4-H

As a youth I was a member of the 4-H club: an organization for ages 9-21 which fosters personal growth, encourages balanced living, and mentors leadership skills while honouring community, social relationships and the environment.  Learn to do by doing, the official motto and the 4-H philosophy must have influenced this Warden in my early years.  Originally agriculturally focused, the 4- H club allows its members to choose projects which follow their interests, for example, raising a cow, or producing a potato crop from start to finish. I loved ranking the quality of the crops and livestock during judging competitions, hoping to win the silver plate (awarded to one most knowledgeable in what makes for a superior specimen).  The organizations history is a good read, and I am pleased to discover that 4-H is still alive and well with a mission and vision relatively unchanged since its Canadian establishment in 1913.

4-H refers to our heads, hearts, hands, and health in their pledge, said at the beginning of each meeting and event -

I pledge my head to clearer thinking

My heart to greater loyalty

My hands to larger service and

My health to better living

For my club, my community, and my country