First Name: Linda Last Name: Humphrey 4-H Association or Region: Oxford Years In 4-H: 34 Member, Volunteer, Alumni (Indicate all that apply): Member, Volunteer Currently Oxford 4-H Communications Coordinator – membership, awards, newsletter (Paid position), an extra body if needed at meetings and an “expert” for sewing projects. Questions:
- Why did you join 4-H?
My mother insisted with dad’s support. Didn’t really like it much but determined to stay in till I had completed 6 projects; Then decided that I could do 12. Pretty sure I was a trial for the leaders. But I matured, saw the value of the program and became an Assistant Leader and continued as a member – you could do that then. Received County (6) Provincial (12) and Advanced (18) Honours which was as far as you could go. My biggest regret is that I never took a dairy club – my dad had a calf he encouraged me to show but I would have none of it.
- What clubs, camps, opportunities etc have you participated or volunteered in?
Became a volunteer with Princess Elizabeth (homemaking) then started a club in Bright. At present I have volunteered for 63 projects. Have done some minor volunteer duties for 4-H at the local fair and attend every Volunteer Symposium I can manage.
- How has 4-H changed your life?
I kept all my project manuals and member projects and have referred to them often. Now most of the information is available online but I learned it first from 4-H. There was a time when you learned the best way to do something in 4-H and you were expected to improve through the clubs. The program has changed over the years but that I miss the most.
- What’s your favourite 4-H memory?
Presenting my first 24 project award for my club member and to my daughter. But I think the best will be at our Awards Night this year. A member who took a lot of her projects with my club is to be the featured speaker. I love seeing the members grow through the years, changing from shy kids into confident speakers and workers. I also like working with my Youth Leaders and have never been disappointed in the way they come through for their projects and duties. Also thrilled that my granddaughter loved Cloverbuds and is looking forward to “real” 4-H!
- What do you do outside of 4-H? (hobbies, school, career, etc)
I was a stay at home mom for 23 years, worked as an Administrative Assistant then as a buyer for a manufacturer. Currently as I said above I am the Communications Coordinator for my county 4-H association handling the duties of membership, awards and newsletters – plus just ask and if I don’t know I will find out. But the most surprising thing I do now is as a lay worship leader for my church. Me, standing up in front of people delivering a sermon I’ve written when during all my career as a 4-H member I managed to avoid speaking at all. Eventually 4-H gets you trained. It took a lot of years for me. I am also an avid quilter (making lots of donation quilts while I perfect my skills), seamstress (so far around 20 Western shirts plus many other things) and also knit and crochet. I’m also teaching my granddaughter to sew and knit and am a devoted grammy to my grandkids. Liked Linda’s story? Want to share your own 4-H story? Check out our 5 Questions With Feature here!