Head, Heart, Health and Hands are the cornerstones of 4-H. Though most people think of cattle and agriculture when they hear 4-H, 4-H is really about community.

The international agriculture organization for young people celebrates 100 years in Lethbridge and Southern Alberta with a massive celebration at Exhibition Park on Jan. 7,2017.
The Southern Region features 56 clubs including 950 members and close to 300 volunteer leaders from just south of Calgary to the U.S. border.
In addition to teaching young people about agriculture, 4-H also teaches them about the importance of community service and involvement, public speaking and even features summer camps.
“Most of them are beef, equine and sheep clubs, but there are also woodworking and small engine clubs and photography. And one project is snowmobiling. There are no limits, if there is interest and you can find a volunteer leader,” said Andy Pittman, Chairman of the Southern Region for 4-H in Alberta, adding there are also multi-clubs including an assortment of different activities like welding, woodworking and much more.
He is excited to celebrate 4-H community in Southern Alberta.
“4-H is so much about community, so we’re building a little community called Cloverville with different streets and little buildings which will showcase what Southern Albertan 4-H clubs are all about,” he continued, noting Southern Alberta features clubs for pretty much anything you can imagine, including sheep, horses, photography and, of course, cattle.
“There will be a lot of different craft areas for younger people to do 4-H themed crafts. And the Cloverville Museum will feature photos and stories. There will be lots of members and alumni on stage to talk about 4-H,” he said. There will also be a town square featuring an art display and a photo booth and plenty of interactive hands on displays. The trade show, from noon to 4 p.m., is free to attend.
There will be a reception and silent auction at 4:30 followed by dinner at 6 p.m.
“ We’ll be filling up a time capsule built in the shape of a grain elevator,” he said.
“4-H does have a rural base, but it appeals to a wide variety of people,” said Pittman, who, while he was never in 4-H himself, has put both his daughters through the program.