Today is the deadline for 4-H club registration in Alberta.

Cameron Horner, Communications and Marketing Specialist with 4-H Alberta, says registration numbers should be pretty similar to last year.

"Registration we've got just under 6,000 member, and that will probably be pretty consistent with this year, and about 2,200 adult volunteers, and about 350 clubs across the Province."

The 4-H program is also celebrating 100 years, and Horner says over the years it has evolved into the primary youth leadership program in the Province.

"It was rural kids, and farm kids,and that was a way when they (4-H) first started, that agriculture could improve. It was about building genetics and that sort of thing through the kids. So the kids come, they go to a meeting, they learn about this stuff, then they go back home, and they're the influencers on their parents. It's evolved into a lot more now, so of course communication skills, leadership skills, and a lot of award and travel opportunities."

Horner says, the skill development 4-H provides members has no boundaries, as far as weather you're on a farm or not.

"It's (4-H) really encompassing a lot of things. Maybe when you're 14 years old you don't want to stand on stage and give your prepared speech, or your presentation, because it's scary. But when you become my age, or into your 20's, 30's, or 40's, you look back and say what did you get out of 4-H? Well, I'm confident I can speak in front of people, I know board room skills, and I've become a community leader."

Horner says, whether you are in a rural or urban community, becoming a community leader is relevant to everyone.

 

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