There’s a misconception that 4-H is agriculture-exclusive.
“We often hear that people have heard of 4-H, but they’ve maybe thought it was just for farm kids. That’s absolutely not true,” says Shannon Carvey. “We do have members involved in livestock and other ag programs, but we have a really wide variety of projects, from cooking, sewing and crafts to business development, woodworking and healthy living.”
Carvey, the executive director of 4-H Manitoba, points out that there are more than 80 programs facilitated by the non-profit organization. All are based on experiential, hands-on learning, and there’s something for everyone.
Naturally, a number of 4-H projects tie back to agriculture in one capacity or another, although there isn’t necessarily a specific ag focus.
“We all know that anything to do with cooking food is tied to agriculture,” she explains. “Even when you talk about sewing, agriculture is present in the cotton or other fabrics. So there’s always a tie-back, for sure.”
As a youth organization that equips club members with the resources and skills to build self-confidence, communication and leadership skills, 4-H designs its projects to appeal to as many kids, teenagers and young adults as possible.
There’s an entire sports category with focuses as wide-ranging as cycling and archery. The Craft Series encourages participants to explore international craft-making and scrapbooking. In Money & More, club members learn about small business start-ups and practical budgeting tools. Information about each of the more than six dozen projects is available in the Project Catalogue.
Prospective club members who might be unsure about which project to take on can answer a few helpful questions on the 4-H website.
Overall, 4-H is intended to be as accessible to as many Manitobans as possible.
“We have a small cost compared to other youth activities,” says Carvey. “For the 2025-26 year our fee is $90, and that gets the member the ability to join a club and take one or more projects. We’ve also expanded our age range so members can join at six-years-old and stay right through until they’re 25.”
She adds that some adult members transition to a leadership role, giving their time and expertise to help the next generation of 4-H-ers by operating clubs.
“Members actually run their clubs,” she explains. “They make decisions; they learn about parliamentary procedures; they run the meetings. It’s really an exceptional experience that way as well.”
Carvey also highlights an ongoing need for volunteers. Depending on skill-set and availability, time commitments range from an hour every other week to four hours per month.
“We’re always in need of volunteers, and it can be in whatever capacity you have time for,” she says. “You could lead a project, chaperone an overnight camp, help out at a rally or even become head leader of a club.”
Those thinking of volunteering can access further information on the 4-H website or call the head office at (204) 726-1914.
For youth interested in joining 4-H, they or their parents or guardians can call the same number or visit the organization's website to find a club near them.
“We’re really looking forward to our new 4-H year,” says Carvey. “We also encourage parents to stay and participate and be involved in what’s happening at their 4-H club. We just want to be inclusive of everyone and are really happy to have our members participating with their families.”
Further information about 4-H is available online, and parents and prospective members and volunteers can always reach out by calling (204) 726-1914.