The future of work may be changing, but we know you have the potential, the ambition and the power to impact the world around you. That ’s why we created RBC® Future Launch, a program that increases your access to skill development, networking, work experience and mental well being supports and ser vices.
Empowering you for the jobs of today and tomorrow. rbc.com/futurelaunch
Empowering youth for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Meet
Head
GREATER THINKING & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Annemarie Shrouder Helps People Learn To Do By… Understanding 10
4-Minutes with 4-H Video Series: By Youth, For Youth . . . . . . 11 How the 4-H Movement Stayed Digitally Connected in a Physically Distanced World 12
The Field to Fork Challenge Mixes Together Youth and BC Grown Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SHINING A LIGHT ON 4-H MEMBERS & ALUMNI
Giving Back is Second Nature for Gord Bamford 18 Linda Porter Has Set *THE* Example for Us All . . . . . . . . . . . 20 4-H Runs in the Heatherlea Farm Family 21
Alumni Spotlight: Enid Horn Reflects on a Lifetime with 4-H . . 23
GIVING BACK TO 4-H & BEYOND
Want to Be a 4-H Leader? Here’s How! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
My Journey from 4-H Member to Politician to Business Owner 25
One-on-One with Erin Thorp: From 4-H Teamwork to Empathetic Leadership . . . . . . . . . . 26
BETTER LIVING FOR YOURSELF & YOUR WORLD
Trailblazers in Leadership 28 4-H’er Gives Back through Funnies for Families . . . . . . . . . . 30
Leading the Way with Youth Safety 31
Mark Your Calendar 32
Stay up-to-date, reconnect with 4-H and fellow alumni, discover unique opportunities, and help grow future generations of leaders! Learn more and register to be part of the alumni community at club1913.ca
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I PLEDGE
My HEAD to clearer thinking, My HEART to greater loyalty, My HANDS to larger service, My HEALTH for better living,
For my club, my community, my country, and my world .
The mission of the 4-H movement in Canada is to empower youth to be responsible, caring, and contributing leaders who effect positive change in the world around them .
The Pledge
The magazine for 4-H alumni in Canada
960 Carling Avenue Building 106 Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6
Phone: 1-844--759-1013 Email: info@4-h-canada.ca
Cover Photo
Sage Watson, Canadian Olympian and 2021 4-H Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient.
Photo Credit
Courtesy of Canada Beef
Editor
Lori Barron
Design and Layout Character Creative
Thriving communities in partnership with youth leaders
Printing
Bradda Printing Services Inc.
Distributed November 2022
Opinions expressed in The Pledge do not necessarily reflect those of 4-H Canada. Permission to translate and/or reprint all contents of The Pledge is granted to interested organizations, with appropriate acknowledgement of 4-H Canada.
The Pledge magazine
Copyright © 2022 4-H Canada
The world we live in today is dramatically different than that of late 2019 when work originally began on this particular issue of The Pledge. Nobody could have imagined that in a few short months, the world as we know it would come to a complete standstill. That offices would close, schools would be forced to shut down, social activities would come to a grinding halt, and the very way we carry on our daily lives would change. Most importantly, for the first time in memory, people around the world would have to find new ways to come together.
4-H did not escape the impacts that were felt around the world, and like everyone else, the 4-H community had to find a way to carry on. In true 4-H fashion, the approach was a familiar one: we all learned to do by doing.
Personally, the pandemic also drove home the fact that commitment to the 4-H Pledge doesn’t stop once you make the transition from 4-H member to alumnus. For me - and I’m sure for the alumni community as a whole - the Pledge is my compass for navigating through the ups and downs of life. And, there certainly were some steep dips during the pandemic.
However, fast-forward to today, nearly three full years later, and here we are - finally putting the finishing touches on a very different issue of this magazine. While the pandemic isn’t in the rear-view mirror yet, and there is likely still a long road ahead, reflecting back on the past few years has revealed the resiliency and dedication of the 4-H community across Canada. And this issue is a testament to that strength.
While much of the original content remains, celebrating the accomplishments of dedicated leaders and alumni, we've also added brand new content that tells stories of how together, the 4-H movement adapted and rose to the challenge to make sure our programs could continue.
Thanks to those adaptations, not only did 4-H programming and clubs survive, but programming has diversified and improved because of our leaders’ and members’ innovations and commitment to 4-H and the pledge we all know so well.
The stories in this issue – be it spotlights, celebrations, or program highlights – they are all reminders of that pledge and how 4-H’ers (current and alumni) continue to use our heads, our hearts, our hands, and our health for the betterment of our clubs, our communities, our countries - and now more than ever - for our world.
We hope you are inspired by their stories.
Until next time,
Communications Manager 4-H Canada 4-H Newfoundland & Labrador Alumna
Iam on a wonderful 4-H journey. My 4-H story began as a member in rural Manitoba. There weren’t many extracurricular activities available, but 4-H was, and I’m grateful it was offered in my community. I joined 4-H with my friends, and we all remember our first speech, first achievement, or first livestock show.
Perhaps some of the lessons that were part of my journey resonate with you: public speaking, leadership, teamwork, life skills, lifelong friends, travel, and a sense of belonging. Some people say “4-H made me who I am.” But, I say, “at 4-H, it was easy to be who I am.”
My journey continues today as a 4-H leader, parent, and volunteer. 4-H programming has evolved to remain relevant, but the core mission to empower youth to be responsible, caring, and contributing leaders in their communities remains the same. I am excited that 4-H members, including my three kids, continue to benefit.
Sometimes I am asked by 4-H members to provide a reference for a job or scholarship application, and I can’t find enough room on the page to share the great things I know about these young people who are making a difference to
their world. This is the highlight of my 4-H journey so far - knowing that the future is in good hands.
For me, being a volunteer and watching 4-H members learn and grow has been inspirational, and the return on time invested is unbelievable. We always hear the term “give back”, and there are so many ways to contribute to the 4-H program as alumni. You can participate in fundraising efforts locally, provincially, or nationally. And while fundraising is important at all levels, another valuable contribution you can give is your time. Consider making time for 4-H again... I think you’ll be so happy you did.
But, even if you feel that you can’t spare the time, don’t apologize! There are many other ways to be a 4-H champion. One very easy way is to simply share your favourite 4-H memories often, and encourage the young people around you to join a club. You know as well as I do that everyone deserves a journey in 4-H.
Sincerely, Carlie Whetter Chair, 4-H Canada Board of Directors 4-H Manitoba Alumna
Be the first to know about upcoming events and opportunities for alumni!
4-H’s Club 1913 is an online hub for all 4-H alumni across Canada . Being a member of 4-H’s Club 1913 represents an opportunity for 4-H alumni to help grow future generations of leaders by volunteering, becoming mentors, and engaging in knowledge and skills transfer opportunities with 4-H youth .
