what is 4-h? what is a 4-h project? how do i get … - project selection guide.pdf · from the...

4-H Project

Selection Guide

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Phone: (306) 933-7727 Email: [email protected]

www.4-h.sk.ca

W H AT I S 4- H ?4-H is one of Canada’s largest and longest-running organizations for youth! Do you like learning new things? Do you like having fun? Do you like making friends? Then 4-H is for you!

With a focus on fun and learning, 4-H provides opportunities, which will develop the skills needed in an ever-changing future. We take pride and ownership in being an organization based on our pledge, our values and the belief the 4-H experience has a positive impact on individuals, families, communities, and our country.

W H AT I S A 4- H P R O J E C T ?4-H projects are in-depth learning experiences for a topic you choose to focus on. From the popular beef and light horse projects to archery, astronomy, drama or gardening, the 4-H program has a project for everyone. You can even create your own project!

H O W D O I G E T I N V O LV E D ?There are 4-H clubs all across Saskatchewan. Contact the 4-H Office to find a 4-H club near you. If there is not a club in your area, start your own 4-H club! Anyone can start a 4-H club for any project(s) they choose with only one adult leader and four youth members. We have many helpful resources to help you as you start your club.

Become a 4-H Member: Youth can make new friends and develop life skills through club involvement and hands-on projects.

Become a 4-H Leader: 4-H general leaders organize clubs and 4-H project leaders guide members through their projects. Any adult willing to share their time and enthusiasm can volunteer. Leaders have access to many resources to help them in their role. 4-H Leaders must complete volunteer screening.

H O W D O I C H O O S E A P R O J E C T?4-H members should ask themselves...• What interests you? • What would you like to make or learn about?• What do you like to do when you are with friends? • What do you like to do in your spare time?

After they’ve answered these questions, they can look through the list of projects. They are listed in four categories:• Community Engagement & Communications• Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security• Environment & Healthy Living• Science & Technology

Talk with your General Leader about offering the project in your club. If you have an idea of what you want to do, and it’s not on the list, design your own project through the 4-U Self Determined Project.

P R O J E C T M A N UA L SEach of the 4-H Projects listed in this guide have their own 4-H PROJECT MANUAL. These manuals offer information about the project topic, as well as different activity ideas.

4-H members and leaders are welcome to use other materials from external groups and organizations, as well as books, videos, and even local experts to supplement and compliment the 4-H resources.

Each 4-H member keeps a 4-H RECORD BOOK. Your record book is the place to track the 4-H year, including the time and money spent, as well as goals, challenges and successes! Some projects have specific record books while others use the General 4-H Record Book. There are resources and training on how to complete a 4-H Record Book available from the office.

W H AT H A P P E N S I N A 4- H Y E A R ?At the beginning of each club year, members choose one or more projects to work on. Through the exploration of a 4-H project, they will develop knowledge and skills in an area of interest to them.

When you register as a 4-H member you will receive 4-H PROJECT MATERIALS, which includes your record book. You will also receive the BITS & PIECES NEWSLETTER to keep you up to date with all of the events and activities available beyond your club! There are many events and activities you can participate in!

Throughout the year, you meet with your 4-H club for general meetings to discuss club business, plan events and make decisions. You may decide to take a club trip, help out in your community, or to fundraise for your club’s needs. Most clubs will have club competitions, such as public speaking, and fun social events, too.

You will also meet with your project group for project meetings to work on your projects together. You’ll use your project manual, do activities and take tours and trips to learn more about your project topic. You’ll “Learn to Do by Doing” and keep track of all you’ve done in your 4-H Record Book.

At the end of the year, your club will have an achievement day. Achievement Day is your day to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and to demonstrate or display all you’ve done during the year.

4-H SASKATCHEWAN WWW.4-H.SK.CA

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT &

COMMUNICATIONS

B A BY S I T T I N GDo you want to make some extra money babysitting? Or simply learn how to take care of yourself or your younger siblings? Learn the basics all babysitters need when caring for children.

G E N E A L O G YInterested in tracing your family roots? This project will teach you how to get started, where to look for information, the importance of knowing where you’ve come from and how to expand your family history knowledge. Who knows, you may find some very interesting ancestors in your past!

