This February, volunteer leaders and provincial executives from across Quebec flew to Calgary for 4-H Canada’s 2026 Leadership Summit.
While many activities are held for 4-H members, this is geared towards the leaders and future leaders, bringing them together for a weekend of swapping ideas and building connections across the country. It is also the only time all youth advisory leaders (YACs) from across the country are together in person at an event, and it marks the end of five YACs two-year terms.
This year’s theme was “Boots on the Ground, Eyes on the Horizon,” nodding towards having an in-person summit rather than a virtual one, and looking towards the future of 4-H.
Starting Friday evening off was a wonderful dinner and a presentation by Sarah Austin, the Founder and CEO of Children First Canada, with the topic of “Raising Canada: Strong Kids. Strong Communities. Strong Future,” followed by Hugh Maynard passing the CEO torch to Christina Franc, who also happens to be a proud 4-H Quebec mother. Maynard welcomed Franc and spoke briefly of his time as interim CEO, stating that to him, 4-H is a family affair, and when 4-H Canada was in need of help, you support your family. Afterwards, refreshments were offered and delegates got to socialize and network with the different provinces.
Throughout Saturday and Sunday, different seminars were held, such as “Anxiety in Youth,” “Don’t be a Conflict Addict!” and “Succession Planning 101,” including a YAC-led presentation on senior member retention and accessibility.
There was also an interactive “Swing Your Partner: Square Dancing as a Tool for Teamwork and Confidence” presented by Quebec’s very own Gillian MacDougall; it was filled with laughter as different attendees learned to square dance by participating.
Another exciting activity on Saturday night was “A Night in the Country,” bringing us near Banff to Camp Chief Hector, where local 4-Hers presented different projects and a dinner was held for our last night all together.
A huge thank you goes out to 4-H Alberta for hosting this year’s Leadership Summit, and to everyone who came and made it possible.