The evening before the Miami Fair and Rodeo, three 4-H clubs from the area met at the fairgrounds for an interclub judging competition. Hosted by the Miami 4-H club, the event offered an opportunity for kids and teens in 4-H to get a feel for livestock judging, something that is key to 4-H livestock projects.
A generational passion
“My kids are in 4-H because I was in 4-H.” shared Theresa Knox. “Showing cattle has made us kind of who we are today, and I wanted that for my kids as well.” Knox is also a leader in the Miami 4-H club, and volunteers on the Miami Ag Society board. The 4-H Sheep and Cattle show took place on the Saturday of the fair. “We have a lot of kids who are multi event kids... it is a jam-packed weekend, but it is so much fun.”
Adrianne Vandersluis, leader in the Elk Creek 4-H, has been very involved in 4-H since she was in the club herself. “...my oldest son joined in 2008, and I’ve became a leader the year after that.”
For her, an important aspect of 4-H is the hands-on learning that is core to the club. “There’s always different variances of enthusiasm from each child...sometimes, you gotta pull that reluctant child in.” shared Vandersluis. “They never go away not learning something... that’s the way to teach kids, I think.”
Opening doors
For Laura Seward, 4-H is an opportunity that keeps on opening doors. As president of the Pembina Area club and youth director on the Manitoba 4-H Council, Seward has been able to travel to Ottawa to speak with politicians there. “For me, that sparked a lot of interest, and it was an amazing opportunity.”
Seward is excited for what the future brings her. “It’s probably going to be my last year in 4-H, just because I’m graduating next year. I hope to be able to do it once I graduate or maybe join... U of M’s future leaders club.” shared Seward. “I’m unsure of what it will look like, but I hope I get to continue my involvement... maybe even get to come back and be a leader.”
In her experience in 4-H both on a local and provincial scale, Seward noted that the club is “a really positive atmosphere, and it’s a safe, inclusive community where everyone is cheering you on.”
“I highly recommend joining it.” Seward said.
For more information about local 4-H clubs, check out the Manitoba 4-H website and Facebook.
