Curt Wolters is a dad and a 4-H alumnus who wants to give Virden kids an opportunity to grow and develop skills through the many activities available in 4-H.
This fall, Wolters held a start-up 4-H meeting in Virden Victory Church basement. He’s hoping to generate even more interest. He says, “Ages 6-18 may choose a program that they are interested in such as sewing, photography, woodworking, small animals or business.”
The Virden Variety 4-H Club won’t attempt beef and equine projects and the yearly cost for each child is very affordable.
Exploring 4-H is a mini-series acquainting youth with what 4-H has to offer. Sessions are planned in cooking, sewing, outdoor living, and possibly small animal care.
Wolters is enthused about 4-H for a good reason. He built interesting projects along with others and developed confidence for later on in life.
“I loved it. In my older years I did a lot of woodworking. I built a swinging bench. I won provincial achievement day with it in my grade 12 year.”
Along with a cousin, he entered a 4-H visual presentation at provincial level two different years and they took home the top prize one year. They came close a second year. These were presentations relevant for the boys and that is what 4-H is all about.
“Our first year, my cousin and I were just getting our licenses so we made a presentation on that. The second year we did it on cooking. We made grilled cheese sandwiches during our presentation and we let the judges eat them.” Ketchup was included.
“It has helped me not be afraid of talking in front of others,” says Wolters.
His work has kept him busy this fall, but he’s had help from a former 4-H leader. Luckily, my mom lives in town.” Joy Wolters was the 4-H head leader in Pine River where Wolters grew up. “She lives in Virden and she’s been helping me.”
The club’s in-person meetings have to work around health restrictions. Children under 12 may attend with a vaccinated family member. Vaccinated children 12 and over can attend on their own. Families who want to be part of the program but do not have a vaccine card can still join, but it has to be through Zoom.
Wolters says, “That’s kind of deterred a few people.” But he adds, “It’s not up to me, I just have to follow the rules.”
ABOUT
For more than 100 years, 4-H has been one of the most well-respected youth-serving organizations in Canada. 4-H gives youth opportunities to “Learn To Do By Doing” through a dedicated group of volunteer leaders and mentors who deliver world-class positive youth development programming in the areas relevant to today’s youth.
In Canada, 4-H has nearly 23,500 members and over 8,700 volunteers. 4-H nurtures responsible, caring, and contributing youth leaders who are committed to positively impacting their communities.
