Helping Hands 4-H Multi Club hopes to attract new members

4-H isn’t just for farm kids.

That’s the message Wendy Konschuk, leader of Airdrie Helping Hands 4-H Multi Club, wants to get out to Airdrie and area residents.

“There is more to 4-H programming than a livestock project,” said Konschuk. “It is for everybody.”

The club, which in the past has attracted upwards of 30 youth ages nine to 21, will be holding its registration on Sept. 8 at the Airdrie Agricultural Building, located at 97 East Lake Ramp, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Several projects will be on display that morning and Konschuk urges curious residents to attend to see if the club is right for their children.

“Really think outside the box and come and see what we are all about,” said Konschuk. “Come out and see how much fun our kids have.”

Each year, club members participate in projects, such as foods, crafts, quilting, woodworking, photography, small engines and welding. They are responsible to keep meticulous records, complete with notes from weekly meetings, bookkeeping records, newspaper clippings and photos taken at events, in their project books.

Their books, along with their projects, are displayed at the end of the year at Achievement Day, where they are judged and given ribbons for their efforts.

Throughout the year, members also participate in a number of activities, including public speaking, and are required to be active through volunteering and representing their club at community events, such as Airdrie’s Artisan Market in November.

“(4-H) is an organization that is dear to my heart,” she said, adding she participated in 4-H as a youth. “It was life changing.”

Konschuk added she learned organization, responsibility and accountability through 4-H.

For more information about the program, contact Konschuk at 403-948-9941.