Welcome to the Saanich Lamb Club
4-H is a youth development program for kids aged 9-19 years old. Our mottos is 'Learn to do by doing'. Everyone is expected to participate in as many opportunities as they can at their own level. We are able to accommodate individual educational needs, The 4-H program compliments home school programs.
Requirements:
We have monthly in-person business meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Saanich Fairgrounds from 7 – 8 PM. This is where we learn about upcoming events and share out experiences. By meeting in person the members can make friends with kids doing different projects and feel part of the club. Both parents and members are expected to attend so everyone is on the same page.
Each project has a monthly meeting on a weekend in which they learn and practice skills specific to their project(s). Members work at home on their projects / taking care of their animals between project meetings. Projects are expected to take a minimum of 5 months to complete.
Each member participates in a communication event (public speaking, demonstration, speak and show). These skills are challenging to master but carry forwards with the members into school, work and the community.
Each member maintains a record book which is submitted at the end of Sept.
Each member participates in the Saanich Fair 4-H shows / competitions on the Labour Day weekend.
Each member participates in fundraising events hosted by the club.
Each member participates in educational events hosted by the South Malahat 4-H District such as Judging Field Day.
Optional:
Members can participate in regional or provincial camps as appropriate.
Members can attend 4-H shows at other fairs on the Island or on the Mainland.
Members can participate in district events such as the Brentwood Day parade, Sidney Canada Day parade etc.
Projects:
Members can have up to 4 projects per year.
Sheep:
Members are expected to take care of their projects as much as possible. They participate in feeding, training, trimming and showing the lambs at the fair. Most members raise their projects at home. Some farms are able to host a 4-H member but the expectation is that they visit host farm 2 / week and participate in the farm chores as appropriate.
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Sheep unit 1: learn about different aspects of sheep husbandry but do not have an animal
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Unit 2 Market Lamb: raise a lamb (male or female) from 8 weeks old with the expectation it will go to market.
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Unit 3 Ewe Lamb: raise a ewe (female) lamb from 8 weeks old with the expectation that she is going to be kept for breeding
For members who do not have the time, space and access for a livestock project, we have non-livestock projects. These can be a good match for kids living in the city or for senior members wanting to add something different.
FIbre Arts:
Members learn wool craft skills such as preparing and dying fleece, spinning, knitting, crochet, weaving, and felting. Members are encouraged to start with the introductory unit 1 in which they learn fibre preparation, spinning and create 2 objects with their wool.
Photography:
Members will start with an introductory unit to learn basics photography techniques and then can expand their knowledge with more in-depth units. Members will have in class teaching and field trips to various locations.
Veterinary Medicine:
Members will learn the basics of livestock health, disease and first aid. They will start with the introductory unit. Members will learn from invited experts and practice hands on skills
If you have any questions and want to know more please reach out to kwambera@shaw.ca
Katherine Jolivet
A Leader – Saanich 4-H Lamb Club
Updated September 2024