2023-2024 Program Catalogue

Introduction

This program catalogue is a showcase of 4-H Canada’s national programs and opportunities available to 4-H youth members, clubs, and volunteer leaders. Programs are offered throughout the year and specific dates, deadlines, and details can be found at the end of this catalogue. Please note that some dates and locations have not yet been finalized. Keep an eye on our social channels and website for the latest updates.

About 4-H

4-H empowers youth in Canada to become responsible, caring, and contributing leaders who are passionate about making meaningful contributions to the world around them. We provide a safe, fun, and inclusive environment that prepares youth to make a positive impact in their community, their country, and their world.

Established in 1913, 4-H is one of Canada’s longest-running and most respected youth organizations! We are a youth-serving organization focused on helping young Canadians Learn To Do By Doing in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment.

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, my country, and my world.

4-H Motto Learn To Do By Doing

Learning through experience is a key objective of 4-H. At all levels of 4-H, youth members are encouraged to learn through active participation.

About 4-H Canada

4-H Canada is the national governing body for 4-H in Canada. We oversee 4-H’s standards of practice, risk management, and brand. The national office manages national programs, events, scholarships, grants, and more.

To learn more about 4-H Canada, visit 4-h-canada.ca

Our Mission

To empower youth to be responsible, caring and contributing leaders that effect positive change in the world around them.

Our Vision

Thriving communities in partnership with youth leaders.

Connect with Us!

Follow 4-H Canada on

Leadership Development Pillars

4-H Canada’s programs are organized under four leadership development pillars, each representing an area of learning that is at the heart of the 4-H program.

Community Engagement & Communications

Programs in this pillar are designed to encourage youth to seek out ways to lend a helping hand, act on important issues, and make a positive difference in the world around them.

Science & Technology

Through this pillar’s programs, youth can dive into hands-on, inquiry-based projects and activities that spark their curiosity.

Environment & Healthy Living

Programs in this pillar offer opportunities for youth to discover how to be stewards of the environment and to explore positive ways to stay healthy and active.

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security

This pillar builds on 4-H’s deep roots in agricultural communities, offering programs that help youth appreciate and learn about the food we grow and eat.

in Canada

Positive Youth Development Formula

Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a globally recognized and research-based approach to youth development that considers young people as assets and partners in the community. PYD does not focus on one single activity or program, but rather is a general approach and philosophy incorporated into all our 4-H programming in Canada.

At 4-H, we use the PYD Formula to build responsible, caring, and contributing young people who are empowered to be successful through our supportive structure.

At the centre of the PYD Formula are our essential elements – the key ingredients that support PYD programming to be successful.

Opportunities for Youth

Members Forum

First offered in 1931, 4-H Canada’s Members Forum is our longest-running program. Through experiential learning, workshops, and activities, 4-H senior youth members will develop a deeper awareness, knowledge, and understanding of what it means to positively impact the environment and live a healthier lifestyle. Members will leave feeling energized and equipped to apply new knowledge and skills to their club projects, in their community, and maybe even discover new career paths to explore or pursue!

Workshops will cover a range of topics and members will also participate in Mentorship Circles — an exciting opportunity to meet industry leaders and to chat about their career paths and life lessons.

Learn more about Members Forum at: 4-h-canada.ca/members-forum

Past Members Forum themes included:

• Living Like a Leader

• Growing Strong Futures

• My World, My Career, My Self

• Sprouting Success, Cultivating Careers

Environment & Healthy Living AGE

Ages 16-21

Seven members + one chaperone per province DATE

November 2023 LOCATION

Calgary, AB COST

$500/member

No cost for chaperone DEADLINE

Register by August 1, 2023

Members Forum is supported by the RBC Foundation, BFL Canada, Cargill, and the Government of Canada.

Citizenship Congress

Citizenship Congress will deepen 4-H youth members’ understanding of civic engagement, governance, public policy, parliamentary procedures, citizenship, and politics. This conference also creates opportunities for youth to network and learn from experts in the political field and to improve their research and communication skills.