Join Club 1913 today at club1913.ca
Supporting 4-H’ers on their career journey is easier than you might think! We’ve developed some resources with simple ways to incorporate career readiness skills into your existing club programming
Access the full library of Careers on the Grow resources today at 4-h-canada.ca/
Circle Feb. 28, 2023 in your calendar to mark our biggest night of the year – the 4-H Canada Leadership Awards!
Join us virtually, along with a special celebrity host, as we proudly showcase the achievements of outstanding 4-H youth, leaders, alumni, and champions, who demonstrate 4-H values every day, and help us raise important funds for the Canadian 4-H Foundation.
Find out more at 4-h-canada.ca/4hawards
Sage Watson wears many hats (along with quite a few medals around her neck).
From Medicine Hat, AB, Sage grew up on a ranch – which led her to 4-H as a beef club member. At the same time, she was developing her skills as a track and field athlete.
Fast-forward a few years, and she’d become a household name, competing internationally for Canada at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, where she earned bronze in the 400m relay, and later gold in the 400m hurdles at the Lima 2019 Pan Am Games in Peru. Sage also competed in the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan, as well as multiple World Athletics Championships across the globe.
Sage is truly one of Canada’s most beloved track and field athletes, easily recognized by the trademark red lipstick she wears in competition. Having balanced athletics and academics at the University of Arizona, she graduated at the top of her class with a degree in Business Marketing.
On top of this already impressive feat, Sage serves as an ambassador for Canada Beef and advocates for female athletes along with charitable causes in her hometown. She continues to pursue education while championing 4-H because of the positive effects she said it has had on her life.
Earning the 2021 4-H Canada Distinguished Alumni Award, the former member was presented with the honour at the 4-H Canada Leadership Awards, held virtually with host Peter Mansbridge in February 2022.
I recently caught up with Sage to talk about the award and how 4-H has impacted all aspects of her life and career.
Ryan: Naturally, the first big question is how did you get involved with 4-H?
Sage: We have a ranch outside Medicine Hat, and I was a member of the Seven Persons Beef Club. I absolutely loved it. It’s a multi-club now, but it was initially just beef when I joined. I would have been nine years old, with my parents being the big motivators.
Ryan: What aspects did you like best about 4-H?
Sage: It was so cool to be part of a club with older members who were eager to help me learn. I loved the community service events, and going to camp where they took us skiing.
I did so many impromptus and enjoyed public speaking, which helped me a lot. I do it a lot now, speaking in front of others. 4-H prepared me for that and got me comfortable – not to mention the many interactions as a kid that you have with grown-ups, which I think matures you.
Ryan: You went on to become a District Grand Champion for your steer and competed in regional public speaking finals. How long were you a member for?
Sage: I would have been in it for only about four years. I started doing track and field at the same time, and Provincial Championships and our show and sale were always on the same weekend. So, I had to choose. That’s just the way life works, but I think it worked out in the end!
Ryan: You were the recent recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award Congratulations!
Sage: I’m so honoured. It was an amazing opportunity and unexpected. And I see how
4-H is still changing kids’ lives and bringing people together. There is a lot of love and joy and learning there. It feels like I’ve come full circle.
Ryan: Had you stayed involved with 4-H before the award?
Sage: It’s always been a big part of my life. My mom is a 4-H leader. My brother, who is 11 years younger than me, is a member now, too. It’s a big thing in our community. We hosted the club weigh-in at our ranch last year and I was at the last public speaking competition. So, 4-H stayed a big part of my family and my life.
Ryan: You are still involved with agriculture through Canada Beef, correct?
Sage: Canada Beef has been an incredible sponsor. It’s been a huge part of my life and connected me to knowledge about ranching, grazing, nutrition... I’ve served as an ambassador for them and given presentations. My work with Canada Beef is actually part of the reason why I was even considered for the alumni award.
Ryan: You have travelled across the globe, competing twice in the Olympics and at the Pan American Games. Is there a correlation between 4-H and track and field, or any skill you developed when you were a member that you use as an athlete?
Sage: Leadership. I’ve served as Team Captain, so there are many skills from 4-H that I’ve used as far as communication and being an effective leader. Because of 4-H, I know how to be a good listener and bring out the best in others.
Ryan: You do so much in terms of athletics, education, and volunteering. How do you fit it all in and what’s taking priority right now?
Sage: I love running and have had amazing sponsors. I’m lucky to have been able to pursue this career – there have been so many opportunities. I had an injury in my back that
I’m still recovering from, but I’m working towards the next Olympics in Paris. I’m also staying close to home. I’m the ambassador to the YMCA in my hometown.
Ryan: As far as your travels go, has any place really stuck out to you?
Sage: I’ve been to Japan three times. It’s incredible. The culture is built on respect. I love Japanese food (especially sushi)! The other one might be Belgium. I love the lifestyle – you walk and bike everywhere and the communities are more tightknit. I love traveling because it’s fun to experience how people in different places around the world go about their lives.
Ryan: Have you met any 4-H’ers in those travels?
Sage: I’ve met 4-H’ers all over the place! There’s an instant bond. You recognize it in each other. It’s funny - I’m from a small community where everyone was in 4-H, so I just assumed everyone did it. I’ve met people, especially in the US, who were members. But, I’ve also met a lot of people who have never heard of 4-H, and I’m always like, “well, let me tell you ALL about it…”
Ryan: Do you have any recommendations for young members or kids who might just be starting to get involved with 4-H?
Sage: Step out of your comfort zone. There’s so much to learn and you might be nervous at first, but just put yourself out there. Put your name in for a position, like vice president - something that you might not normally have done or thought you had the skills to do.
Ryan: Where do you see yourself and your career heading?
Sage: I’m back taking courses and working on nutrition coaching and getting certified with that. I always want to learn more and continue to learn throughout my life. I see that as the next chapter in my life – helping others pursue a healthy lifestyle through health, wellness, sports, and nutrition.
Ryan: Thank you for talking with The Pledge and congratulations once again on the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Sage: Thank you everyone, and thank you to 4-H Canada for your support and for cheering me on. It’s been a huge honour.
4-H CANADA IS LOOKING FOR OUTSTANDING 4-H ALUMNI WHO LIVE THE 4-H PLEDGE – EVERY DAY, AND IN EVERY WAY.
The 4-H Canada Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments and leadership and contributions of 4-H alumni to our communities, country, and world. Find out more at 4-h-canada.ca/awards/ alumni.
Proud Partner of 4-H CanadaPhoto Credit: Courtesy of Sage Watson
In recent years, the term “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DE&I) has sparked conversations everywhere –from kitchen tables to boardrooms and beyond.
Unfortunately, some may dismiss it as a catchphrase. In my experience, organizations that embrace DE&I find that it leads to collaboration and growth. It’s an area I’m passionate about and proud to help weave into the fabric at Syngenta Canada. Ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace is cemented in our values and key to our success.
What do I mean by DE&I? A common understanding is the first step to meaningful conversations. Many will recall the term hitting the mainstream in 2020 when world events shed light on social injustice and racial bias. And while race and ethnicity are important aspects of DE&I, it’s an umbrella term that encompasses many other factors, including age, ability, gender, gender identity, socio-economic status, and more.
