4-H: Why I give back

Over the last two months I've had the privilege of giving back to 4-H. From presenting a photography workshop at a local Kamloops club, to judging Provincial Speeches, and then presenting at Food for Thought on the BC beef industry, I've made the rounds.

In June, I presented to the South Thompson 4-H Club on Photography 101, my beginner photography workshop, which allowed the kids to "learn to do by doing". These 4-H members explored their cameras and the outdoors to capture that perfect image. The 4-H members used a variety of cameras, from hobbiest DLSR's (digital cameras just a step below the professional quality), to their camera phones and everything in between. Photography is all about having fun and creating, so don't let a camera phone hold you back! I wish them well as they compete this summer and fall with their projects.

In July I was asked to be one of three judges for the Provincial 4-H Speech competition. At Provincial level, the 4-H members are judged solely on their impromptu speech, and not on the prepared speech that carried them to Provincials. This year's topic was about how BC's agricultural products, particularly niche products, assisted with the provincial economy. Since each member had to speak on the exact same topic, it was interesting to see all the unique takes on how we, as agricultural producers and consumers, could best assist our local economy. I was pleased to see how confident and well prepared these 4-H members were. Thanks again to the Ministry of Agriculture and 4-H BC for inviting me to judge these up and coming speakers.

As July carried on, I had the opportunity to present to 4-H yet again. And this time I presented at an event I attended over 13 years ago as a 4-H member! Food for Thought is a provincial, week-long event where members learn about various aspects and sectors of BC's diverse agricultural industry. As many are aware, I also work full time in the beef industry as a Beef Production Specialist, in addition to running B.C.P.hoto and Just.Ag Productions. It was great to be able to present to the 4-H members about why the beef sector is an amazing part of our agricultural industry. We tackled topics such as hormone and antibiotic use, to land stewardship and why you can't combine mountains. A large portion of 4-H members that participated in the event were beef members, which was great to see. I hope all the 4-H members that participated had a great time throughout the week, and I greatly appreciate the Ministry of Agriculture and 4-H BC for inviting me to present to these young agriculturalists. And a side thank you, to my old 4-H friend Mark, for playing the part of Vanna White during the Beef Trivia game. 

If you are a 4-H leader, member or parent, looking for someone to present about topics ranging from beef to photography to communications and anything in between, please don't hesitate to call! I offer a wide variety of workshops and speaking packages tailored to your needs!

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