Cavendish 4-H Club members live by the 4-H pledge
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by Neleah Lavoie
The Cavendish 4-H Club, which is steeped in history and strong community connections, has helped shape the lives of young people and their families in the Cavendish area of Prince Edward Island for many years. As our monthly meeting opens with the 4-H pledge, our members recite:
“I pledge my head to clearer thinking …”
Starting in 1966, the Cavendish 4-H Club, under the direction of the Avonlea Women’s Institute, was run five days a week out of the Cavendish elementary school during lunch. The project leaders were either members of the Avonlea Women’s Institute or schoolteachers.
Originally known as the Cavendish Knacky Knitters 4-H Club, we started as a club consisting of only girls participating solely in sewing and knitting projects. In 1969, the first boys joined the club and introduced small engines. Over the years, our club has developed to include a wide variety of projects.
Today, our meetings take place once a month out of the basement of the Cavendish United Church, beside what used to be the Cavendish elementary school. Project meetings are no longer whole club events. They can take place at any time, under the supervision of various leaders, and often at a leader’s home.
“My heart to greater loyalty …”
The Cavendish 4-H Club is more than fortunate to have many families and individuals serving as its backbone for its long existence. We have had three generations of families participate in the club.
Most of the current club members’ parents were 4-Hers themselves. Our overall leader, Nancy Orr, began leading our club in 1979 and she continues to do an amazing job.
“My hands to larger service …”
For the past few years, the Cavendish 4-H Club has participated in many community service opportunities and agriculture awareness projects.
We kick off the 4-H year by picking and selling a half-acre of pumpkins that we planted the previous June. This is our largest agricultural awareness activity, raising money to fund club activities and allowing us to donate agricultural lime for growing Canadian Foodgrains Bank soybeans.
Come Christmastime, all the members and their families spend an evening visiting seniors in Rustico to sing Christmas carols and deliver holiday greeting cards. We are definitely not the best singers, but the real goal is to brighten the holiday season for many local residents.
Our final large community service tradition takes place on Good Friday after our monthly meeting. We put together almost 80 Easter baskets full of candy, fruit, and homemade sweets that we deliver to the seniors and shut-ins in our community. Our goal is to brighten the Easter season for many families and friends.
In addition to these big community service projects throughout the year, our club collects used clothing for the less fortunate and toys for the Salvation Army, and participates in the P.E.I. Women’s Institute annual roadside cleanup.
Our club also plans one fun activity every month that allows members to spend time together outside of our monthly meetings. These activities range from skating to games nights to watching the Charlottetown Islanders hockey games. The saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same” is fitting in relation to our activities. We try something new every year, but the most popular and beneficial activities never change.
“My health to better living …”
Since its start, the Cavendish 4-H Club has had fluctuating enrolment numbers – between nine and 41! In the 2018-2019 4-H year, the club had 36 members and 19 volunteer leaders. Keeping active through monthly activities, understanding and appreciating the importance of agriculture, and giving back to our community all contribute to better living for all of us.
Through our varied project choices, we learn how to problem solve for ourselves. Whether it’s learning how to make our own meals, build a piece of furniture, or construct a rocket, our final goal is to learn about ourselves and to help others.
“For my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
For many of our club members, we have learned that although we live in a small community on the north shore of P.E.I., we are all a part of something much bigger. Being a member of this small club has opened doors for many big opportunities.
Many of our members have benefited from trips all over the country. They then bring their new learning back to the club. We have also had great representation at the national 4-H Canada Science Fair for the past three years. Being a 4-H member ties the club directly to the community and the country in many ways.
Cavendish 4-H members live by the 4-H pledge in every way. This small club is big in heart and is always looking to make the world a better place.
(Neleah Lavoie is vice-president of the Cavendish 4-H Club. She lives in Cymbria, P.E.I., and attends Bluefield High School. She enjoys playing soccer and participating in various school activities.)
