Ottawa, ON, April 11, 2022 – Since launching in 2020, the 4-H at Home Outreach Initiatives have empowered over 5,900 youth to enjoy hands-on activities any time, from anywhere, while making meaningful contributions to their communities, country, and the world.

4-H at Home features a variety of Outreach Initiatives – which were originally offered to 4-H members and clubs as a way to get outside and explore their communities through engaging, hands-on activities. 4-H at Home came to life with the goal of expanding access to the Outreach Initiatives by making them available not only to the 4-H community, but to all families and educational organizations across the country to enjoy in group settings, or from the comfort of home.

The four main Outreach Initiatives offered for 2022 provide youth with the chance to explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 goals that encourage global citizens of all ages to help address critical issues like poverty, health, education, and the environment.

Proud to Bee a 4-H’er – Presented by Syngenta Canada

As one of 4-H Canada’s longest-running Outreach Initiatives, Proud to Bee a 4-H’er explores SDG 15 – Life on Land. Centred on planting a pollinator-friendly garden, this initiative allows youth to spend time in nature, while discovering the vital role pollinators play in creating a sustainable food supply, and supporting healthy ecosystems within their communities.

Dig into Soil – Presented by Syngenta Canada

Dig into Soil provides hands-on learning experiences for youth to discover how healthy soils contribute to addressing climate change. Tied to both SDG 13 – Climate Action and SDG 15 – Life on Land, this initiative empowers youth to champion soil conservation activities in their own communities.

Powered Up! – Presented by Cargill, The Coca-Cola Foundation, Corteva Agriscience, and Desjardins

Recently launched, Powered Up! allows youth to explore alternative energy sources while becoming energy champions in their own communities, and supporting SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy. The Activity Book & Kit feature fun-filled activities to enjoy along the way, including making S’mores using the power of the sun.

Making a Splash – Presented by Cargill, and supported by Corteva Agriscience and Desjardins

Also new for 2022, Making a Splash relates to SDG 14 – Life Below Water, and guides youth through experiential activities to discover their personal role in supporting healthy water ecosystems. Participants learn the importance of making healthy choices, developing sustainable solutions, and exploring positive ways to make environmental impacts.

The 4-H at Home Outreach Initiatives are available to all, and can be downloaded free of charge at 4-h-canada.ca/4-h-at-home.

“4-H at Home came to life near the start of the pandemic with the goal of allowing 4-H members to stay engaged and continue learning to do by doing from the comfort and safety of home,” said 4-H Canada CEO, Shannon Benner. “However, the pandemic has proved that youth need 4-H now more than ever, and we are proud that with the support of our Outreach Initiative partners, this program has grown to include families and organizations across the country. Not only has 4-H at Home introduced the 4-H movement in Canada to a whole new demographic, it has sparked inspiration in youth and adults alike to become global citizens by actively contributing to the United Nations’ SDGs.”

For more information on 4-H at Home, visit 4-h-canada.ca/4-h-at-home. Questions or comments can be sent to program@4-h-canada.ca.

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