The presence of differences on a team leads to diverse perspectives that help strengthen an organization and allow its people to feel seen, heard, and valued. I really believe that creating an inclusive environment and embracing diversity in an organization unlocks another level of engagement, as employees can show up as the best versions of themselves.
A strong sense of belonging also leads to better performance and organization sustainability. I really believe DE&I is a key enabler to attracting and engaging the best talent who are fundamental to achieving our goals for agricultural innovation and sustainability.
As a global company with nearly 30,000 employees worldwide, an inclusive culture is part of Syngenta’s DNA – yet DE&I is not something that we can take for granted. It requires commitment that starts with our leadership team, and increased awareness at all levels. A DE&I approach is an ongoing commitment in our daily operations, practices, and programs.
A recent example of DE&I in action is our COVID task force, where employees representing a range of genders, ages, and demographics collaborated to help our company navigate through an uncertain time. Our team was effective not because of any one individual or skill set. It was the diversity of the team that drove our results.
Our focus on women in the workplace is another example of our DE&I commitment. Currently, 44% of our employee base is female and 35% of our leadership roles are now being held by women, with a goal to increase that number. Putting programs and policies in place that empower women is critical to our success.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer where every individual can achieve their full potential at work, regardless of gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. In fact, we recently became a member of Pride at Work Canada, the leading national organization promoting workplace cultures that are inclusive to LGBTQ2A+ people. Our membership gives all employees access to educational resources, programs, and events in their local communities.
I am by no means a DE&I expert, but it is something I am deeply committed to. It’s vital to foster an environment where our team can contribute, grow, and prosper. At the end of the day, I want our employees to feel that they can be their authentic selves and know the company cares for them regardless of who they are.
I encourage everyone, whether you are a manager of a large company, owner of a small business, or a volunteer sitting around a board table, to make DE&I a focus for your organization. Partnering with organizations who are already engaged in the space is just one way to take action.
I truly believe that embracing DE&I will help us unlock our potential to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of Canadian agriculture.
What do the words inclusivity and diversity mean to you?
When we talk about these issues, are we – as a society – able to recognize, understand, and learn about the true value of inclusivity and diversity?
These are some of the important questions the 4-H community is asking, and the discussions that are taking place as we strive to ensure the 4-H movement is accessible and available to all.
These are also some of the questions 4-H alumna, Annemarie Shrouder, aims to help organizations and individuals answer.
Annemarie - whose keynote presentation was a highlight of the 2021 4-H Canada Leadership Summit - is an international speaker, consultant, and published author on the subjects of inclusivity and diversity, and has been working in the field for nearly 20 years.
A former elementary school teacher, Annemarie now educates adults and organizations on what advantages diverse workplace environments can give, not only in terms of productivity and creativity, but also employee satisfaction and mental health.
“People need to be seen, heard, and valued,” Annemarie said. “We want people to thrive, organizations to do better - and we know that when workplace environments are inclusive, employee engagement and job satisfaction increases. If we’re listening and using the information we gather, we can do things differently.”
According to Annemarie, organizations can encounter a number of challenges when they decide to make their work environment more inclusive. One of the most common mistakes is when companies incorrectly equate having a diverse workforce as automatically being an inclusive workplace.
“If people don’t feel safe and have a sense of belonging, they won’t engage – so those two things need to go together,” she said. “You need diversity and inclusion for innovation.”
Annemarie believes that the first step to meaningful improvement for any organization is to admit there are areas for growth and ways to be more diverse and inclusive. Once they identify there’s work to be done, organizations can have internal dialogues and begin crafting action plans that help them improve incrementally. However, she cautions organizations that they need to start from the inside out. For example, she says some companies may hire people of colour to make their workforce more diverse. But, if employees aren’t also given the opportunity to participate and be included, they may leave over time, putting organizations right back at square one – with a lack of diversity and inclusivity.
Annemarie says there’s no simple solution, and everyone needs to be part of cultural changes within a work environment.
“Organizations need to work on inclusion, safety, and learning together,” advised Annemarie. “Build out a strategy and be thoughtful on how you approach it. We are dealing with human beings, and they have feelings.”
Annemarie’s experience predates what she saw first-hand as an elementary school teacher. As a biracial person, and someone who identifies as queer, she has had her fair share of personal experiences where she didn’t feel included – and worse. It was these memories and stories of her youth, mixed with her subject matter expertise and abilities as a communicator, that drove Annemarie to write her book: Being Brown in a Black and White World
In the book, Annemarie highlights the polarity of race – the either/or – and the impact of that on a personal level, and in the workplace. She also shares the personal cost of this polarization and the cost to organizations, and asks us to imagine a new way to heal the racial divide and create healthy workplace communities.
“My work is part personal story and part leadership lens,” explained Annemarie. “It’s my experience of the world as a biracial individualit’s no coincidence I do what I do.”
And she isn’t stopping there. Annemarie is working at making her education tools and information more readily available to all through an e-learning system to complement training sessions, as she continues to run her leadership program.
To find out more about Annemarie, visit annemarieshrouder.com
From staying involved with local clubs to helping develop 4-H Canada’s national programming, the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is the voice for 4-H youth across the country. One of their most exciting projects over the past year has been the 4-Minutes with 4-H video series.
Since 2020, 4-H Canada and BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions have been teaming up to create the 4-Minutes with 4-H video series, hosting engaging conversations on important topics from mental health, career development, and public trust in agriculture to leadership skills and development . With YAC members leading the interviews, these conversations focus on a youth perspective, while also incorporating valuable insight from experienced industry professionals
In one of the most impactful videos to date, YAC representative Matt Boutilier from Nova Scotia virtually sat down with 4-H Canada CEO, Shannon Benner, and BASF Customer Solutions Manager, Justin Gayliard, to discuss diversity and inclusion in agriculture
The episode provides valuable insights into how organizations like BASF and 4-H Canada are thinking about the importance of diversity and inclusion when it comes to attracting a new generation of youth to agriculture .
“Being in the industry for over 20 years now, when I first started, it was more about trying to get female representation within agriculture,” said Justin Gayliard, BASF Customer Solutions Manager “As time has evolved, we’ve been focused more on expanding that out across different folks coming into the organization, making sure we’re recognizing different types of ethnicities and more invisible minorities, such as LGBT, and bringing them into the community Because everybody – no matter the difference – has value that they can bring, and we are really making sure that we listen to that value, and we welcome that into our organizations and into agriculture ”
Through initiatives like 4-Minutes with 4-H, YAC members can participate in and guide engaging discussions, become more informed on important topics, and share their perspectives as youth navigating these matters in today’s society . 4-H Canada and BASF are looking forward to continuing these essential, youth-led conversations with new episodes of the series coming this fall
Matt remarked that it’s great to see how BASF and 4-H are working to better the agriculture industry
“The 4-Minutes with 4-H video series initiates conversations that may not be prioritized in routine discussion, while also focusing on viewpoints that youth find important,” he explained “Having meaningful exchanges with individuals who hold first-hand experiences in agriculture, mental health, the workforce, or leadership, provides viewers with perspectives that they may not have considered previously and ‘insider information’ that can positively influence their future actions To be successful in any industry, it’s imperative that an individual recognizes the diversity of mindsets present ”
The world has seen unprecedented change over the past few years. In the wake of a global pandemic - people, businesses, and ways of life had to adjust to match the pace and the needs of “the new normal”.
