Welcome to the 4-H Family...

Congratulations on becoming a part of the 4-H family in Nova Scotia. Being a 4-H parent will give you the opportunity to work with your son or daughter, to learn about the 4-H program, to learn new skills, and to help your son or daughter realize his/her potential while achieving more than you ever imagined.

A Bit About Us ...

The 4-H program in Nova Scotia began in 1922, in Heatherton, Antigonish County. From it's start with calf and garden projects, today's 4-H Clubs offer over 40 different projects, and numerous opportunities for friendships, scholarships, travel, and learning skills that will last a lifetime. Over the years, the motto of the program, "Learn To Do By Doing", has not changed - nor has the belief in the accomplishments of young people, or the goal to encourage today's members to become tomorrow's leaders.

Today's 4-Her, Tomorrow's Leader...

Today's 4-H members develop the skills required to become future leaders in their schools, their communities and their workplaces. The 4-H program will provide your son or daughter with opportunities to...

• Learn new technical skills
• Improve life skills such as team building, decision making, and
• Co-operation
• Develop self-confidence & improve self-esteem
• Participate in public speaking and demonstrations
• Get involved in the club's executive & learn to run a meeting
• Travel
• Attend Camp Rankin
• Apply for scholarships
• Learn record keeping
• Build friendships & socialize
• Understand competition
• Meet others from across the county, across Nova Scotia, and beyond
• Realize their own potential
• Achieve personal goals
• Make a difference in their community through community service projects
• Have fun!!!

Successful Clubs, Successful Members...

Each 4-H Club draws on the skills and dedication of a number of volunteer leaders who are dedicated to teaching skills, organizing activities, and assisting with individual 4-H member's goals. But 4-H Clubs, and especially 4- H members, need parents to play a role as well.

There are lots of ways that 4-H parents can contribute to the 4-H Club, to the efforts of 4-H leaders and to their child's success. Each parent will have varying work schedules, commitments, etc., and thus, each parent's role in the club will be specific to that parent. You may be able to offer a hand at certain club events, but not at others; or you may have a special skill that would be beneficial to the club, but can not commit to becoming a leader. Helping out in this unofficial way is a great benefit to your child and the 4-H Club.

A Role to Play...

Successful 4-H members have parents who not only witness their development and achievements in the 4-H program, but who are directly involved in helping their son or daughter grow, and attain greater accomplishments. There are certain things that every parent can be expected to contribute. It is essential that the parent...

• Become familiar with their child's 4-H project
• Understand what the 4-H member will be expected to do in order to complete their project work
• Cover the costs for each project undertaken by the 4-H member
• Assist with transportation to and from meetings and activities
• Keep in mind that 4-H leaders are volunteers, and their roles should not include these responsibilities.

The most significant role of the parent is to support & to encourage your child. Remember, we all do a better job when someone is cheering us on, sharing in our shortfalls & our achievements, and taking a genuine interest in what we are doing. Get involved in your child's 4-H activities, make an effort to understand and assist with what they are learning, and be a part of their success!

Where To Get More Info...

The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture sponsors 4-H in Nova Scotia. Additional information about the 4-H program and any questions you may have as a parent can be answered by contacting the Regional 4-H Specialist in your area.