The 2024 4-H National Members Forum By Sophie J
The 2024 4-H National Members Forum, bringing together 4-H members from across Canada for 6 days of learning, networking and fun was an incredible experience and a privilege to attend as a BC Delegate. During our time at the Holiday Inn in Oakville, we had presentations on positive self image and CN which were both very engaging and highlighted different aspects of job opportunities and mental health. Each of our province delegations shared with the group about their history, environment and 4-H presence. I found it very interesting to learn about what made each province unique.
In accordance with the Members Forum theme, “Future Ready: Purpose, Passion, and Possibilities”, many of our activities were aligned with finding what our purpose in life is and what actions we can take in everyday life to support and strengthen that sense of purpose. At the end of the conference, each of us were given the opportunity to share what we had discovered or solidified about our purpose and how we plan to fulfill our goals surrounding it. We had the opportunity to tour the dairy and beef research facilities at Elora Research Farms, managed by the University of Guelph through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance. This was very interesting and exciting as their facility is one of the largest agricultural research farms in Canada, spanning 2,310 acres. We learned about the different ways in which information is gathered on each cow, and what different current testing is being done to learn more about animal husbandry practices and milk production. Afterwards, we had a campus tour at the University of Guelph, learned about ice cream, micropropagation of plants and participated in activities led by the local 4-H club.
I think that I can speak for all delegates when I say that attending the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair was a peak of the trip. While there, we met and had discussions in mentorship circles with many knowledgeable and interesting individuals with agriculture-related careers, listened to presentations about Ag Careers and MNP, then spent the afternoon exploring, shopping and discovering all the fun things to do at the fair. For me as someone who shows sheep, I found it very interesting to watch the market lamb classes, identifying the differences and similarities of sheep showing between Ontario and BC.
The conference ended on the last night before flying home with the staple of all 4-H events from across the country, a dance, which was definitely a highlight for me, as I'm sure it was for many other delegates. As a 4-H BC Ambassador, a unique opportunity for me was to meet other ambassadors from the other provinces, learning what their responsibilities were and how they differed from my own. It was also very interesting to learn about how 4-H is run in other provinces, and what aspects of the program are prioritized or approached differently from what I experience in BC.
Overall, this was an incredible experience and I highly recommend making the most out of BC's provincial camps and programs in order to be eligible for national 4-H opportunities.