The 4-H program helps young people discover where they shine by letting them explore what they love, discover what they don’t and try new things, said Billy Joe Townsend, an organizer of the newly-formed Assiniboine Beef and Multi 4-H Club.
The program has been part of the community for numerous years and recently was reorganized with the goal of having it focus more on the younger children, said Townsend. The re-organizational meeting, held November 19 at the Preeceville School on November 19, drew the attention of numerous families. Townsend, Dani Volpatti and Fallyn Oxley are district 4-H leaders and it is up to 4-H members to run their meetings.
The idea of re-forming a 4-H multi club, that includes beef (including calves) and goats, has been a source of eager anticipation for quite some time, Townsend said.
The idea of a multi 4-H club has been a source of eager anticipation, not only for the youngsters but also for the leaders, she said. It’s an opportunity to become involved in the types of projects “that each of us were once part of.”
Townsend said, “It is a great club idea that incorporates both calves and goats.”
To join the club, "you have to be six years old to be able to be registered. The new club will be named Assiniboine Beef and Multi 4-H Club.
“We want to incorporate beef calves and goats into the program that will add to the interest in the club. We have 12 kids registered in the beef program, six registered in the goat program and some pre-cubers which is for two to four-year-old members – essentially allowing the introduction of the 4-H value system.
“The program will teach chidlren how to care for, groom and show their projects. We hope to have an achievement day in the summer," she said.
Oxley has been part of the beef 4-H program for years while Townsend has been part of the Lintlaw horse program and Volpatti was in the 4-H program in BC where she grew up.
“At each club meeting, youth are encouraged to dissect, rebuild, brainstorm, celebrate, debate, retool, experiment, dream, chill, think and, best of all, find their ‘thing,’” Townsend said.
She explained that in this club, the four “letter H’s” means: “using their hands to perfect a craft, their hearts to reach out to other people, their heads to learn and strategize, and spending every healthy day making a difference in the world. Whether they want to rebuild an old car, learn to make digital films, or have an outdoor adventure – that is what our program is about, making choices and meeting others who share similar passions.”
The 4-H program helps youth develop life skills such as: communication, citizenship, decision-making, leadership, interpersonal relations and community and global awareness. Youth learn these practical skills through many different projects and programming activities. The program incorporates meetings, project groups, individual project work and special activities so you can have fun while working and learning together.”