Workshops and preparation sessions will culminate with the annual debate where 4-H youth members from across Canada will construct insightful arguments and practice their skills of persuasion and public speaking. Members will leave Citizenship Congress having learned more about Canada, its government, and themselves!

Learn more at: 4-h-canada.ca/citizenship-congress

Past Citizenship Congress themes included:

• Examining Freedom of Speech: Exploring Accountability for Public Communications

• The Power of a Vote: Value of Civic Engagement

• Looking to the Future: Canada’s Role in Climate Action

• Examining Public Programs: Exploring the Issue of Universal Basic Income

Community Engagement & Communications

Ages

Citizenship Congress is supported by The Masonic Foundation of Ontario, the Government of Canada, and BFL Canada.

Careers on the Grow Community

Careers on the Grow is a career exploration program where youth can discover career paths, apply their skills, and gain hands-on work experience. Being part of a 4-H club prepares youth for their future career by learning decision-making, communication, and leadership skills – which are highly in demand in today’s workforce.

Through Careers on the Grow, 4-H youth can put these skills to work and grow them further through internship placements, networking, mentorship opportunities, and career exploration resources.

Internships

With internship placements, senior youth members can take advantage of hands-on learning opportunities within companies, on farms, with social enterprises, and in both rural and urban communities across Canada. These internships help youth build upon their technical and employability skills while gaining meaningful work experience that expands their professional network. Participants will receive a $500 honorarium upon completion of the internship for each week worked full-time. The same honorarium applies if the internship is in person or virtual.

More details on placement offerings and application requirements will be available in the fall with applications opening November 1, 2023.

DATE

Ages 18-25

Spring/Summer 2024

LOCATION

Various: in-person, hybrid, and virtual opportunities

COST

No cost DEADLINE

Apply by January 10, 2024 HOW

4-h-canada.ca/ growingcareers

e-Mentorships

Mentors can be one of the most valuable resources for growing skills! The eMentorships program is an opportunity for members aged 18-25 to engage in an individualized, short-term mentorship (over a three -week duration in late fall 2023) with a mentor from a particular career field or business sector. Mentors/ mentees will meet virtually, at least two times within the three-week period.

Applications for this program will open in August 2023 with the e-mentorship taking place between November 6 and November 24, 2023. Keep an eye on our website for updates and more information.

Ages 18-25 DATE

November 6-24, 2023

Career Exploration Programming

These career exploration opportunities can help youth discover how the skills they currently possess can be used in their future career, all while helping them improve and build new ones!

Virtual Workshops

Virtual workshop sessions are an opportunity to learn new skills that prepare youth and young adults for their post-secondary studies and future career. The topics of discussion are based off feedback we have received from our senior 4-H members on what they feel is valuable. The next virtual workshop will take place in November 2023 followed by another in March 2024.

To learn about resources available for leaders to support career preparation programming in 4-H clubs, visit page 17.

October 15, 2023

Ages by 15-25 DATE

Fall 2023 and Spring 2024

Careers on the Grow is supported by the RBC Foundation and the Government of Canada.

4-H Canada Science Fair

The 4-H Canada Science Fair is an opportunity for youth to explore, experiment, and discover! Through the Science Fair, youth will plan, research, complete, and submit a science project (independently or as a pair), on a topic that interests them. Youth can choose to explore a topic that compliments their 4-H club project or discover something completely unrelated. The choice is up to them whether they want to conduct a discovery or innovation project.

Youth members will then showcase their projects alongside other projects from members across Canada for the chance to advance and compete at the CanadaWide Science Fair (CWSF) – the country’s largest annual youth science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) event.

Learn more about the 4-H Canada Science Fair and get started on your project today at 4-h-canada.ca/sciencefair

How does the 4-H Canada Science Fair work?

