The 4-H Ontario Ambassador program provides youth with advanced level training in leadership, citizenship, communications and public relations. Ambassadors put their energy and 4-H experiences to work recruiting new members and sharing the 4-H story. Throughout 2018, each of 4-H Ontario’s six Ambassadors will submit blog entries about their experiences in the program. The 4-H Ontario Ambassador program is proudly sponsored by FS. For more info on the Ambassador program click here. To book an Ambassador for your event please complete the request form. Submitted by Shannon Desjardins, 4-H Ontario Youth Ambassador from Prince Edward 4-H Association I would like to take a moment to reflect on this past year as one of six 2017 4-H Ontario Ambassadors. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many of you this year, my name is Shannon Desjardins and I am from Prince Edward Association in Region 3. I am now a graduated 4-H member after the most amazing 12 years. I completed 126 clubs from the best program you will ever have the chance to participate in! Over the past year I have had so many opportunities come my way from the 4-H Ontario Ambassador program. I have traveled across Ontario, meeting so many wonderful and enthusiastic 4-H members, siblings, parents, volunteers and alumni. From fairs, to livestock shows, plowing matches to awards nights, Discovery Days to Judge It Day – these are just a few of the activities I have participated in as a 4-H Ontario Ambassador. Being a 4-H Ontario Ambassador isn’t just about traveling around Ontario representing 4-H at different local and regional events; it’s about the relationships, friendships, influences, contacts and skills you gain from the program as well. At each and every event you attend as a 4-H Ontario Ambassador you grow as a member, a mentor and person. Each association has so many outstanding volunteers that give you new and exciting ideas to bring home to your local association. The members you meet along your journey share with you why they love 4-H, what clubs they have participated in and why they are excited to join next year making you more and more excited to be a part of this program. The parents (and potentially alumni) are so thrilled to speak with you about what opportunities are out there for their child and why the 4-H Ontario Ambassadors program is one opportunity they will never want to miss out on. The 4-H pledge talks about Head, Heart, Hands and Health with our club, community and country, but what does the 4-H Ontario Ambassador program say? Well, an Ambassador to me stands for; Achieve Memories Beneficial Adventurous Spectacular Satisfying Accomplished Dedication Opportunities Relationships   Those are just 10 words that describe the 4-H Ontario Ambassador program and why it is so amazing to have had the opportunity given to me by 4-H Ontario and our sponsor FS. When you are 18 years of age, I strongly encourage you to fill out the 4-H Ontario Ambassadors application form and apply! This is an opportunity that you will fondly look back on and never regret!