J U N I O R L E A D E RAre you interested in developing your leadership skills and learning more about planning successful club or project events? If so, become a junior leader! This project is recommended for members 14 years and older who have completed two years of 4-H.

W R I T E H E R E , W R I T E N O WDo you ever dream of seeing your name in print? Or do you simply want to improve your writing skills? This project could help you achieve any or all of those goals. Learn about the impact the written word can have and develop the skills necessary to be a good writer. Explore different writing styles, ranging from a news story to haiku to the very important résumé and cover letter. You will be able to put together a writer’s portfolio showing the progress you’ve made throughout the project.

YO U T H L E A D E R S H I PThis project is designed to be completed during two years, with members completing core units and optional units. Core units cover the four H’s of leadership, discovering who you are, improving communication skills, setting goals and developing leadership skills. The optional units look at influencing positive change, life balance and community leadership. Using quizzes, games and activities, learn more about yourself and work to not only become a better you, but also a great leader.

Find your voice and develop confidence as a young leader. 4-H’ers lead by example and apply their skills to their club, their community and their country.


SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY

B E E FBetter understand beef cattle production and management. Learn about selecting an animal, feeding, judging, finishing and showing. Each of the projects below use the beef project manuals.

M A R K E T S T E E REach member selects, provides for, and markets a steer. H E I F E REach member selects and provides for a heifer.

C O W / C A L FA member showing a two- or three-year old cow must have shown the same animal previously in the heifer project. The cow must be shown with her natural calf at side.

F E E D L O TFor senior members interested in commercial beef production. Each member must select, feed and manage at least three steers.

D A I R YRevised materials from 4-H Ontario. Explore the life cycle of the dairy cow and be introduced to the major aspects of the dairy industry. Learn about showmanship, grooming, judging, breeding and calving.

E N TO M O L O G YIdentify insects and learn how to categorize them. Learn how to safely catch and study the various insects which intrigue you. Discover the purposes of different insects from pollination to soil aeration.

F I E L D C R O P SDevelop your skills in identifying plants and seeds of commonly grown plants in Saskatchewan. There are four levels to this project: Level 1 for beginners, then progress to Level 2, 3 and Marketing.

4-H’s roots are in agriculture - for over a century, 4-H members have brought their work in the barn to the show ring, and efforts in their gardens and fields to the kitchen. Learn

about responsible animal care and sustainable agriculture through 4-H.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE &

FOOD SECURITY


F O O D SYou are what you eat! The Foods Project is an excellent foundation for the many food related projects available. Learning to cook is more effective if we start early in life and have fun at it! In the foods project you will develop new skills, as well as learning the importance of safety when dealing with food, utensils, appliances, preparation and cooking.

B E S T O F T H E B A K E R YThere’s nothing quite like homemade baking! Learn how to bake items, which many people buy these days, including cinnamon buns, pie and cheesecake, and treat your friends and family!

C A K E D E C O R AT I N GWith the popularity of television shows about cakes, it is almost expected all celebrations will have a fantastic cake. This three-unit project will help you develop your decorating skills so you can create fantastic cakes of your own.

EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL CUISINETake your taste buds on a trip around the world as you discover the flavours of India, East Asia, the Mediterranean and Latin America. Learn about the staples and customs of each area and make authentic dishes as you go.

F U N W I T H F O O D STake cooking and baking to a new level! Discover the science behind food and learn about emulsions, foams, leavening agents, microbiology and crystallization. Then using this knowledge and simple, fresh ingredients, create dishes, which will impress your family and friends.

R A N G E M A N A G E M E N TLearn about the importance of healthy rangelands, ecosystems, managing grasslands, plant identification and wildlife and livestock grazing patterns.

H O R S EL I G H T H O R S ELearn to appreciate the nature of the horse, its body language and psychology. Learn how to care, work with and ride your horse safely. • Cloverbud is designed for six to eight year olds. Learn to develop a strong sense of safety when around horses. • Unit 1 teaches basic horsemanship skills. This unit will introduce you to the sense of the horse, and how to watch your horse’s body language for your own safety.• Unit 2 introduces the concept of “thinking like your horse” to improve your partnership. • Unit 3 will help you build upon the basics learned in earlier units and apply them to different situations. • Unit 4 will take you a step further with your “equine athlete” through knowledge about antomy, exercise physiology and specialized training programs.