Vast amounts of new technology and software tools were deployed worldwide to allow organizations and governing bodies to continue to do their work: provide for the needs of their employees, customers, members, and people.
Early in the pandemic, the 4-H community quickly pivoted to take events online, diversify programs into new models with downloadable or at-home kits, and increased webinars and virtual activities to keep members, leaders, and industry stakeholders engaged.
“We wanted to make sure our members across the country felt connected while giving them consistent access to our programs and services,” said Shannon Benner, CEO of 4-H Canada. “The world may have been at a standstill, but the lives of our members continued. With these programs and virtual events, we were able to ensure that 4-H’ers could continue to learn, grow, and prepare themselves for their lives and careers ahead.”
From coast-to-coast, 4-H organizations and leaders stepped up to keep 4-H youth engaged during a time when they needed it the most. Here’s just a few examples of what the 4-H community developed to better serve our members during COVID-19, and to help keep them connected to our critical skill- and career-building programs:
While the COVID-19 pandemic may have made physical travel tough, leaders of the Waterloo 4-H Association’s International Lunch Club decided to travel the globe - while enjoying unique meals to boot!
During one memorable meeting, the club spent a Saturday morning with 4-H alum, Rebecca Grose, who currently resides in South Africa. With help from Rebecca, participants were taken step-by-step through the recipe for a common South African dish, babotie and golden rice.
John Drummond - an alum, Past President of the 4-H Ontario Board of Directors, and 2013 4-H National Volunteer Leader of the Yearalong with his fellow Waterloo and Wellington volunteers, planned and executed virtual meetings, often with over 100 youth and volunteers in attendance.
“It’s so different engaging with young people online than it is in person,” said John. “When you have a club with 103 members, moving to smaller breakout rooms for roll call and business makes it easier for members to talk and tell their stories. [Additionally], the fact that we provide hands-on activities helps engage everyone.”
Having tried several other virtual clubs since the pandemic began, the Waterloo 4-H Association eventually perfected the online club experience.
John explained, “The comments and attention that past clubs [like Pizza Project, Breadventure, and a Holiday Cooking Project], received were wonderful, and I know it helped encourage members to join. But beyond that, the idea that we’d visit a different country each meeting and experience their food culture in a ‘cook along with me’ format had
to sound like a lot of fun to young people looking for something to break up the tedium of online schooling.”
This form of learning did not come without its challenges, including the limitations of rural internet. However, with their ‘Learn To Do By Doing’ motto always present, they were able to persevere.
Seeing the positive impact on the youth in the Waterloo International Lunch Club during this unprecedented time makes it obvious that the rewards far outweigh any challenges. The youth and volunteers made sure to share photos of their finished product from each meeting through email or on social media and have been clear about their enthusiasm to keep going in the virtual format.
Most importantly, many 4-H families have been given a unique chance to try new and different meals from all over the world that they’ve made together.
“It’s got to be a big source of pride for a young member to know that they’ve just cooked a great meal for their family, who have really enjoyed it,” concluded John.
With the world slowly opening back up and in-person activities returning, no further virtual food-related meetings are scheduled for the time being, but John noted that a new iteration of the club is in the works.
“We haven’t set a topic for the fall yet, but it’ll be something fun and spectacular,” he assured.
Since launching in 2020, the 4-H at Home Outreach Initiatives have empowered over 5,900 youth to enjoy hands-on activities any time, from anywhere, while making meaningful contributions to their communities, country, and the world.
In 2021, 4-H Canada expanded access beyond 4-H members and clubs to encourage all families and educational organizations across the country to enjoy the activities in group settings, or from the comfort of home. Each Initiative gives youth the chance to explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 goals that encourage global citizens of all ages to help address critical issues like poverty, health, education, and the environment.
Housed at 4-h-canada.ca/4-h-at-home and available for digital download to complete activities any time, from anywhere - the Outreach Initiatives are the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with the youth in your life!
At BASF, we share a passion with those who want to make a difference in communities across our country. That’s why we’re proud to partner with 4-H Canada, investing in programs that enable today’s youth leaders to take on the issues that matter most to them. By empowering the next generation of agricultural experts, we’re helping to ensure the success of our industry today and well into the future. Visit agsolutions.ca to learn more.
AgSolutions is a registered trademark of BASF, used under license by BASF Canada Inc. © 2022 BASF Canada Inc.
Together, we’re helping future generations take it on.
It’s the biggest job on earth. Farming.
If anything, hosting the 2022 4-H Canada Leadership Awards virtually only increased connection from coast-to-coast-to-coast, bringing the 4-H community together to celebrate outstanding achievements of youth, leaders, supporters, and alumni.
Hosted by Canadian icon, Peter Mansbridge, the event set a new fundraising record, bringing in over $58,000 for the Canadian 4-H Foundation to support the long-term success of 4-H in Canada.
LET’S KEEP THE FUNDRAISING RECORDS GOING!
Keep your eye on 4-h-canada.ca/4hawards for details on the 2023 4-H Canada Leadership Awards!
For a full list of recipients, visit 4-h-canada.ca/4hawards
To support leaders’ passion for continuous learning and evolution of skills and knowledge to mentor and empower today’s youth, 4-H Canada has a series of Leaders Learn Webinars. Covering topics from mental health in agriculture to cultivating body inclusion to bias awareness, the webinars have supported leaders in developing crucial skills and gaining confidence and experience in key areas.
4-H Canada will continue to build out the Leaders Learn Webinar resources, bringing even more industry-leading experts to the table. Keep your eye on 4-h-canada.ca/leaderslearn for upcoming opportunities.
4-H youth are renowned for continually developing and refining their knowledge and skills, but let’s not forget that 4-H leaders are lifelong learners too!
Thank you to 4-H for building the next generation of leaders, and to members past and present for bringing pride and passion to Canadian agriculture and food every day.
FCC supports
DREAM. GROW. THRIVE.
After evidently leaving a great taste in 4-H’er’s mouths, Field to Fork expanded and was offered up to not just 4-H’ers, but BC students in Grades 4 - 12 in 2021.
Of course, nothing but the best BC-grown ingredients, from Fraser Valley blueberries to steak from a ranch in the Kootenays to lush Okanagan tree fruits, were used in the recipes.
The second edition of the Field to Fork Challenge Recipe Book is also available now, too!
