WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — A young, Renfrew County 4-H leader received an Outstanding New 4-H Ontario Club Leader award.
Scott Hamilton, who lives on the Barr Line with parents Brian and Lorraine Hamilton in the summer, and spends winter attending Algonquin College in Ottawa, is one of five recipients.
This award is sponsored by Gay Lea Foods Co-operative and recognizes volunteers who embody the 4-H pledge and values, said Evelyn Chambers, senior manager, volunteer and community engagement for 4-H Ontario.
“We are very proud to honour these amazing individuals for their contributions to the 4-H program,” she said. “Their efforts in their 4-H clubs and communities truly embody what it means to be a 4-H’er.”
“I’m very happy,” said Mr. Hamilton, 23. “I’m still very young compared to other members who were adults when they were nominated.”
Explaining, he has been a leader for three years, applying for leadership credentials when only 18 years old. Most of those nominated for the award are older adults who were asked to lead a club and after they earned their credentials, they did so.
Mr. Hamilton was still a 4-H club member when he earned his leadership credentials, noting a 4-H member graduates at 21.
“4-H has been a part of me since I was 11 years old,” he said. “I want to continue with 4-H.”
While he has lead a few clubs, Mr. Hamilton said his favourite was the Birds and Bats Club, which he initiated.
“It’s one of my favourite ones,” he said. “I said I want to do this and I did.
“It was a cool opportunity to take the reigns,” he added, noting he did have other leaders helping him in the club as there were around 15 4-H members.
His love for bats comes from working at Bonnechere Caves, where is a manager. He is now in his seventh summer of working at the Caves in Eganville.
“I’m Chris’ right hand man,” he said. (Chris Hinsperger is the owner of Bonnechere Caves.)
A club, of which there is many to choose from, is usually six two-hour classes, some may be more hours, he said.
He has lead various clubs, including rabbit, dairy, breakfast, Go for Gold (trivia) and On Your Own, another one he wanted to lead since most leaders have been out on their own for years, while he is still new to it.
It’s a club that’s for the older members who will soon be getting out on their own, whether it be to work or going to school, Mr. Hamilton said. There are many things to deal with that aren’t taught in school, a big one being handling finances while on your own, he added.
“I have the experience, latest experience, I can contribute a lot to this club,” he said.
Mr. Hamilton enjoyed being a 4-H member and now enjoys being a leader. He is also a member of the Renfrew County 4-H Board of Directors, a position he has held since he was 17 years old. He admits there aren’t many young males on the board, but he enjoys giving his input, especially from a young person’s perspective.
“I want to help guide 4-H into the future,” he said.
It was the Renfrew County Board of Directors who nominated Mr. Hamilton for the award. When the board was deciding who to nominate, he knew he was one of the candidates because he was asked to leave the room.
“I’m honoured they decided to nominate me,” he said.
In a release from 4-H Ontario, the write-up about Mr. Hamilton noted he goes “above and beyond to bring out each member’s individual personality. He has a way about him that makes each child want to work with him and learn from him. Scott is now helping to lead a club, which will represent Renfrew County at Go For The Gold and has created the Renfrew County 4-H Facebook page. Scott has lead clubs such as Rabbit, Rabbit Agility, Photography, Dairy, and On Your Own You Can Do It, to name a few. He also volunteers his time as much as he can to all clubs—even ones he isn’t a leader of. He can often be found creating slide shows, setting up banquet halls or working the sound system. He is also a member of the Renfrew County 4-H Board. Scott’s members have said he’s helped make them want to complete more 4-H clubs and not to be afraid of trying new things.”
There were five Outstanding Leadership awards presented, which isn’t unusual Mr. Hamilton said. Each County organization is allowed to nominate one person.
The other four leaders are Sheila Ducheck (York); Janie Gras (Oxford), Amanda Kapteyn (Grey) and Barb Patten (Peel).
Mr. Hamilton enjoys many things about 4-H, including the fact that young people can learn new things while not in school. He encourages young people to join 4-H for many reasons, realizing it’s a different way of learning that in school.
“We use the 4-H motto, which includes a hands-on approach to learning,” he said. “It’s a different type of learning. It’s great for kids who aren’t just into grades and marks.
“My favourite part is teaching kids and sharing what I have learned.”
4-H has changed over the years, and it’s no longer just about livestock and farming, there’s so much more, like bats and birds, photography, trivia, sewing, cooking, sports.
It’s also a great opportunity to meet people your own age from throughout Renfrew County and beyond, Mr. Hamilton said.
“Friendships are made that last a life-time,” he said. “It’s the best way to meet people who are not at your school.”
