4-H and other rural youth programs
Girls’ and boys’ clubs have been operating at Northlands Park for
over 70 years, enjoying success from the start. By 1939, 150 boys and
girls were
participating in the activities offered through these clubs.
That
year, boys were instructed in agricultural matters such as cattle
raising, and the operation and care of farm equipment. Girls were taken
on a field trip to the Hudson’s Bay Company store, and toured a garment
factory. Their program included instruction in sewing, crafts, and
cooking.
The 4-H Club had been evolving in the United States for about 40
years at this time. The organization had slowly been spreading out since
its appearance in the 1890s, incorporating other boys’ and girls’ clubs
as the 4-H concepts of personal development and training were introduced
to new areas. The following years saw a significant expansion of that
group’s activities, with the Canadian Council of Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs
officially becoming 4-H in 1953.
Upon
its arrival in Alberta, the organization had adopted the same attitude
toward change as Northlands Park. 4-H expanded on a 1951 move toward
thematic displays, presenting such displays in conjunction with
corresponding educational modules, as a means of keeping its training
relevant. This was, perhaps not surprisingly, a relatively unpopular
move at first, as many people appreciated how things had been done
before.
Regardless, the change ultimately proved successful, and the thematic
displays allowed girls and boys to join smaller groups that focused on
specific aspects of agriculture.
The long association between 4-H and Northlands Park, which continues
today, may be owed in part to certain common values. One of these, as it
turns out, was inclusiveness. 4-H
operated clubs for Aboriginal children, inviting them to compete openly
for prizes at a time when this was
unprecedented.
Thematic displays still exist today and livestock shows and
competitions have remained at the forefront, occupying the same
prominent place in modern 4-H activities as before. The organization
also runs craft exhibits, thereby keeping in touch with its heritage. In
the spirit of adaptation, 4-H has also added new crowd pleasers such as
the Canine Costume Competition of 2002.
The current goals at 4-H include the cultivation of knowledge through
learning opportunities, leadership skills, good citizenship, and
personal development.
The long partnership between Northlands Park with its volunteer
leaders, and 4-H, merely reaffirms Northlands’ commitment to community
service.
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