4-H adds a new project for members

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore 4-H Club has a new project to offer to its members. In addition to the photography and scrapbooking activities currently available, 4-H members will also have the option of taking part in the performing arts program. 

“This year we’re going to introduce the performing arts which will include everything from analyzing character traits to trips to Rosebud theatre to look at costume designing, and possibly puppetry,” said Beverly Swalwell, who will be teaching the program. 

She said one thing that is going to make it very exciting for the kids is they are going to be bringing in guest speakers from Strathmore Theatre Players, and hopefully from Rosebud and Calgary theatre groups. Though 4-H was at REVS, performing arts wasn’t listed as an option because it only recently became finalized. 

Swalwell used to direct for central Alberta theatre years ago and her kids have always been interested in drama. She said when the club is looking to attract new members they need to look at things that aren’t being offered anywhere else. 

“Most people think 4-H is just about animals and if you don’t own a cow then you can’t join 4-H,” said Swalwell. 

In order to participate in one of the projects, participants must be a member of 4-H. The club fee is approximately $80 for the year. The cost of the project would be an extra $15 to $20.

The club is looking at hosting a meeting for the project on the second and fourth Monday nights of the month.  

This season’s first club meeting will be held in the Chuck Mercer room at the Civic Centre on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. Interested parties will be able to register and find out more about 4-H and the projects they have available.     

“I’d love to have a minimum of eight to 10 kids to work with, just in our project,” she said.

Members have to be nine by January 1 in order to join 4-H, and they can stay through even after high school. 

For more information about the club, contact Yvonne Anderson at 403-934-1986. She is the overall club leader of all of the projects. 

For more information on 4-H in Alberta, visit www.4-H.ab.ca