Donna Jack

I am currently a leader with the Saanich 4-H Lamb Club, and my journey in 4-H began in an unexpected way. Our family had decided to start a hobby farm, so we purchased four ewes and a ram. At the time, we had no plans to get involved in 4-H, but on the way home from the PNE, we happened to run into the current 4-H leader, Paul Miller. He asked if I would be willing to take over as the A leader for our club. His pitch was simple—"All you have to do is some paperwork." At the time, I felt that this was something I could handle, so I agreed, not fully realizing the journey I was about to begin.

I continue to be a 4-H leader because I’m passionate about the growth I witness in our members every year. Each member of our club shares a common goal: to learn as much as they can about their project, whether it’s with their lambs or any other livestock. What’s truly inspiring is how the members naturally share their knowledge with one another, often without realizing that they are stepping into leadership roles themselves. It’s a beautiful process to witness, and it keeps me coming back.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of attending numerous leader training sessions that have expanded my skills and understanding of 4-H. One of my most memorable experiences was taking on the role of District President, and later becoming a Key Leader when that position was first introduced in 1992. As a Key Leader, I was tasked with training and mentoring other leaders, helping them develop the tools they needed to guide their own clubs. These experiences, along with my time as Regional President, helped me hone not just my leadership skills, but also my ability to mentor others and build community.

While my responsibilities have shifted somewhat in recent years due to family commitments, I remain deeply involved in guiding and supporting the younger members of our club. I particularly enjoy coaching them as they prepare for their Junior Proficiency exams, as well as encouraging them to take part in 4-H public speaking, demonstration presentations, and show-and-tell events. These activities are invaluable life skills that teach confidence, public speaking, and the ability to communicate effectively—skills that will serve them well far beyond their 4-H years.

Being a 4-H leader has been a rewarding experience in so many ways, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with such motivated, enthusiastic young people year after year.