So many great reasons to join a local 4-H club

''I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands better living, for my club, my community, and my country," I said proudly. "That's the 4-H pledge."

"What's 4-H?" my friend, Taylor, asked me curiously.

For the past year I've been telling my friend all about 4-H. 4-H is a program for young people ages nine to 21. I'm 11 years old, and I just finished my second year in the Chilliwack 4-H Dog Club. There are lots of different projects in 4-H. Clubs in the Chilliwack area include projects with beef, swine, dog, dairy, horse, rabbit, cavy, sheep and photography.

"I chose to join the dog club because I have always loved dogs," I explained to Taylor. "Plus, I don't live on a farm so you can imagine that I don't have any cattle, and I'm sure the neighbours wouldn't like pigs and horses in the yard!"

As a new member, it may seem overwhelming at first, but you will get to know all the other members by participating in club meetings and activities, and have a lot of fun. In my first year, I didn't know what to expect, but the other members were great at helping me get used to things. My first club speech was nerve-racking but I did it, and during this year's speech it was a lot easier to get up in front of my club. I even went on to compete at the district competition. I also did my first demonstration this year and went on to districts for that too. For demonstrations, two people team up to teach the audience something (like how to bake cookies).

"I've heard you talk a lot about fairs. What's that all about?" Taylor asked me.

"We go to summertime fairs to compete against members from lots of other clubs with the same project, in the same level. My first fair was a little scary: the show ring, the judges and all the people. But at the same time, I loved it because I was doing what I'd seen all the dog people on TV do. I felt special and important as an exhibitor in the ring." I smiled remembering the ribbons I'd won. With experience I've become more successful in all aspects of 4-H competition and any nervousness has now become excitement.

I'm not a senior member yet, but when I am, I will be able to earn Grade 11 and 12 course credits and apply for 4-H scholarships. If I stay in 4-H till I'm 20 years old, I could be a B.C. 4-H Ambassador.

Taylor's interest was piqued: "That sounds awesome," she exclaimed.

"I can see you've met a lot of new people and made a ton of friends. Maybe I should join. How can I do that?"

Those wanting to "get their green on," can visit www.bc4h.bc for more information on 4-H clubs. (Why "get your green on"? November is 4-H month across Canada. The 4-H colours are green and white. The symbol is a green four-leaf clover with a white H on each leaf.)

? You can also call 604-858-6924 for leader contact information for local clubs.

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