The 96-page cookbook highlights 36 winning recipes from the 2021 Field to Fork Challenge entrants. The winning recipes were selected from among dozens of amazing recipe and video submissions received from BC youth in four categories: 4-H BC junior members, senior members, Grade 4-7 students, and Grade 8-12 students.
or not … 4-H is not only creating food growers, but food artists - thanks to the Field to Fork Challenge that encourages British Columbia members to whip up the best dishes using only local ingredients.
In the summer of 2020, dozens of British Columbia youth, ages nine to 19, entered the inaugural challenge from the comfort and safety of home by virtually submitting their own homegrown recipes and cooking videos for a chance to win prizes.
It's been a sizzling success – leading to an annual (and vastly growing) competition where participants have the chance to touch, taste, and smell locally grown, healthy ingredients.
The challenge is a collaboration of 4-H British Columbia (4-H BC) and the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC), along with the support of the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries.
Initially, in the throws of the pandemic, cooking in the safety of their own kitchen was a must; but the isolated opportunity quickly led to connections between competing members and the farmers and suppliers providing the food.
Encouraged to let their culinary talents soar, the Field to Fork Challenge helps instill a sense of local pride, while offering up lessons on food security and how eating and buying local can make a positive impact on people, communities, and the size of the environmental footprints they leave behind.
When asked if they would tell a friend to participate in the future – one participant stated, “DO IT!!! It was awesome and fun.”
Another elaborated that, “I would definitely tell them to participate. I would say it was a lot of fun, I learned a lot, gained valuable public speaking skills, learned new cooking skills, and got to experiment with BC’s best.”
The top entries from 2021 that a curious cook might find in the recipe book include Metchosin resident Colette S. (Junior Category) and her first-place winning Hazelnut Spread with Crepes, Sava B. from Victoria (Senior Category) with Oven Glazed Duck and Kohlrabi Fries with a Garden Salad, Valentina Z.’s (Grade 4-7) Greek Bifteki with Roasted Potatoes and Baked Cinnamon Apples, and Jared W.’s (Grade 8-12) Pork Steak with Potatoes and Homemade Caesar Salad.
The third installment of Field to Fork is running again throughout 2022. Be sure to keep an eye out in late spring 2023 for the latest Field to Fork Challenge recipe book.
Find the Field to Fork Challenge video featuring clips of winning recipes, the Field to Fork Challenge recipe book spotlighting 24 homegrown recipes, and more details at www.bcaitc.ca and www.4hbc.ca
Sign up to receive the latest news on 4-H Canada programs, webinars, events, and more! Subscribe today at 4-h-canada.ca/newsletter.
Gord Bamford’s personal philosophy is obvious: always do your best and do what you can for others.
It shows in his actions.
Since his time as a 4-H youth, Gord has blazed a trail through country music and made a name for himself in the industry while attracting a large and loyal fanbase. He’s earned 26 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) awards, multiple JUNO Award nominations and is the only two-time winner of Nashville's Country Music Association (CMA) Global Country Artist (2013 & 2015).
Gord continues to be active in the country music scene, having released his 10th studio album, titled Diamonds in a Whiskey Glass, in June of 2021 – a testament to his talent and lasting passion for music.
“Music is a wonderful thing,” said Gord. “It’s something you can do to make people feel better – at the end of the day, that’s pretty awesome.”
In addition to setting records as one of the most decorated artists in Canadian country music history, Gord is committed to supporting
Canadian youth through The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation, which has generated more than $4.5 million to date. In 15 years of operation, the foundation has supported over 63 children's charities across Canada – 4-H among them. The foundation’s annual golf tournament, their biggest fundraiser, was held in June this year.
"One of the greatest things I get to do is interact with the kids and try to make a difference in their lives. This puts it all into perspective as to why I think God put me on this earth,” added Gord. “We’re still involved with 4-H and we still buy 4-H beef to this day.”
All of Gord’s success didn’t come overnight. It took hard work and years of dedication for Gord and his team to get to where they are today. Being part of the solution is something Gord learned well during his time in 4-H.
“When I was young my mom put me in 4-H, so I was involved in something that wasn’t a sport. My family were all farmers,” reflected Gord, who was named the 4-H Canada Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 2019.
He added, “4-H has really given me a lot of life skills – from public speaking to learning to be accountable, while digging in and working hard – it’s played a big role. There’s so much that I learned that I can use in my life now.”
Gord believes strongly that the skills he learned in 4-H helped him in his career, and thinks 4-H opens doors for youth both inside and outside of the agricultural sector job market.
“I think having 4-H on your resume means a lot,” reflected Gord. “It opens doors to do more activities and to meet more people. That part has been huge. The connections I’ve made throughout the years – being a 4-H member has been great for me and [my music career].”
You can keep up to date with Gord’s album and single release dates over at gordbamford.com and for more info on his foundation please visit gordbamfordfoundation.com
Photo Credit: Phil Crozier
“One of the greatest things I get to do is interact with the kids and try to make a difference in their lives.”
- Gord Bamford
When it comes to making a lasting impact on the 4-H movement in Canada, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone more dedicated than New Brunswick’s Linda Porter.
Linda has made a lasting positive impact on countless 4-H youth, leaders, and the organization itself. Her journey through 4-H started the same as so many others. She first became a volunteer leader in 1987 when her children became active members in the program.
From that simple family connection, she became more involved, took on more volunteer duties, and in 1997, she accepted the role of Executive Director for 4-H New Brunswick. Linda ran the organization for 24 years, retiring in December 2020, but her focus never wavered from 4-H’s main goal.
“4-H is a positive youth development organization,” Linda said. “I like the focus on fun and the learning opportunities 4-H provides for skills development.”
According to local 4-H lore, Linda is a Jack-of-all-trades when it came to leading events, programs, and volunteer engagement for 4-H New Brunswick.
“She volunteered her weekends to do camps and get involved at the club level,” said Andrea Callahan, President of New Brunswick 4-H Council. She’d have 70 to 80 kids and many volunteers, and still have it all down to a science.”
Ask anyone and the story of Linda remains the same. Always positive, organized, direct, kind, thoughtful, and inclusive.
“She is a great organizer, but she also encompassed the 4-H motto –she wanted the kids to do the work,” added Andrea.
Beyond helping the youth members, which has always been her primary focus, Linda is also proud of her work in helping to keep 4-H programs running strong in New Brunswick through some financially challenging years.
“It’s an ever-changing world and kids always need new and different skills,” Linda explained. “I find that 4-H adapts to the times. To me, 4-H has always had the best out-of-school program for youth.”
Linda was also an integral voice in the refresh of the 4-H brand in Canada in 2015, which remains the standard to this day. In addition,
she’s worked with many volunteers, staff, leaders, and members over the years, and each one remains influenced by her in one way or another.
Ally McConchie, first a 4-H youth member, then leader, and now the new Executive Director of 4-H New Brunswick, has worked with Linda at every level and has many fond memories of their time together. Ally learned from Linda’s example to encourage people to do their best, to get involved, to learn more, and to help others.
“Linda has taught me so much about being a better leader and mentor for the youth members by allowing me to plan games and activities for the kids at our provincial show and members’ camp,” said Ally.