R O D E ORodeo is designed for older members interested in the sport of rodeo. Learn the history, rules, proper techniques and skills of several popular rodeo events.

YO U N G H O R S EYoung Horse is a three year project. There are specific age and experience requirements to take this project. In year one, learn about foal selection, halter breaking and groundwork. Progrress to starting your young horse under saddle and learning advanced training techniques.

G A R D E N I N GEveryone can have a garden! Learn about plant uses, seeds, cuttings, roots and stems. Plan your garden plot, as well as learn about planting, maintaining, harvesting and storing.


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S H E E PRevised materials from 4-H British Columbia.Learn about the principals of sheep behaviour. Topics include: breeds, lamb selection, feeding, management, showmanship, judging and marketing. This project can be either a market lamb or sheep-breeding project.

G O ATDo you know how useful goats are? Well, get ready to explore the wonderful world of goats! Try your hand at making cheese out of goat’s milk, spinning mohair, making your own ice cream or making goats’ milk soap.

V E T E R I N A R YIntroduction from 4-H Ontario. This project is a fun and interactive way to teach some basics of veterinary care. Diseases, animal anatomy and genetics are just some of the topics covered. Perfect for older intermediate and senior members as a supplement to their livestock project.

C O M P E T I T I V E J U D G I N G R E S O U R C E S4-H members, regardless of what project(s) they are registered in, can participate in judging. Each year, there are several 4-H judging workshops, clinics and competitions held in the province.

Judging is an important life skill, which teaches the process of evaluation and how to identify the important characteristics which can improve quality in an item or animal. Futhermore, explaining reasoning builds confidence and public speaking skills. Judging can be fun and challenging, but it can also be very rewarding.

Through judging, 4-H members have earned scholarships, awards and travel opportunities. While it can be especially useful for 4-H members in agricultural projects or those planning a career in agriculture, the critical thinking and decision-making skills judging develops are valuable to all.

4-H Saskatchewan offers several resources to help your 4-H club get started in the exciting world of competitive judging, such as the LIFE SKILLS JUDING and LET’S JUDGE guides. Attending judging events is also a great opportunity to meet members from other 4-H clubs across the province. Contact 4-H Saskatchewan for more information.

M O R E P R O J E C T O P T I O N S I N S U S TA I N A B L E A G R I C U LT U R E & F O O D S E C U R I T Y


THE ENVIRONMENT & HEALTHY LIVING

A N I M A L T R A C K I N G

Members learn various methods of tracking animals and how to identify animal prints or signs of where an animal has made its home.

A N I M A L T R A P P I N GExplore the world of trapping. Learn how to set various traps and how to cure hides. Discover the various uses for hides and how to create many different items.

A R C H E R YArchery is a sport where members get together and shoot at targets and silhouettes, while having a great time. Through the archery project, learn about technique, safety and equipment.

B E M Y G U E S TThis project focuses on event planning. Plan and host a successful party or event. Topics include themes, meals, budgeting, and problem solving. By the end of the project you’ll be the host with the most!

B I C YC L I N GStarting with the history of bicyles and working up to organizing a group ride, this project creates well-rounded cyclists. Learn how to maintain and repair your bicycle, as well as the signals and rules of the road. This is a great project for the physically active member!

B I R D WAT C H I N G Bird watching is fun, easy and can be done practically anywhere! This project will introduce you to various species of birds and the fundamentals of birdwatching. All you need is a pair of binoculars!

C A N I N ELearn about raising a dog through the experience of owning, caring for, training and maintaining records for your pet. Develop the skill, patience and understanding of the handling practices essential in working with dogs. Understand your dog’s behaviour and learn training techniques to build a partnership with your dog.

Through 4-H, members find new interests and live a healthy and engaged life-style. Whether it is creative arts, fitness and sports, caring for animals or enjoying

the outdoors, explore your passions and “Learn to Do by Doing” through 4-H.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITYENVIRONMENT &HEALTHY

LIVING

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C O L L E C T I O N C O N N E C T I O NDelve into the history of collecting, why to collect, where to find items and how to display them. The goal of the project is to create a 10-item collection of your choosing.

