Full Circle: Giving Back Where It All Began – Chris Clark’s 4-H Story
Chris Clark is reconnecting with his 4-H roots after nearly 20 years as an alum. Inspired by the Tomorrow Needs 4-H campaign, Chris has found, and continues to find, many unique ways to give back to the organization that helped shape him into the person he is today. From partnering with us to give away two floor seats to Taylor Swift, to singing the national anthem at the 2024 TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic, to promoting 4-H on his social platforms and in media interviews, Chris claims he’s “only just getting started”.
As Chris transitions to his dream career as a country music artist, and in celebration of his newest single, Bronco, we asked him to reflect on his time in 4-H and share with us the journey that brought him to where he is now.
The Early Days
Born and raised on a dairy farm in Elora, ON, Chris Clark began his 4-H journey at the age of 10 with the Eramosa and Erin Dairy Club. Hooked right out of the gate, he went on to join the Eramosa Goat Club and the 4-H Judging Club.
“I really loved my time at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the Scotiabank Hays Classic ... I also particularly remember the warm summer night 4-H club meetings and training my calf with my cousins and friends at local farms within Wellington County, we had the best time”.
From L to R: (L) Chris clipping his calf in preparation for showing, (Centre) A young Chris smiling with his calf, (R) Chris preparing to show his calf.
It wasn’t all fun and games, though. Chris recalled learning some lessons the hard way.
“I remember getting my first goat. I attempted to grab the young goat out of the small calf trailer, and it reared up and head-butt me in the forehead. I remember thinking to myself: ‘this is going to take a lot of work and patience’.”
Chris remained an active member in 4-H right up until he was 21. He credited his 4-H leaders for inspiring him to stick with it. “I admired my leaders so much,” said Chris. “Tim May, Jason French, Steve Fraser, and Wayne Gregson all played a huge role in both my personal and skill development, I’ll never forget all that I learned from them.”
The Path to Profession: Chris’ Post-Secondary Journey
After high school, Chris graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering before going on to complete a Master of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering. Today, he provides civil and municipal consulting engineering services for various clients in Southwestern Ontario.
Despite his success as an engineer, Chris is currently focused on building a successful career as a country music artist.
“I’ve always wanted to pursue music, but also wanted to set a good foundation for my family first,” said Chris. “Now that I’ve done that, I’m ready to make the leap and launch my music career – something 4-H played a key role in shaping. My experience and involvement with various 4-H programs taught me discipline, dedication, and the value of hard work—qualities essential for any musician. Through leadership roles and public speaking, I gained the confidence to perform in front of crowds and collaborate with others, skills that have been instrumental in pursuing my passion for music. Pun intended."
Given all that Chris has received from 4-H, he decided that giving back to 4–H was something he wanted to do.
Back to Where It All Began
“I’m inspired to give back to 4-H as the programs helped shape the person I am today and provided me with a foundation which eventually led to me launching my music career.
“4-H helps tell my story as a person and a musician. The motto, ‘Learn To Do By Doing’ is something I still live by and use on a daily basis, both in my business and my music. 4-H programs provide youth with a sense of belonging and creates an organic way of making human connections within a community. I feel this is important for youth to continue to experience, especially with social media and the impersonal scenarios it creates. The ‘Tomorrow Needs 4-H’ fundraising campaign allows for these programs to continue, and thus, needs to be highlighted.”
Back in September, Chris reunited with his old 4-H leader, Tim May (more popularly known as Farmer Tim on Facebook), at a local fair and said “it felt like a full-circle moment, I knew I was making the right choice giving back to this organization that I love so much”.
Chris Clark (L) and 4-H leader Tim May (R) are all smiles upon reuniting nearly 20 years later.
You can stream Chris Clark’s music, including his latest single Bronco on all major platforms here: https://linktr.ee/chrisclarktunes, be sure to request his first single Where I Can on your local country music radio station, and follow him (@ChrisClarkTunes) on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
Are you an alum looking to reconnect with 4-H?
Stay connected by signing up for exclusive alumni communications from us! Sign up here: constantcontactpages.com/4Halumninewsletter
Additionally, here are some ways you can make a meaningful impact as an alum:
- Donate -Tomorrow needs 4-H, and today, 4-H needs you. Tax-deductible donations can be made at tomorrowneeds4h.ca.
- Share Your Story - Want to share how 4-H has shaped who you are today with the rest of our community? So do we! Help us showcase the impact 4-H has beyond the clubs themselves. No matter where your career has taken you – we want to hear about it! Email us at communications@4-h-canada.ca
- Become a corporate sponsor of 4-H - Do you have an organization that’s interested in a sponsorship opportunity with 4-H Canada? Email us at sponsorships@4-h-canada.ca