Even in retirement, Linda walks the walk and backs it up with talk. Her local recreation department recently enlisted her help with a summer camp for youth and encouraging young people to get involved. She is now a volunteer leader with 4-H in Canada.
“I have stayed connected, and my grandchildren have joined the local club,” Linda said with a smile.
Linda’s continued engagement with New Brunswick youth comes as no surprise to those who know her.
“Linda is very much a 'behind the scenes’ person and doesn’t like to take credit for the work she has done, even though she deserves all the credit for how well the 4-H program in New Brunswick operated,” said Ally.
Throughout her years with 4-H, one thing was her main focus: the kids. Those who know Linda would go one step farther and say, “They became her kids,” said Andrea.
Linda Porter – on behalf of all 4-H’ers from coast-to-coast: Thank you for your years of selfless dedication, energy, and commitment to 4-H in New Brunswick and across Canada. Your contributions will be felt for generations to come.
Thanks for your ongoing service and for setting the example of what a life-long 4-H member can accomplish.
“It’s an ever-changing world and kids always need new and different skills. I find that 4-H adapts to the times. To me, 4-H has always had the best outof-school program for youth.”
–Linda Porter Photo Credit: 4-H New Brunswick
Located just outside the Greater Toronto Area in the picturesque hills of Caledon, ON, you will find Heatherlea Acres - a family-run farm established in 1871.
Now in its seventh generation, the family operates a cow-calf operation and raise grass-fed beef on top of running Heatherlea Farm Market; an innovative specialty food store where they serve the local community, visitors, and a large online customer base.
4-H Ontario spent the morning with Don and Melinda McArthur and their three children - Chloe, Kayleigh, and James - getting to know them at the family farm owned by Don’s parents, Pat and Gord, and finding out more on how it has changed over seven generations.
4-H Ontario: What is your background with 4-H?
Don: I first started 4-H when I was 12 and showed a steer at a local fair, which I had a hard time with. I gave it up and showed an Angus heifer when I was 15, and continued with 4-H until I was 21.
Melinda: I started 4-H very late. I was dating Don at the time, and I started when I was 20, so I only did a couple of years.
4-H Ontario: What does 4-H mean to your family?
Melinda: To me it means time that we get to spend together. Although sometimes it’s work, we’re all having fun just being together. Farming families don’t have a lot of time to do things off-farm, so it’s a nice way to still be at the farm working and having fun, and to get the kids engaged with the animals.
Don: Hmm, a lot of hard work, a lot of fun together, and a love for agriculture.
4-H Ontario: Why did you decide to put your kids in 4-H?
Don: Well, they had to be interested in it. There’s no sense in forcing them to do it. We did it as something to do together. We’re all here on the farm so much anyways and spend so much of our time here, it’s a good activity that the kids can do to enjoy something together. It also gets the kids competing and taking pride in their animals.
Melinda: I guess it was just continuing the generations of doing it (4-H ). We have the opportunity of having cows here, it’s ‘Nana and Grandpas farm.’ Kayleigh showed a lot of interest in it, spending time with her dad out on the tractor and with the cows. It really helps if the kids are showing an interest with animals, and she got started from there.
4-H Ontario: How can 4-H prepare youth for the future?
Melinda: Just really making sure we are engaging the younger generations and making them aware of the programs available to them. We’ve been to a few agricultural conferences and have talked a lot about social media, and drawing people in. I think if we can get young people and kids involved from an early age, they have that connection and understanding to take farming into the future.
Don: We have had discussions in our family about the future of agriculture and food. It’s changing, and so will 4-H, but it’s never going to go away. Agriculture is a great business to be in and kids really need to know that. Half of the kids in our club in Halton aren’t farm kids, they are kids from town, which is great! It’s teaching kids about agriculture and business, which is a huge industry. People are always going to eat.
Find
Heatherlea Acres is a family-run farming business established in 1871, and now includes Heatherlea Farm Market - an innovative specialty food store. out more about Heatherlea Acres at their website, heatherlea.ca. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Heatherlea Farms
Enid Horn was 12 when she got her first taste of 4-H. Nearly 65 years later, she is still playing an active role in the movement.
Enid was raised at the Watch Lake Lodge in the Cariboo region of British Columbia – the eldest daughter of Shorty and Alice Horn –and now runs the lodge and guest ranch business as the sole proprietor and cattle owner.
Her parents initially enrolled her in the Clinton 4-H Club as a social activity. At the time, she recalls, the ranch had no running water “or anything like that” and every member of the family was responsible for carrying water from the creek, filling up the wood box, and doing other chores when they weren’t attending classes at their little schoolhouse at the Flying U Ranch in 70 Mile House, BC.
She jumped at the chance to meet new people, noting Watch Lake was much more rural in 1960 than it is today.
“We played all sorts of games and sports in school, but you never went anywhere in those days,” Enid said. “Back then, there was no money to put out. But, we were lucky if we got 28 cents a pound when we sold (a steer).”
As her family raised cattle, 4-H was a natural and affordable fit. Enid believes 4-H is a special organization that not only teaches youth how to feed and raise animals, but also crucial life skills, such as recordkeeping, public speaking, running a meeting, and how to win and lose.
“It also teaches responsibility,” she added, noting there were days when she didn’t feel like feeding her steer, for instance, but realized she had no choice because he had to eat.
“The 4-H motto is Learn To Do By Doing,” Enid said. “It was just a good program to get involved in.”
Enid still volunteers with the Clinton 4-H Club. When she “aged out” of the youth program, she became an assistant leader of the club and it carried on from there – for another five decades!
“I do things for a long time,” said Enid, who is still a resource person for the Clinton 4-H Club where she started showing steers in 1960. “I loved it. I don’t even remember being nervous. The special thing about it is the people, the friendships - they’ll never go away.”
In 2020, Enid was recognized for her long leadership service to the organization, where she has held stints as leader of the Clinton 4-H Club, President of the Winter Fair, and Secretary of the Williams Lake and District 4-H organization.
Let us know! Send your suggestions to communications@4-h-canada.ca .
Across Canada, 4-H is looking for caring adults to become volunteer leaders. And as an alum, your intrinsic knowledge of the 4-H experience and passion for the 4-H movement makes you the perfect fit! That being said, you don’t need to be an expert to get involved. You just need to want to have fun and Learn To Do By Doing! Keep reading for a few tips to get started.
Think about what type of club you’d like to get involved in, and how much time you have available to commit.
If you know a local club, ask about attending a meeting to learn a little bit more about them, and what 4-H looks like in your area.
Connect with your provincial 4-H office.
They can give you more information about clubs in your area, and what you need to do to get involved.
Complete the provincial leader screening and training process.
Our top priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of 4-H members. You must complete the necessary steps of this process, including a police background check and mandatory training.
Tip: Check out the Leading the Way with Youth Safety article in the Health section for more info!
Find a club!
If there isn’t one in your area, you can always start one.
Download resources for your club.