1. First Round

Registration: September 5, 2023-January 12, 2024

Judging: January 17 - 31, 2024

During the first round of the 4-H Canada Science Fair, members will research and create their projects. Members will register their project by January 12, 2024, to be judged virtually. Projects will follow normal science project protocol, but instead of displays, members are to create a PowerPoint to be shared with the judges for assessment. Resources are available to assist members in developing their projects.New support resources will be available September 2023 for club leaders and families.

2. Second Round

March 2024

(dates and location TBD) Finalists from the first round move on to the second round where they will deliver a live project presentation to judges, meet 4-H youth from across the country, and participate in tons of fun science programming! Second round finalists of the 4-H Canada Science Fair have the chance to move on and compete in the Canada-Wide Science Fair.

Grades 7-12 or CÉGEP

March 2024

TBD

$100 registration fee (round 2 participants only)

Register your project by January 12, 2024

4-h-canada.ca/sciencefair

3. Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF)

May 11 – 17, 2024 – Carleton University, Ottawa Ontario

Finalists of the 4-H Canada Science Fair second round advance to the Canada-Wide Science Fair, hosted by Youth Science Canada, to compete with their projects. The CWSF is Canada’s national science fair that brings together over 450 of the best young scientists in grades seven-12 or CÉGEP. There is nearly $2,000,000 in awards available to participants in addition to top honours!

Learn more about the Canada-Wide Science Fair at youthscience.ca/science-fairs/cwsf

The 4-H Canada Science Fair is supported by the Government of Canada, Semex, and Olds College.

US National 4-H Conference

Returning for the first time since 2019!

The annual U.S. National 4-H Conference is the premiere civic engagement opportunity for 4-H members across the U.S and Canada. One 4-H member (aged 18-19 at the time of travel) from each province in Canada, forms the Canadian delegation. Conference delegates choose an important societal topic and in round table groups prepare a formal briefing. Briefings are presented to U.S. federal officials around the Washington, D.C. area. In addition to conference activities, 4-H Canada delegates may have a chance to tour Washington, visit some of the nation’s famous cultural and political sites, including the Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Hill, and visit the Canadian Embassy.

*4-H Canada participation in this program is subject to annual invitation from the U.S. Organizing Committee.

The U.S National 4-H Conference is supported by The Honourable Lyle and Sharon Vanclief Leadership Endowment Fund.

Community Engagement & Communications

Ages 18-19 at time of travel

April 2024

Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia

TBD

Register by December 8, 2023

Contact your provincial 4-H office for more information

Bursaries

Jack Pemberton Youth Development Bursary

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF), in partnership with 4-H Canada, is pleased to offer the Jack Pemberton Youth Development Bursary to a senior 4-H member residing outside of Ontario with a keen interest in agriculture and a desire to attend The Royal in Toronto.

Jack Pemberton was a Past President and Honourary Life Governor of RAWF. Mr. Pemberton created this opportunity to travel to Toronto to visit The Royal firsthand, as he felt it is a wonderful experience for anyone who is interested in agriculture.

The 101st RAWF runs from November 3 to 12, 2023.

The successful applicant will be awarded a $3,000 bursary.

• $2,250 of the funds will be used to cover the cost of travel to and within Toronto (airfare and all transportation between the airport, hotel, and The Royal grounds).

• $750 of the funds will go towards the recipient’s post-secondary education.

In memory of Mr. Pemberton, The Royal will provide general admission passes and up to three nights of accommodation (double occupancy) for the winner and a guest. A suggested itinerary of events to attend, including some VIP opportunities, will also be provided by The Royal staff, based on the interests expressed in the recipient’s application.

Applications will be accepted online from August 8, 2023, to September 15, 2023, at 11:59pm E.T.

For more information and application guidelines, visit 4-h-canada.ca/bursaries.

Entering final year of high school/CÉGEP

Awarded September 2023

Apply by September 15, 2023

Scholarships

4-H Canada, alongside several of our national partners, recognizes the importance of investing in the lifelong learning opportunities for our 4-H youth as integral to their success and the long-term vibrancy of our Canadian communities and economy. Thanks to these partnerships, 4-H Canada is proud to offer a variety of post-secondary scholarships to members each year.

