Join 4-H.
That is the message Bertha Kasbohm, one of the key leaders for the Westlock 4-H District, wants to get out there.
While in the past 4-H was more regimented when it came to its curriculum, she said these days there is almost no end to what a club can focus on, nor is it as rural-centric as perhaps it used to be perceived.
“4-H isn’t just beef and isn’t just horses,” Kasbohm said. “We have expanded so much that we have in our district a club that’s a multi club, and they do canine, Lego engineering, photography. Those things have come with the advance of 4-H.”
The gradual expansion of 4-H over time is in contrast to what it used to cover decades ago, when the focus was more on beef, gardening and cooking, she said.
In addition, the widening of what 4-H covers seeks to continue tearing down the walls that divided society along gender lines decades ago, when girls were groomed for a domestic or secretarial life, while boys were directed into the workplace.
Now, the variety of options 4-H provides to all children speaks to what she considers the main thrust of the 4-H movement.
“4-H is dedicated to the development of youth in Alberta and Canada,” Kasbohm said. “Through 4-H kids learn more.”
What a child involved in 4-H can learn includes decision-making, teamwork, leadership, self-confidence and public speaking.
Those last two skills are crucial, as every year 4-H club members have to do a communication project that involves speaking in front of a group, she said.
It’s a component that can sometimes scare kids off, she said.
“But I think that’s the best thing that ever happens to some of these shy kids, is having to do a communication,” Kasbohm said.
In her years with 4-H, she’s seen kids in their first year who can’t say anything when it’s their turn, but by the time they’re in their third year, they’ve really come out of their shells.
There is also a large amount of camaraderie involved, especially when 4-H clubs hit the road.
“It helps build friendships throughout all the 4-H clubs in Alberta and Canada,” Kasbohm said. “I just believe 4-H is a very good organization to belong to.”
Children who go through 4-H are also easily identified by their teachers, she said; they’re more willing to get up in class and do things compared to their peers who aren’t in a club.
In the Westlock area there are nine 4-H clubs, Kasbohm said. Four of them are beef clubs, three are multi clubs, one is a dairy club and one is a horse club.
All told, there are approximately 140 children spread out over the nine clubs, she said, which is down from what they were in previous years.
To join 4-H, kids need to be between nine and 21 years old. They must have turned nine before they join a club, and be 20 or younger on Jan. 1; they are allowed to stay with a club after their 21st birthday, but cannot rejoin once the 4-H year is over once hitting 21. The 4-H year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
Anyone looking to join a club simply has to look for a club that caters to their interests in their local area, Kasbohm said. If they’re having difficulties finding such a club, she invites them to get in touch with her.
To find a club that fits your interests, or for more information about 4-H in the area, call Kasbohm at 780-349-2989.
