What is 4-H?
4-H is an international youth and volunteer organization. It’s a program that provides members with the resources and activities to build self-confidence, communication, and leadership skills while learning about a topic of their choice.
Each member picks a project and works with a volunteer leader to develop their skills related to the project of choice. In Manitoba there are over 90 interesting hands-on projects like beef, photography, outdoor living, machines, crafts and more!
Beyond projects there are also club activities, provincial events and travel opportunities where members can meet new people, build friendships and have fun!
Today, 4-H clubs in Manitoba are driven by thousands of 4-H members and volunteers, plus a strong partnership with Manitoba Agriculture.
FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR IN 4-H!
HELP YOUR KIDS BE GREAT
4-H provides a strong foundation of leadership and skill development to help your kids succeed in everything that they do. Nudging kids out of their comfort zones by encouraging them to try and practice new things in a safe, low-pressure environment, builds confidence.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Kids who have a chance to polish their communications’ skills make confident and passionate leaders. Your children will thank you when they excel in school and workplace presentations or at a future job interview.
BELONG TO A GROUP
A sense of belonging builds self-worth within a child. 4-H is an organization to which kids can belong without tryouts or auditions, and feel valued by their fellow members and leaders of all ages.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
4-Hers learn a variety of skills in a self-directed learning environment. Projects such as cooking, photography, sewing, woodworking, outdoor living and animals lead to hobbies, unique life experiences and a varied skill set.
RESPONSIBILITY AND SELF-GOVERNANCE
Parents are welcome in all aspects of 4-H but it’s the kids who make decisions for the club. They run meetings, vote on motions, plan events and lead the group. 4-Hers learn the importance of completing a task, taking responsibility for their decisions and dealing with problems head-on. It sets them up to run the farm, a business, or even the country!
COMMUNITY SERVICE
4-Hers make the world a better place. Kids who learn about community service at a young age are more likely to continue to contribute as adults.
FAMILY TIME
Life is busy. 4-H gives your family the opportunity to interact in a positive way to achieve a common goal. While your kids are having fun at club activities, you can spend time with them by providing guidance or leading a project.
BE PART OF A TEAM
Do projects with your friends and work together to make a difference in your community!
BE THE BOSS
In 4-H, you’re in charge of your own destiny and help shape your club. You can run meetings, vote to decide club activities, keep track of the club’s money, or plan club parties. Maybe you’ll even become Club President!
FUN STUFF
4-Hers like to make things fun! When you’re surrounded by cool people working together, whatever you’re doing will be a good time!
Organizational Structure
4-H members and volunteers have the opportunity to take part in activities at the local, area, provincial and national level.
Participant Definitions (PDF)
LOCAL 4-H CLUBS
4-H clubs organize local activities, including social, fundraising and community events. They select officers and hold regular meetings throughout the year.
To start a new club, all you need is at least two families and two adult volunteers. For more information, contact a 4-H leader in your community, or Manitoba 4-H Council at 204-726-1914 or learns@4h.mb.ca
AREA COUNCILS
There are ten Area Councils in Manitoba. Clubs send representatives who hold elections to form a governance body for the Area. They organize and host area-wide events, provide gold watch and scholarship awards, and member and leader development opportunities.
MANITOBA 4-H COUNCIL INC.
The Manitoba 4-H Council co-ordinates province-wide programming and invites participation in policy development and decision-making.
The Council administers specific programs and manages the funds collected through 4-H club fees and sponsorship. Operating procedures are based on the Manitoba 4-H Council Bi-Laws.
The Council was formed in 1951 and has a strong partnership with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development.
CANADIAN 4-H COUNCIL
The Canadian 4-H Council oversees 4-H in Canada. Youth have the opportunity to expand their 4-H experience through national and international conferences, exchanges, scholarships and grants.
The Council is a not-for-profit, non-governmental agency governed by a group of individuals representing sponsoring organizations. An elected board of directors governs the Council.