DUNSTAFFNAGE - MARSHFIELD 4- H CLUB In the early years 4-H was known as the Boys' and Girls' Club and was first organized in 1918 in the province of . The program was organized to promote agricultural training. It was designed to get children involved with home projects such as sewing, gardening, grain crops, poultry or livestock projects. It should be noted that there was a Girls' Sewing Club in the area during the 1930's. 4-H is a worldwide organization that offers learning, fun and many challenges for young people. On Prince Edward Island the members range in age from 9 to 21 years. They also take part in local club meetings, complete a communications project, an agricultural awareness project and community projects. Members also participate in club and community activities such as sports, picnics, tours and exchanges. THE DUNSTAFFNAGE - MARSHFIELD 4- H CLUB had its beginning back in 1946 as the Millcove Club, a calf club under the leadership of Aeneas Maclntyre . In 1958, it was known as the Dunstaffnage - Marshfield - East Royalty Club, and in 1959 the club became Dunstaffnage - Frenchfort 4-H Club. In December of 1970, the club again changed its name to the Dunstaffnage - Marshfield 4-H Club. Some of the families and their descendants that have been involved or associated with the club over the years include: Boswall, Godfrey, Jenkins, MacBeath, Stewart, Thompson and Wood. During the 1970's and 1980's 4-H members learned to do such projects as: computer, gardening, great outdoors, horse and pony, rabbit, sheep, swine, and veterinary. Today, the club offers the following projects: beef, dairy (numerous levels), wood-working, sewing, cooking and photography. In 1975, the club won a trip to Saint John, NB , as the provincial winners in the Soil Testing Competition. They have also been recipients of the J. Thomas Driscoll Memorial Award in 1989, 1990 and 1993. Plaque and monetary awards are presented to the top five Island clubs for their completed community projects. The club had its largest enrollment of 80 plus members back in the early 1980's. Most years the enrollment would average between 30-40 members, with the majority taking the various level of dairy projects. In this club year, 2000/2001, the enrollment is 23 members and 12 leaders taking in the following communities: Bedford, Dunstaffnage , East Royalty , Frenchfort , Marshfield , Suffolk and York . Achievement Day is a day to show what members have accomplished. Members' work is evaluated and certificates of merit are awarded. It should be noted that back in the 1970's, the club held many of its project meetings, public speaking nights and Home Economics achievement days in the old Hall. The agricultural achievement days are usually hosted on a family farm. There had been a few at the old Dunstaffnage School grounds. (This was in the days before all the extensive fitting and clipping preparations for show animals.) During the summer, the finished projects are shown at local fairs and exhibitions often earning prizes for the deserving winners. The final show for the Island 4-H Club year is called the Rural Youth Fair and is held early each September with clubs participating from across Prince Edward Island . However, it is not the completed project, prizes or standing in the club which is most important. Rather, it is the experience of "learning to do by doing" (the 4- H Motto ) and the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment this brings that are the greatest achievements. Members have always been busy at the club, community, district, provincial and sometimes at an international level. Many of the members have also moved on to be leaders, not just in this club but in other clubs too. The 4-H program provides members with opportunities such as: developing their special talents and abilities; learning to express themselves in public; helping them prepare for larger fields of responsibility; and learning/training to better serve as leaders and to become solid citizens of the future. Over the years, many of the club members and leaders have won numerous award trips. These award programs serve as a way of recognizing the many achievements in club work and as an incentive to further participation and leadership on return to their home communities. Award trips are enjoyable and educational! -240-