In 2023, the following scholarships were offered:

• Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (L.E.A.D.) – four $20,000 scholarships

• McDonald’s Canada Future of Agriculture 4-H Scholarship – Eight $5,000 scholarships

• John Deere Canada 4-H Scholarship – 15 $1,000 scholarships

• TD 4-H Canada Agriculture Scholarship – 12 $2,500 scholarships

• Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers 4-H Scholarship – Two $1,000 scholarships

2024 Scholarships will be announced in February 2024. Scholarship applications will open March 1, 2024 and close May 31, 2024.

For more information and application guidelines, visit 4-h-canada.ca/scholarships

In final year of high school/ CÉGEP or in post-secondary

Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (L.E.A.D.)

The Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (L.E.A.D.) recognize outstanding 4-H’ers who show 4-H values in the way they live their lives. The awards honour youth who have become exceptional leaders through their 4-H experience and who share the best of themselves with their community.

Four L.E.A.D. recipients are selected each year, one for each of 4-H Canada’s Leadership Development pillars. Each recipient receives:

• A $20,000 scholarship for higher education ($5,000 annually for up to four years).

• An invitation to the virtual 2024 Leadership Awards held in February, where they will be honoured for receiving this award.

• Ongoing mentorship from an expert in their field of study or interest.

• A reference letter from their mentor.

• A letter of congratulations from 4-H Canada’s CEO, Shannon Benner.

• The opportunity to be featured as a youth spokesperson for L.E.A.D.

Learn more and meet past recipients and mentors at: 4-h-canada.ca/lead.

The L.E.A.D. scholarship is made possible thanks to the generous support of CN.

Awarded Summer 2024

Apply by May 31, 2024

Ava Copas

Elena Sales

Aidan Reynolds

Kate Axten

Opportunities for Clubs

Outreach Initiatives

4-H Canada Outreach Initiatives provide clubs, youth, and families within 4-H opportunities to take part in relevant and engaging activities that focus on experiential learning, leadership, and skill-building. Outreach Initiatives are pre-packaged activity kits that include all curriculum and many of the materials needed to run hands-on exploration activities related to a specific topic.

Earlier this year, we relaunched two of our most popular outreach initiatives, Proud to Bee a 4-H’er and Making A Splash. Later this year, we will be releasing two new outreach initiatives. These initiatives aim to expand existing resources, build new curriculum, strengthen current and new relationships, and grow 4-H opportunities for families, members, and clubs to access. Each initiative incorporates and educates youth on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

4-H Canada outreach initiatives were launched in 2020 as a response to the needs of youth and families during the COVID-19 pandemic to incorporate past favourite initiatives like Proud to Bee a 4-H’er and Find Your 4-H Wings. In 2020 and 2021, we launched My Plate and the Planet, Dig into Soil, and Unbox Your Mind.

SDG

SDG

Relaunch of SDG 14

Life Below Water –Making a Splash

Relaunch of SDG 15

Life on Land - Proud to Bee a 4-H’er

*Stay tuned for more information on new initiatives coming soon!

Visit 4-h-canada.ca/4-h-at-home today to learn more and download past initiatives.

Proud to Bee a 4-H’er is presented by Syngenta, Operation Pollinator. Making a Splash is presented by Cargill and supported by Corteva Agriscience and Desjardins.

SDG 2- Zero Hunger Initiative is presented by Syngenta.

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth Initiative is presented by CNH Industrial and Cargill and supported by Corteva Agriscience and Desjardins.

2 –Zero Hunger

8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Club Funds

4-H Canada is proud to provide clubs, districts, and regions across the country with funding opportunities to support their initiatives and activities.

Please note that financial support for clubs is determined with partners on an ongoing basis, with new grants and programs being established throughout the year. We have listed below what is anticipated for 2023-2024, however, please visit 4-h-canada.ca/clubfunds for up-to-date information.

