4-H Club, Learn to do by doing

Countless young people between the ages of 9 to 19 living in rural areas have taken the 4-H pledge. Members promise to put their heads to clearer thinking, hearts to greater loyalty, hands to larger service and health to better living. The equally famous motto - "Learn To Do By Doing" - has helped to develop these youths' potential and talent for nearly eight generations. The 4-H concept was an immediate success after the first Canadian club was organized in Roland, Manitoba in 1913. Departments of Agriculture and government experimental farm systems used 4-H to channel seeds, animals and new agricultural techniques to farmers across Canada. Immigrants particularly benefitted by this process, as parents learned new farming methods through their children. By 1931 it was necessary to establish a national council to sponsor and co-ordinate activities. Initially it was called the Canadian Council of Boys and Girls Clubs; it became the Canadian Council of 4-H Clubs in 1952. Today, il is known as the Canadian 4-H Council. 4-H thrives in over eighty countries. Willing volunteers, so important to any organization, have been the mainstay of all 4-H organizations. And, despite a declining rural population in Canada, 4-H Clubs continue to flourish and improve many aspects of Canadian life by adopting new methods and techniques. Designed by Debbie Adams of Toronto, the stamp combines a typical rural scene with three young people engaged in a 4-H project, together with the 4-H motto "Learn To Do By Doing". The computer keyboard shows how the movement is keeping up to date.