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4-H is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment that allows for universal access and participation. We are duty bound by the Code of Conduct for 4-H in Canada to do all that is reasonably necessary to protect youth in our community.

As part of providing a safe and healthy environment for youth to participate in in-person activities and following the October 25, 2021 BC Provincial Health Order on Gatherings and Events, effective immediately and until further notice:

• All adult persons (age 22 +) attending in-person 4-H events, whether indoors or outdoors, are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be required for adults to attend in-person 4-H events.

Virtual options to attend events for those not fully vaccinated can be discussed at the club level.

SECTION D - PROOF OF VACCINATION

1. This Part applies to inside events, and sections 7 and 8 apply to a program for children or youth, whether held inside or outside.

2. This Part does not apply to i. a person under 12 years of age, or ii. a person 12 to 21 years of age who is participating in a program for children or youth or in a sports event.

7. An adult must have received two doses of vaccine if the adult is leading, supervising or assisting with a program for children or youth, whether the program takes place inside or outside.

8. An adult who had not received two doses of vaccine must not lead, supervise or assist with a program for children or youth, whether the program takes place inside or outside.

DEFINITIONS:

Event means a gathering of persons for a purpose

Inside Event means . . . (e) A program for children or youth in an inside place;

Program for Children or Youth: a structured educational program, including home education or distributed learning, music, art, drama, dance, recreational, sport, exercise, or social activity and provided primarily for persons under 22 years of age.

Fully Vaccinated: to have received two doses received the full series of a vaccine authorized in Canada at least 14 prior to attending the event.

FAQ's

Who will be required to check proof of vaccination?

As per section D, sections 3 and 4 of the BC Provincial Health Order on Gatherings and Events:

1. An organizer must obtain proof in the form of a vaccine card that a participant has received two doses of vaccine.
2. A participant must provide an organizer with proof in the form of a vaccine card of having received two doses of vaccine.
3. An organizer must not permit a participant who has not provided the organizer with proof in the form of a vaccine card of having received two doses of vaccine to enter or remain a place for the purpose of an event or to participate in an event.
4. A participant who has not provided an organizer with proof in the form of a vaccine card of having received two doses of vaccine must not enter or remain in a place for the purpose of an event or participate in an event.
5. If an event takes place on more than one day, the requirements in this section apply on each of those days.

An operator must not scan the QR code on a vaccine card with any tool other than a BC Vaccine Card Verifier App. For details and to download the BC Vaccine Card Verifier App visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/proof/businesses#app.

Should I retain proof of vaccination?

As per section D, sections 5 and 6 of the BC Provincial Health Order on Gatherings and Events:

5. Subject to section 6, an organizer must not retain proof of vaccination or identification provided by a participant, or use it for any purpose other than to confirm that a participant has been vaccinated, as required by this Order.

6. Despite section 5, with the written consent of a participant, an organizer may keep a record of the fact that the participant has provided proof of being vaccinated in compliance with this Part until this Order expires or is repealed, and the organizer may rely upon this record to satisfy the requirements in this Part with respect to future participation by the participant in an event at the same place.

Can I still enroll as a 4-H Leader or Screened Volunteer for 2022 if I am not vaccinated?

Any person is welcome to enroll as a 4-H BC leader or screened volunteer regardless of their vaccination status, but at present all adult persons age 22 and up attending in-person 4-H events, whether indoors or outdoors, are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be required for adults to attend in-person 4-H events.

Can I attend in-person 4-H events as a parent if I am unvaccinated?

At present all adult persons age 22 and up attending in-person 4-H events, whether indoors or outdoors, are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be required for adults to attend in-person 4-H events. 

Can I enroll as a 4-H Leader or Screened Volunteer later in 2022 if the PHO changes?

Yes, an allowance will be made in 2022 for 4-H Leaders and Screened Volunteers to enroll up until April 30 should the PHO requirements change.

Do we still need to wear masks at in-person 4-H events?

As per the PHO order on Masks in public indoor settings, masks are required in all public indoor settings in British Columbia for all people 5 years of age and up. Masks are not required in outdoor settings.

There are exemptions for:

• People with health conditions or with physical, cognitive or mental impairments who cannot wear one
• People who cannot remove a mask on their own
• Children under the age of 5
• People who need to remove their masks to communicate due to another person's hearing impairment

What if there are Regional Restrictions in my Health Authority?

Please review and comply with all regional restrictions for your area in addition to the Provincial Health Orders.

• Fraser Health (Abbotsford, Agassiz, Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Mission) PHO: Fraser Health

• Interior Health PHO: Interior Health

• Northern Health Region (entire Northern Health region, with the exception of Local Health areas west of Gitwangak (Kitwanga): Terrace, Kitimat, Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert, Stikine, Telegraph Creek, Snow Country and Nisga’a) PHO: Norther Health

This notice will be updated as new information is available. 

We recognize the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created for everyone in the 4-H community, and gratefully acknowledge the efforts of all 4-H leaders and volunteers in BC for your dedication and ongoing commitment to the youth of your communities.