On August 11th, the Huntingdon 4-H unveiled their new ice cream stand and clubhouse at the Huntingdon Fairgrounds.
With the Ministère de l’Agriculture, Pêche et Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) having deemed the site previously offered by the fair committee unsuitable for the local club, the Huntingdon 4-H was compelled to produce new headquarters. Fortunately, Ormstown’s Chateauguay Valley Career Education Centre (CVCEC) generously donated the new clubhouse, a quaint white structure with green trim (the official colours of the 4-H organization). Working alongside several local partners, the Huntingdon 4-H raised the amount required to cover the installation of cabinets, plumbing and electricity. To honour the event, local MPs Stéphane Billette and Anne Quach were present to cut the ribbon.
The majority of the funds required to maintain the Huntingdon 4-H are raised via ice cream sales at the fair every year, so having a functional clubhouse is an essential tool for the young members. With approximately 20 participants, the Huntingdon 4-H club provides the local youth with the opportunity to not only learn about responsibility and leadership, but offers a way for youth to become involved in the community—or rather, to “learn by doing.”
The experience was character-building for the 4-H members. ‘’When confronted with a problem, the kids proposed solutions, analyzed the possibilities and chose the best course of actions. Once their plan was set in motion, the kids not only learned how to write letters that clearly explain the situation, they also approached members of the community for help, creating an endless network of possibilities for them. They also learned important skills such as establishing and respecting a budget, maintaining a schedule and producing an end product on time, issuing a press release and organizing a press conference. This project truly exemplifies the 4-H motto of learning by doing and we are really proud of their accomplishment,” said project leader Melissa Nieuwenhof of the experience.
Those interested in supporting the efforts of the club should consider attending the Huntingdon 4-H’s First Annual Zucchini 500 on September 10th at Huntingdon’s Prince Arthur Park.