FCC 4-H Club Fund

With the generous support of Farm Credit Canada (FCC), the FCC 4-H Club Fund is returning for 2023-2024 to provide clubs, districts, and regions across Canada with grants of up to $500. Please visit 4-h-canada.ca/clubfunds to learn more about the FCC 4-H Club Fund and eligible activities.

Applications open August 1 and close October 31, 2023.

For more information and application guidelines, visit 4-h-canada.ca/clubfunds.

Awarded Fall 2023 DEADLINE

Apply by October 31, 2023 HOW

4-h-canada.ca/clubfunds

The FCC 4-H Club Fund is supported by Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

National Volunteer Leader of the Year Award

The National Volunteer Leader of the Year Award (NVLYA) recognizes the volunteer leaders who are the biggest champions of the 4-H program. With leaders’ support and guidance, 4-H members receive outstanding experiences and gain important skills that help them continue to be responsible, caring and contributing youth who are positively impacting the world around them.

The winning national volunteer receives a prize package including $1,000 cash, registration for the 2024 Leadership Summit, and recognition at the 2024 Leadership Awards. In addition to the NVLYA, one leader from each province is selected as the Provincial Volunteer Leader of the Year and receives $100 cash and $100 towards a celebratory party for their club.

Nominations open August 15 and close September 30, 2023

Nominate your leader today and meet past recipients at: 4-h-canada.ca/awards/volunteer.

Awarded Winter 2024

Nominations due by September 30, 2023

4-h-canda.ca/awards/volunteer

2022 Recipient

Alain Blanchette

Distinguished Alumni Award

Nominate a deserving alum in 2023!

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the outstanding leadership and contributions of 4-H alumni to our communities, country, and world.

Selection Criteria

The award recipient will be selected by a panel of reviewers based on these criteria:

• Demonstrated leadership and contributions to their field and the world.

• Being an outstanding role model of 4-H values (critical thinking, service, loyalty, and healthy living) and support for future generations.

• Experience as a 4-H youth member.

The nominee does not currently need to be involved with 4-H.

The Award recipient will be featured during the Virtual 2024 4-H Canada Leadership Awards in February.

Award nominations will open in Summer 2023. Stay tuned!

2022 Recipient

Ken Keis

Show Your 4-H Colours

Show the world what it means to be a 4-H’er!

Did you know that November is National 4-H Month? That’s why 4-H’ers across Canada love to show their pride all month long, and why Show Your 4-H Colours is the annual celebration of 4-H! This year also marks the 110th anniversary of 4-H in Canada, even more reason to celebrate!

There are many ways to celebrate 4-H during November and make a big splash—of green, that is! The highlight of our annual celebration is Show Your 4-H Colours Day on November 1 where members, leaders, alumni, and supporters alike wear their favourite green and come together to spread awareness and enthusiasm for 4-H.

Here are some more ways to celebrate in November:

• Wear green on November 1

• Visit a Canadian landmark illuminated in green on the eve of November 1

• Host a club celebration event

• Make an impact and volunteer in your community

• Post to social media using the hashtag #ShowYour4HColours and tag us

@4HCanada so we can see you sporting your green

Visit

November 1,

2023! Wear your best green and visit a landmark illuminated in green to celebrate.

you to our partner, BASF Canada.

Opportunities for Volunteer Leaders

Leadership Summit

Leadership Summit is an opportunity for 4-H volunteer leaders, professionals, and the Youth Advisory Committee to showcase the communities they are building, share innovative program ideas, and hear from experts on emerging topics. It includes a mix of interactive workshops, expert keynotes, sharing, networking sessions, and lots of fun! We hope after attending Leadership Summit, leaders will leave feeling:

• Valued, as we celebrate volunteer achievements and have some fun.

• Connected, as we share successes and challenges, while they build a network with other leaders and youth.

• Supported, as we direct them to new resources and bring in experts to inspire them, help them grow their skills, and answer their questions.