C R A F T SIf you like to work with your hands and be creative, this is the proejct for you! Learn about a variety of crafting styles and mediums! Develop basic colour and design concepts and many practical skills.

C L O T H I N GS E W I N GDiscover the sewing machine, how to measure, select and read a pattern. Learn different types of fabrics and how to cut and fit. Make lots of cool clothes and other items! Two units to allow you to go from a beginner experience to advanced sewing techniques. Now with new and updated materials from 4-H Canada!

FA S H I O N D E S I G NDesign your own sewing creations! Begin with sketches, choose your fabrics and textiles, and create your own fashion portfolio!

J E W E L L R Y M A K I N GLearn an array of jewellery-making techniques using ordinary household items, such as paper, fabric, wire or buttons, to make attractive and interesting pieces. Challenge your creativity and save the costs!

L E T ’ S G O G R E E N !Sustainable living is about conserving the world’s natural resources and protecting our environment. Figure out your carbon and ecological footprint and learn how to reduce them, while learning about energy conservation, water quality and more!

M A K I N G I T O N YO U R O W NAre you moving out on your own? Even if you’re not, this project will help you learn the basics of cooking, managing money, buying clothes and food, finding a job or an apartment and getting involved in a new community.

M Y S PA C ERedesign your room or your living room after learning the basics of interior decorating. Cover topics from floor plans to principles of design to help you put your new look together while staying within a budget.

O N T H E M O V EThis project is all about keeping your body healthy and incorporating physical activity into your everyday life! Learn about proper nutrition, mental and physical wellness.

O U T D O O R L I V I N GReplacing Outdoor Adventure. For the outdoor enthusiasts! This project has an amazing reference and activity guide to learn everything outdoors; including camping, wildlife, hiking, safety and the environment.

P E R F O R M I N G T H E A R T SFor the aspiring performers! This project covers choreography, developing a script, and directing an onstage production! By the end of this project, members can put on their own play!

Q U I LT I N GQuilting is an art that’s more than 2,000 years old! Try it for yourself in this three level project. Explore the history, learn the basics, and try your hand at creating quilted pillows, wall hangings and more!

M O R E P R O J E C T O P T I O N S I N E N V I R O N M E N TA L A N D H E A LT H Y L I V I N G


P H O TO G R A P H Y

Learn the fundamentals of photography to create beautiful, clear photographs with a digital camera. Learn about caring for and using your camera to compose and develop quality pictures. There are three levels to the Photography project.

D I G I T A L P H O T O E D I T I N GDigital Photo Editing provides tutorials and instructions to assist members in making their photos the best they can be. Learn how to crop, resize, fix exposure, adjust colour, create a panorama and much more!

D I G I T A L V I D E OMembers of all ages can create great movies and explore the world of filmmaking. This project is divided into three steps of making a film: pre-production, production, and post-production.

P H A B U L O U S P H O TO SUse your own photos to create fun and unique décor, jewellery and crafts!

S C R A P B O O K I N GPreserve your memories using photographs, journaling, memorabilia and embellishments.

S M A L L P E T SLearn about feeding, grooming, breeding and health care for your small pet - designed for small animals like cats, guinea pigs or hamsters.


C L U B R E S O U R C E S4-H clubs typically meet once a month as a large group for a general meeting, where members take on different leadership roles to make decisions and plan events.

4-H clubs elect a club executive that in-cludes a president, vice-president, trea-surer and secretary, and use parliamentary procedure to vote on important decisions.

Meetings are also a time for some fun and camaraderie!

Ask the Provincial 4-H Office about clubresources like MEETING PACK, FUN PACK and GREAT MEETINGS, GREAT CLUBS. There are also guides, supplies and train-ing available for club executives and 4-H leaders, as well as HOW TO HOST guides to help you plan events and competitions.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

A S T R O N O M Y The stars really are the limit in this new project. Learn about star gazing, solar systems and constellations, all while having fun under the night sky!

C A R C A R EAre you getting your driver’s license soon? Learn about car maintenance, repair and what to look for when buying a car.

