This week I’d like to write about a fantastic group that has a very exciting event coming up and who also just received an important grant from the provincial government: B.C.’s 4-H clubs.
Most of you are surely familiar with the agriculturally focused youth group that’s been around for over 95 years. Made up of youth aged 6-21, the 4-H Club helps its young members develop community awareness, leadership skills, and a wide range of agriculture and farming knowledge.
In just a short while the 4-H club will have its annual show and sale at the Williams Lake Stockyards. This takes place from Aug. 19 to 24 and will showcase the work of 10 different clubs from the Williams Lake and 100 Mile districts including Big Lake, Canim Valley, Chilcotin, Chimney Valley, Highland, Horsefly, Lone Butte, Rose Lake-Miocene and Springhouse.
Over 200 youth will be involved in showcasing their animals, photography, gardening, small engines and food. There will be prizes in a number of different contests and all live animals available for purchase can be scooped up on the last day of the event with all sales funding the 4-H clubs.
This event is a great opportunity for the youth to meet one another, trade ideas and show off their hard work. I hope you’ll head out to see them. This event comes on the heels of a very exciting funding announcement recently made by the Ministry of Agriculture. On July 23, B.C. 4-H received $85,000 to continue agriculture awareness among young British Columbians and management of the 4-H program.
More than 2,350 youth are involved in 4-H here in B.C., and the program goes quite beyond cattle raising and agriculture skills. Members also learn goal-setting skills, practice public speaking, and develop respect for people and animals.
The B.C. 4-H program is a vital link between youth and agriculture that contributes to the future of farming in B.C. These lifelong skills the youth develop in this special club help shape them into worthwhile citizens of any community, whether it be in farming or otherwise.