Visit 4-H LEARNS, the national online knowledge sharing platform where you can access all kinds of resources, club activities, and more. Your provincial office may also have resources for new volunteers. Visit 4-h-learns.org to sign up!
Once you’re screened, trained, and are part of a club, you’re ready to go. Have fun!
My passion for the environment came at a young age, as I explored the wilderness of the Yukon, learned to ride horses, and watched the northern lights dance across the sky.
I was mesmerized with animals and my family shared the interest. They owned a small farm, supplying groceries for the community and running the tiny grocery store.
That passion for agriculture led to my mother signing up to be the only 4-H leader in the Yukon!
My childhood, spent immersed in nature and surrounded by animals, is what encouraged me to pursue an environmental degree focused on forestry and run for the Green Party of Canada. The idea of speaking for those who didn’t have a voice appealed to me greatly.
When I moved to Prince George, BC in 2004, I joined the first 4-H club I could find. After eight years in the Beaverly 4-H Club, I applied to be a Provincial 4-H Ambassador and was accepted. This was the perfect opportunity to share the ideas of 4-H members on a larger stage with the Board of Directors.
A few years later, I had the huge honour of becoming 4-H Canada’s
Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) representative for BC. Emceeing at various national 4-H events, such as the Global 4-H Summit in 2017, allowed me to meet politicians and opened a lot of doors around environmentalism, communications, and how to create change in my community.
During university I was looking for a space where environmentalism and politics could collide. I started a Green Party political club because I had an interest in creating change through politics. The Green Party of Canada saw the success of the club and asked if I was interested in becoming a candidate in the upcoming election. After multiple calls, and consulting with my family and friends, I decided it would be a great opportunity and there was no time better than the present.
I ended up running in both the federal and provincial elections in 2019 and 2020, gaining nine per cent and six per cent of the vote, respectively. In Northern BC, it was an uphill battle to run as a green party candidate, but well worth the experience. I completed my forestry degree in 2021 from The University of Northern British Columbia. Now, I am running my own business offering social media marketing for small businesses, after building over 10,000 followers on my political account on TikTok @Mackenziesgreenlife. I am passionate about communications and may run in future elections, but for now I am going to focus on being an entrepreneur.
I’m grateful to 4-H for giving me the confidence to run in two elections, and the organizational skills to start my own business. I wouldn’t be
4-H alum, Mackenzie Kerr’s involvement in 4-H has led to adventures that range from exploring the Yukon wilderness to running in federal and provincial elections. By Mackenzie Kerr - 4-H Alumna, British Columbia Photo Credit: Emily JaneErin: As a child, I lived in Alaska for a few years, then moved back to the family farm in Northern Alberta when I was about 10. That’s when I got involved with the Pembina West 4-H Beef Club until I was 17. I held various positions in my 4-H club, from social coordinator to president.
The skill I learned that has served me the best was collaboration. This is the foundation of teamwork. I wasn’t a kid who was involved in organized sports, so 4-H gave me the opportunity to learn how to navigate team dynamics, which served me well in university, and in my career as an engineer.
Now, I develop effective teams for a living! I have a tendency to step up when no one else is willing to; I have no fear about taking on a leadership role. Oftentimes, people fear being the one in charge, and 4-H played a big part in reducing that fear for me. Participating in 4-H also brought balance to my skillset; I learned to lead with less command and control, and leverage collaboration, diversity, and sharing of ideas.
4-H Canada: Your work and your book, Inside Out Empathy, focuses on “empathetic leadership.” Did you get this idea of empathic leadership from 4-H?
Erin: Looking back, I can see that my experience in 4-H was the foundation. At the time though, I didn’t know what leading with empathy was. There were leaders, mentors, and older club members who practiced empathy, but I didn’t know that was what they were doing.
Around the 10-year mark in my career, in the male-dominated industries of construction and engineering, I started to feel like I didn’t have a place, as a woman, and as a young mother. The environment didn’t feel inclusive or supportive and I found myself wondering what to do.
The idea of empathetic leadership is to bring out the best in others while understanding and respecting someone’s own personal needs or differences. It’s about being open to learning.
4-H alum, Erin Thorp, is a speaker, coach for leaders, and author of the book, Inside Out Empathy, who spoke to 4-H Canada about this approach, and shared insights into the qualities someone in 4-H can learn and share, whether they’re a member or a leader.
4-H Canada: Hi Erin! What was it like growing up in 4-H in Northern Alberta?
I started thinking back to my experience growing up and my involvement in 4-H. On the family farm, my siblings and I worked alongside my mom and dad, doing everything. There was no separation, no defined gender roles, it was just work – in the house and in the fields. The environment in 4-H was much the same, where everyone pulls together, be it for a judging event, public speaking event, practice, or Achievement Day.
Leading with empathy is critical to creating inclusive environments. There has been a lot of talk in recent years about diversity and inclusion. While I think diversity is easier to measure, visible equity and inclusion are more feeling-based and require us to understand
4-H alum, Erin Thorp, is passionate about how the leadership skills built in 4-H can transform lives.each other’s life and cultural experiences. It’s small things that matter to people; it’s not as big a task, we just need to be aware, be present, and pay attention.
4-H Canada: Do you talk about empathic leadership with your children today?
Erin: Absolutely. My children are my first audience when I put together a speech or a workshop! They’re very curious about what I do. They have all been involved in organized sports and clubs, so we talk about empathy for other participants and players, officials, coaches, leaders - even rowdy parents. As they grow up the situations they face are growing in complexity, which makes practicing empathy even more important.
4-H Canada: In what way do you think 4-H’ers stand out in the crowd? How does 4-H prepare us for later in life?
Erin: In my experience, you come out of 4-H with this incredible foundation of skills that you don’t even know you have! I am not scared of public speaking because of the skills and practice I got from 4-H. This is not the case for most people. I work with a lot of people who are still very intimated and afraid to speak in public – even if it’s just in front of four or five people.
I knew how to run a meeting, pull together an event, do chores, and be responsible for someone other than myself. You don’t realize as a kid how important that is. These are all incredibly important skills for all the situations we face later in life, from post-secondary education to the workforce. The skills we learn as 4-H’ers serve the entrepreneur, the tradesman, and the professional. We don’t talk enough about 4-H, how it shapes us into individuals, and well-rounded people. I certainly didn’t give 4-H enough credit in terms of the skills it gave me.
4-H Canada: Have you ever managed or coached 4-H’ers or alumni?
Erin: Yes, I’ve had 4-H alumni on my teams before. It’s like they all have this “intangible quality”. You don’t recognize what it is immediately; it’s almost like an unspoken language or approach - a similarity in style. Then when you find out they were 4-H’ers, you’re like, ‘Oh that’s why it works so well,’ because we have similar foundation skills and aligned values.
4-H Canada: What role do you think 4-H alumni have to play in today’s world?
Erin: We have to be willing to share our story, give back, and make sure today’s youth have the opportunities to learn the things we did.
