Blog

April 1st, 2023 – Cowichan, Vancouver Island, BC

Island 4-H Rendezvous was hosted April 1, 2023, at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds with 115 participants, including volunteers and guest presenters. Attendees enjoyed a full day of in-person learning and fun that was very welcome after the last few years, as the event was on a hiatus through the pandemic.

The day kicked off with some icebreaker games and door prizes contributed by the 4-H Districts of the Vancouver Island 4-H Region. Participants then divided into breakout sessions, attending 3 sessions from a total of 24 available topics. Breakout session topics included: soil matters, spring planters, beeswax wraps, halter making, macrame, poultry biosecurity, birds of prey, climate change on the farm, 4-H awards, and many more! These workshops were led by 4-H friends, ambassadors, and alumni from around the region.

After a delicious lunch, all guests participated in an interactive keynote session delivered by Bryan Burns from Inspired by Play. The session focused on the power of play in teambuilding and got everyone up and involved in a series of hands-on games and high energy activities.

Island 4-H Rendezvous also included a silent auction with items donated by the 4-H families of Vancouver Island. The silent auction included a large variety of items including puzzles, baskets with food and beauty/health products, hand-made products and even tickets to Butchart Gardens in Victoria. The funds raised through the silent auction will be used to support regional 4-H events on Vancouver Island. Thanks to all the supportive 4-H families who contributed to the silent auction.

The Vancouver Island 4-H Regional Council would also like to thank the many volunteers who made this event possible, particularly the amazing committee members and guest speakers who donated their time in planning and presenting.

Island 4-H Rendezvous participants and organizers would like to thank the following community minded businesses and organizations for their generous support of this event:

• Agrifoods Cooperative
• Farm Credit Canada
• B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food
• Vancouver Island 4-H Regional Council
• 4-H British Columbia Provincial Council