History
The History of 4-H in New Brunswick, Canada
4-H began in New Brunswick in 1916 in the Sussex area with the help from the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture Extension workers. It involved two projects – poultry and swine. The first club was called the “Boys and Girls Club”.
In 1952, the New Brunswick Boys and Girls Club adopted the 4-H name and joined the National 4-H movement.
In February of 1996 the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced major changes to its programs. These changes affected the 4-H program. The 4-H program became independent from the Department and the N.B. 4-H Council now administers the 4-H program in New Brunswick with the help of an operating grant from the Department and other sponsorship, donations and fundraisers.
4-H in New Brunswick is a rural, community based organization which develops life skills such as citizenship, cooperation, responsibility, independence, entrepreneurship, leadership, teaching of proper environmental practices and financial management through achievement in project and program work .
The 4-H program in New Brunswick is open to all youth in the Province who are ages 6 through 21 years.
The program is organized into Clubs, District Councils and the Provincial 4-H Council. We have a total of 5 districts, 18 clubs, 351 members and 117 adult volunteer leaders in New Brunswick.
Today we offer several projects for members to participate in. Our top livestock project is dairy with light horse and beef following closely behind. Great Outdoors is the top non-livestock project followed by crafts and foods.
In addition to project work, the New Brunswick members and leaders have a number of activities they can participate in:
- Annual conferences and camps for members and leaders
- Provincial Communications Competition with the top senior 4-H member eligible to be sent to the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture Competition held in connection with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
- Provincial 4-H Show
- Trips to the Canadian National 4-H and Youth Judging Competition in Regina, Saskatchewan held in connection with Agribition, 4-H National Dairy Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, 4-H Canada National Members Forum, 4-H Canada Citizenship Congress, National 4-H Members Conference in Washington, D.C., and National Leadership Summit
- Beef and Dairy Project Members are sent as a 4-H New Brunswick team to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and can also take part in the EastGen Showcase
There are also scholarships and travel opportunities available to our members and leaders. The 4-H program in New Brunswick is a quality educational experience for its members and adult volunteer leaders and participants are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them.
4-H New Brunswick has a Provincial office that employs an Executive Director to administer the program in New Brunswick.
Where we are
90 Upper Hampstead Road
Gagetown, NB, E5M 1W4
Copyright New Brunswick 4-H Council Ltd. 2022.