G E O - C A C H I N GDo you love technology and the outdoors? Geo-caching is a high-tech treasure hunt! Learn about the fundamentals of geo-caching, operating and reading a GPS unit, and logging your adventures and cache finds!

S M A L L E N G I N E SGain knowledge in the operation, care and maintenance of a small engine, while developing and demonstrating safe work habits. Now with new and updated materials from 4-H Ontario!

W E L D I N GThinking of becoming a welder? Learn about the tools and equipment and how they work, and how to weld with an arc and an oxy-acetylene welder.

W O O D W O R K I N GLearn about measuring, using hand and power tools, as well as varnishing and finishing your carpentry project.

4-H offers youth opportunities to learn hands-on, experiment and figure out how things work. Marvel at natural wonders or develop practical skills

through 4-H.

P U B L I C S P E A K I N GIt’s been said “all the world’s a

stage,” but what if all the world was an audience? Could you get on the

stage? 4-H’ers of all ages can, because they have experience

in public speaking!

Whether giving a report at your club, or a formal speech at a competition, public speaking develops confidence

and communication skills.

4-H Saskatchewan offers resources to help you prepare the perfect 4-H

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITYSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY


C L O V E R B U DNow with updated materials from 4-H Ontario! This project is designed for ages six to eight to explore the world of 4-H with a focus on fun activities. • Unit 1: Includes beef, chocolate, dairy, farm

machinery, music, swine, rabbit, tie-dyeing and more.

• Unit 2: Learn about beef, bugs, crafts, field crops, goats, grains, maple syrup, cly, scrapbooking and many other interesting topics.

• Unit 3: Discover sports, cultural diversity, science, farm safety, entertaining and more.

E X P L O R I N G 4- HExplore several interesting topics. Expand your horizons and get a feel for what 4-H has to offer. This project is designed for new or younger members. This is an exciting opportunity to get introduced to the world of 4-H projects before deciding on just one (or two, or three).

A D V A N C I N G F O R W A R D The Advancing Forward program is designed for members aged 18-25. Members register directly through the Provincial 4-H Office, forming a virtual club with other Advancing Forward members to communicate with and for support.

This program will walk members through the life decisions, which come with moving away from home, post-secondary education and joining the work force.

The program is a natural next step from traditional membership, which offers an opportunity for personal and life skills development. Information on topics including budgeting, career choices and travel is included. Members are challenged to create and complete their own personal project, similar to 4-U Self Determined, and to volunteer in their community.

ADDITIONAL PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS

4- U S E L F D E T E R M I N E D P R O J E C TIf you haven’t found a project that suits your interests, you can develop your very own 4-H Project!

The 4-U project is what you make of it, from model car building to scuba diving, and everything in between. Choose a topic and go! All you need to do is plan your project, develop it, carry it out, and evaluate it, either on your own or with other members in your club.

Use the 4-H 4-U SELF DETERMINED PLANNER to develop your project. Set your goals, find your resources, including a leader, and follow through. A few examples of 4-U projects from Saskatchewan include curling, lego building, sketching and pot-bellied pigs. Contact the Provincial 4-H Office for support as you develop your project.

4-H Saskatchewan has access to 4-H RESOURCES AND MATERIALS FROM OTHER PROVINCES, which you could use for your 4-U Project. Just a few examples are: Canine Agility, Electricity, Landscaping, Leathercraft, Origami, Robotics, Rocketry, Snowmobiling, Square Dancing and Swine.

Did you know.... Your 4-H project work may be eligible for a High School Credit. Contact the Provincial 4-H Office for the 4-H FOR SPECIAL HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT guide and application.

OTHER PROJECTS & PROGRAMS


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3830 Thatcher AvenueSaskatoon, SK. S7R 1A5Phone: (306) 933-7727Fax: (306) 933-7730Email: [email protected] www.4-H.sk.ca

4-H is one of Canada’s largest and longest-running youth organizations.

From your local club meeting, to regional or provincial competitions

and conferences, to exchanges and travel opportunities across Canada

and around the world, 4-H can take you as far as you want to go!!

4-H LOCAL PROVINCIAL NATIONAL GLOBAL

what is 4-h? what is a 4-h project? how do i get … - project selection guide.pdf · from the...

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