Openly sharing our stories and experience is how other people learn about the incredible work 4-H does, and the opportunities available to our youth. I grew up with the preconceived idea that 4-H was only available to farm kids. Now I know that’s not the case.
Get started today by counting yourself in as a 4-H alum to reconnect with 4-H and fellow alumni, discover unique opportunities, and help grow future generations of leaders! Learn more and sign up to join the alumni community at club1913.ca
Each year we bring the 4-H movement together for our signature event, the 4-H Canada Leadership Awards to celebrate the achievements of 4-H youth, leaders, and supporters. Let’s hear it for the 2021 group to join the prestigious list of recipients!
Awarded annually, L.E.A.D. recognizes outstanding 4-H youth who have become exceptional leaders through their 4-H experience, and who share the best of themselves with their community.
Pillar: Community Engagement & Communications
Mentor: Dr. Eliane Kobayashi, MD, PhD
Field of Study: Bachelor of Science Institution: University of British Columbia Career Goal: Pediatric Neurologist
British Columbia
4-H Club: Golden Ears 4-H Community Club
Prince Edward Island
Pillar: Science & Technology
Mentor: Dr. Rolando Del Maestro, MD, PhD
Field of Study: Bachelor of Health Sciences
Institution: Queen’s University Career Goal: Neurosurgeon 4-H Club: Cavendish 4-H Club
British Columbia
Pillar: Environment & Healthy Living Mentor: Barb Shellian, RN, MN
Field of Study: Bachelor of Nursing Institution: Thompson Rivers University Career Goal: Anesthesiologist Nurse
4-H Club: South Thompson 4-H Club
Pillar: Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security Mentor: Alanna Koch
Field of Study: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Institution: University of Saskatchewan Career Goal: Progressive Livestock Producer 4-H Club: Saskatoon 4-H Beef Club
This award recognizes the volunteer leaders whose support and guidance provide outstanding experiences and skills to 4-H members who in turn become responsible, caring, and contributing individuals who effect positive change in their environments.
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes outstanding 4-H alumni and their contributions to their community, country, and the world.
Honourary Memberships are bestowed upon individuals whose dedication and passionate contributions have advanced the 4-H movement in Canada.
• Angela Letendre, SK Boreal Rangers Outdoor Adventure 4-H Club
• Caitlin MacDougall, QC Ormstown 4-H Club
• Carol Pollock, ON Wellington County 4-H Club
• Ross Stafford, BC –Spring House 4-H Club
4-H Canada will be announcing the 2022 award recipients this winter. Watch 4-h-canada.ca/ awards for updates.
Photo courtesy of: Dawn Krinke Photo Credit: Canada Beef Photo courtesy of: Sandra DuchakDoing. It’s a valuable way to go about life, practicing something over and over again until it is perfect.”
But the biggest trait Kristie said 4-H taught her was just to care. “Care deeply about what you’re doing and your projects,” she assured. “It extends to work ethic and self-care.”
Kristie made the move to Toronto in 2011 where she joined one of the world’s premier comedy schools of improvisation, The Second City. There, she was able to build up her repertoire and combine working in health care and doing comedy.
Today, Kristie is a therapeutic clown at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, ON during the day, and runs her organization, Funnies for Families, on the side.
“Funnies for Families is a group of comedians composed of 100 volunteers who go to youth shelters, Ronald McDonald House Charities, children’s hospitals, or grief centres to perform improvisation games for families going through a tough time,” Kristie said. “I started by pitching the idea to some of these places, but now they reach out to us, and we do three to four shows a week, similar to Whose Line is It Anyway.”
She explained that 4-H taught her to be brave and jump into things as a leader.
Kristie Gunter, originally from Vancouver Island, BC, wanted to be a nurse and a comedian. Knowing full well that laughter can be the best medicine, she combined the best of both worlds by using comedy to help people work through their toughest times.
Currently based in Toronto, ON, Kristie’s non-profit organization Funnies for Families has given her the opportunity to do what she calls “therapeutic clowning,” which utilizes some of the skills she initially learned as a member of 4-H.
“My whole family was involved in 4-H - my parents are both leaders and my youngest sibling is still in the program,” Kristie explained. “I personally really connected with the 4-H motto: Learn To Do By
“We all have a responsibility to be kind to one another and encourage others to be kind as well; it can make such a big difference in the world,” Kristie noted. “4-H alumni have all the tools to stand up for people who can’t do it for themselves. That small responsibility is really big.”
Check out Funnies for Families at funniesforfamilies.com .
4-H alumna Kristie Gunter juggles nursing and comedy to make patients and their families laugh."Care deeply about what you're doing and your projects. It extends to work ethic and self-care."
- Kristie Gunter
The safety and well-being of youth is paramount to the 4-H movement in Canada. That’s why, over the past few years, 4-H Canada has implemented cohesive national standards and policies for youth safety and risk management training for leaders and staff.
Are you an alumni who is interested in mentoring the next generation of 4-H youth? If so, keep reading to find out how to start your journey not only as a 4-H leader, but an advocate for youth safety.
4-H Canada and the provincial 4-H organizations are committed to advancing 4-H as a leader in the youth-serving sector by meeting or exceeding the industry standards expected of every volunteer and leader across the country.
That’s why we’ve worked collaboratively to ensure all leaders across the country have access to the same industry-leading safety training and resources, including:
Since 2020, 4-H Canada and the provincial 4-H organizations have been providing leaders with Youth Safety Training. The goal of the training is to help leaders:
• Get familiar with the Youth Safety at 4-H in Canada policies
• Respond to parent questions about youth safety practices in 4-H
• Apply the Rule of Two to club settings and events
• Become familiar with the steps in planning safe activities and events
• Recognize when to report concerns of abuse, misconduct, and safety issues
• Access 4-H Canada policies and resources
• Access provincial procedures and resources
Commit to Kids is an online course developed by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection for use by youth organizations like 4-H.
The training is free to all 4-H volunteers, leaders, staff, and board members, and access is provided through the provincial 4-H organizations.
4-H has an open-door policy for reporting concerns of misconduct, harassment, or abuse, and takes all claims very seriously.
To facilitate claims, 4-H Canada created a Youth Safety Reporting System, where a confidential Incident Report can be made by youth members, leaders, staff, parents, participants, or members of the public.
For more information on youth safety training and resources, visit 4-h-canada.ca/ youth-safety.
We are looking for stories about how alumni are thriving and innovating, whether in their personal, professional, or academic life. Tell us about someone who has inspired others through their leadership and commitment to 4-H over the years. Share updates on how you’re giving back to 4-H as a club leader, mentor, or 4-H parent, or what you are doing in your career that has been made possible by the skills you learned in 4-H. Share your own memories of 4-H by reminiscing on an exchange trip that changed your life, the summer camp that still makes you nostalgic for campfires, or the cattle show that made you realize you wanted to continue in the family farming business.
Send your stories and ideas to communictions@4-h-canada.ca.
Mark your calendars for the next issue of The Pledge, coming Spring 2023.