Leadership Summit 2024 will be held in Vancouver, BC in April 2024. Exact dates will be available this summer with more information on Leadership Summit to be announced in September 2023 — stay tuned!

Thank you to our partner, the Government of Canada.

Leaders ages 18+

April 12-14, 2024

Vancouver, British Columbia

TBD

Register by October 31, 2023

Do you have a proposal for a workshop you would like to bring to delegates at Leadership Summit 2024?

Leaders Learn Webinars

The Leaders Learn webinar series is a training resource for volunteer leaders and senior 4-H members to build upon their 4-H foundational knowledge, continue to develop necessary skills, and gain the confidence to help them better support, mentor, and empower today’s youth. 4-H is all about a shared commitment to lifelong learning and we know that our volunteer leaders are leading by example!

Across Canada, 4-H youth are constantly developing and refining their skills in areas related to Community Engagement & Communications, Science & Technology, Environment & Healthy Living, and Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security – but what about our volunteer leaders?

Our next Leaders Learn Webinar series of sessions will be announced soon! Watch for more information and register at: 4-h-canada.ca/leaderslearn.

Past webinar topics have included:

• Diet Culture and Cultivating Body Inclusion with Our Youth

• How to Build Trust and Connection Online

• Bias Awareness

• Engaging 4-H Families: Lead Better - Using Physical Activity to Improve Mental Health and Social Connectivity

• Finding Their Voice – Public Speaking

• Leadership Development Pillars

• Unpacking PYD

Leaders and youth members ages 16+

Fall 2023 and Spring 2024

Watch past webinars

Careers on the Grow Leader Resources

Career readiness resources are available, as part of the Careers on the Grow Program, to help leaders deliver career preparation programming and support youth members. Resources include:

• Supporting the Development of Entrepreneurial Skills.

• Supporting the Development of Networking Skills.

• Supporting Creative Thinking Skills of Youth.

• Supporting Youth Financial Literacy Skills. These resources are high-level introductions to the topics covered with suggestions of how to integrate the topic into various clubs and projects by each Leadership Development Pillar.

A new Leader Resource will be available fall 2023. Stay tuned for the exact date!

4-H LEARNS

4-H LEARNS (Learn, Educate, Access Resources, Network, Support) is an online community for 4-H volunteer leaders and professionals to share ideas and access 4-H resource materials produced from all corners of the world. This knowledgesharing platform empowers Canadian volunteers and the Global 4-H Network to connect, share resources and best practices, and grow a global 4-H movement of positive youth development.

Here is how 4-H LEARNS can help you as a volunteer leader:

• Download resources to get new ideas for your club.

• Access volunteer training like the Leaders Learn webinars and other resources.

• Access current and past resources from 4-H Canada programs like Find Your 4-H Wings, Steeped in Soil, and My Plate and the Planet.

• Let people know about yourself and clubs by creating a profile.

• Access the on-boarding checklist to find 4-H Canada national policies, links to the Commit

Leader resources are available for download at: 4-h-canada.ca/growingcareers.

to Kids training, and the new volunteer leader guide and member handbook.

• Contribute to discussion forums with other 4-H’ers.

About 4-H LEARNS:

• Over 1,027 project resources

• Resources from five different countries

• 23 country profiles

• 13 provinces and states

• 1,000+ individual profiles

• Five discussion groups

Register today and start exploring at: 4-h-learns.org!

Always be sure to check with your provincial 4-H office to ensure the resources and activities are an appropriate fit for your club.

Dates and Deadlines

Opportunities for Youth

Opportunities for Clubs

Opportunities for Leaders

For More Information on These Programs:

Contact 4-H Canada

Email: program@4-h-canada.ca

Phone: 1-844-759-1013

Website: 4-h-canada.ca

Contact Your Provincial 4-H Office

Some programs require you to apply through your provincial 4-H office to attend. To do so, please locate your provincial office below and reach out with their contact information: