND COMPETITION
All members, junior, intermediate and senior
invited to attend this EXCITING new event.
Note there are NO ANIMALS for those who
may have allergies or are involved in projects
other than livestock projects. Come and join
us for what promises to be a fun day!
DATES
November 30
PEACE REGION
WINTER CAMP
DATES
February 7 - 9
LOCATION
Camp Tamarack, Grande Prairie AB
CAMPER REGISTRATION DEADLINE
January 31
COUNSELLOR APPLICATION
DEADLINE
December 31
4-H ALBERTA MAGAZINE // 4H.AB.CA
PEACE COUNTRY CLASSIC
AGRI-SHOW AND 4-H PROGRAM*
DATES
March 7
LOCATION
Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie AB
* Non-sanctioned event open to 4-H members
PEACE BEEF PROSPECT SHOW*
DATES
April 18
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
LOCATION
Vauxhall Elementary School, Vauchall AB
For more information contact Ginny Smith at
ginny.smith@gov.ab.ca
LOCATION
Valleyview Ag Society Grounds,
Valleyview AB
* Non-sanctioned event open to 4-H members
For more information contact Nicole Hornett
at Nicole.hornett@gov.ab.ca
37

FALL &
WINTER
2019/20 4-H
Opening young minds to new skills is job one.
That’s why in 2019 your UFA has supported over 200 4-H programs
that give local kids hands-on learning experiences.
38
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