October meeting ends five-year hiatus
After a five-year hiatus, the Debec 4-H Club is back up and running with renewed enthusiasm.
On Oct. 6, about 40 people came together at the Debec W.I. Hall to support the club’s return. A large group of children and youth, accompanied by their parents, was in the audience to hear about the 4-H program and what it will bring to the community.
“It’s exciting to see Debec 4-H making a comeback, and this is an amazing turnout,” said Stu Fleischhaker, a former leader with the club. “Debec has a long history in 4-H that started back in 1956. It’s great to see so many kids here wanting to get involved again.”
Heading up the October meeting were organizational leaders Robin Ardila and Bailey Sirois, both of Kirkland. They told the crowd the Debec 4-H Club will meet on the first Monday of every month at the W.I. Hall. The club executive will be made up of youth leaders, while members of all ages will be able to participate in a range of activities.
“There was a need for a local club,” explained Ardila. “Members were travelling to Woodstock since COVID in 2020. We decided to give it a try and we’re overwhelmed by the response. We’re hoping the kids will develop friendships and life skills in general. The support of the community has been amazing.”
4-H is an international organization for rural youth that focuses on leadership skills, sportsmanship, confidence building, community involvement, practical skills, healthy living, taking initiative and overcoming challenges.
The 4-H Pledge states: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to great loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.”
Adult leaders mentor members to help them learn about sustainable agriculture, food security, raising different types of livestock, public speaking, photography, cooking, quilting, sewing, crafts, and much more.
The Debec 4-H Club also plans to learn about Christmas wreath-making, archery, camping, canoeing, skating and mechanical fabrication. A maple syrup project was suggested for the spring of 2026. Ardila said she would also like the club to organize a 4-H trivia night as a special event.
The club expects to be in full swing by the end of November. To help with its launch, a fundraiser is being organized through a honey sale.
Debec 4-H will also establish a social media presence to keep members and the community informed of its efforts and activities. Sponsors will be sought to help with the purchase of 4H swag.
Two members of the Debec 4-H Club, Dallas Hunter and Rebecca McDermid, have already qualified to participate in the beef show at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto in November. Walker Brake from the River Valley 4-H Club was also selected to attend.
Key annual events for 4-H members in the local area include the Carleton County Spring Show and Sale in Florenceville-Bristol and 4-H Achievement Day at Old Home Week in Woodstock.
