4-H Members Participate in Exchange Program

Eight 4-H members from Nova Scotia will head to Western Canada on July 5 to learn about agriculture and Canadian culture.

The members will be participating in the annual Royal Bank of Canada 4-H Interprovincial Exchange Program.

"This program gives 4-H members an opportunity to see different areas of Canada, but more importantly, they will live with rural families and learn about the agricultural industries and provincial 4-H programs," said Ron Chisholm, Minister of Agriculture.

The Nova Scotia delegates were selected through an interview process that was based on their contributions to the 4-H program and involvement in the community.

Dominque Blais from Wileville, Lunenburg Co.; Kelsey Boone from Pictou; and Terrance Todd from Newport, Hants Co. will travel to Alberta. Jessie Dowe from Amherst, Cumberland Co. and Katie Munro from Merigomish, Pictou Co. are going to Manitoba. Carolyn Jardine from Saltsprings, Pictou Co. and Melissa Nicholson from Baddeck, Victoria Co. are traveling to Saskatchewan. Courtney Shaw from Paradise, Annapolis Co. will visit British Columbia.

"Each year the participants talk about the wonderful experience they had on the exchange trip and how it is one of the highlights of their 4-H experience," said Arthur Pick, acting manager, 4-H and Rural Organizations.

In August, 4-H representatives from the participating provinces will visit Nova Scotia as part of the reciprocal travel program.

The Royal Bank of Canada has sponsored the event for 44 years and will host the 4-H travel delegates from the Atlantic provinces at a banquet on Wednesday, July 5.