4-H facing change

A number of radical changes taking place for 4–H in Ontario, which encompasses about 9,000 youngsters and 2,000 adults, were outlined during Friday night’s annual awards banquet.
As of April 1, for instance, the 4–H Council of Ontario will be 100 percent responsible for delivery of all programs. “We will no longer be affiliated with [the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs],” noted Ellen Chojko-Bolec.
She said the council is planning to streamline how things have been done, including the ways 4–H members and leaders are recognized.
“As of Jan. 1, there is a brand new provincial awards system,” she said, noting every member will get a certificate in a plastic jacket to record their 4–H achievements on the back of them.
Seals will be presented for members who complete six, 12, and 18 projects respectively.
Chojko-Bolec said this system will make it easier for members to keep track of their time in 4–H.
Another change will see the Award of Achievement for 24 projects have another stipulation attached to it. 4–H members having completed 24 projects will now have had to be a member for at least five years.
Previously, all they needed to do was complete the 24 in any period of time.
Hand in hand with the changes to the 4–H system in Ontario goes a provincial leadership development program. Prior to 1999, only five leaders in the entire province had attained Level II and Level III.
After 1999, that number doubled when Carol Angus, Louise Bliss, Kim Jo-Bliss Calder, Ellen Chojko-Bolec, and Shirley Morrish reached that pinnacle.
All were presented with framed certificates Friday night.