The long weekend in May. Traditionally seen by most Canadians as the start of summer. Everybody has their own traditions, some people open up the cottage, some book their favorite campsite at their favorite National Park, while gardeners traditionally take the opportunity to plant this years garden. However for several dozen families in Nova Scotia we do something called Fluff and Buff.
Fluff & Buff is an amazing showmanship clinic for 4-H members hosted by the Annapolis county 4-H program. It has traditionally been open to members in the beef, dairy, sheep and goat projects. This year they decided to add rabbits to the
mix. The kids arrive Friday afternoon and the program runs until approximately
noon Sunday. The kids recieve great instruction in preparing their animals for
show, clipping and grooming etc. They also have a lot of instruction in showing
your animal and the chance to handle other animals.
Showmanship is all about presenting your animal to the judge. It is about knowing your animal; knowing their strengths and weakness and how you present the animal. The grand finale is a show on Sunday morning, where everyone can put their new skills to the test, and also get great feedback from the judges.
mix. The kids arrive Friday afternoon and the program runs until approximately
noon Sunday. The kids recieve great instruction in preparing their animals for
show, clipping and grooming etc. They also have a lot of instruction in showing
your animal and the chance to handle other animals.
Showmanship is all about presenting your animal to the judge. It is about knowing your animal; knowing their strengths and weakness and how you present the animal. The grand finale is a show on Sunday morning, where everyone can put their new skills to the test, and also get great feedback from the judges.
One of the goats turning the tables and checking out the judge
In addition to this there is usually a guest speaker on Friday evenings, this year two of the local large animal vets gave a talk on recognizing signs of ill health in animals and then held a Q&A session.
Add to all this soccer games, tug of war, water fights and a pizza party! I should also mention the food.. From what I am told the food is ample and fantastic. This is high praise indeed because unless you have faced 80+ hungry farm kids at breakfast time.. you don't know cranky.
Fluff and Buff been a tradition in our family for 4 years now.
Every year just seems to get better. Reiley continues to aquire more knowledge
and friends every year. I am continually impressed by the dedication of the
volunteers, this is run by volunteers, most of them 4-H parents or past members.
I have been involved in many sports, teams and childrens programs over the past 25 years; but I can honestly say that 4-H is one of the best.
Add to all this soccer games, tug of war, water fights and a pizza party! I should also mention the food.. From what I am told the food is ample and fantastic. This is high praise indeed because unless you have faced 80+ hungry farm kids at breakfast time.. you don't know cranky.
Fluff and Buff been a tradition in our family for 4 years now.
Every year just seems to get better. Reiley continues to aquire more knowledge
and friends every year. I am continually impressed by the dedication of the
volunteers, this is run by volunteers, most of them 4-H parents or past members.
I have been involved in many sports, teams and childrens programs over the past 25 years; but I can honestly say that 4-H is one of the best.
Reiley and Pepper showing on Sunday
In Nova Scotia the cost to register per year is less than I have paid for a single hour of coaching, programming in other organizations. The philosophy behind the program, learn to do by doing, is incredibly refreshing in today's bubble wrapped child mindset. You are not going to learn to weld a bead or grow a garden by watching a lecture. You need to get in there, hands on, make mistakes, practice and move forward. 4 -H does this. It is a refreshing attitude. We do our kids a disservice by not allowing them to fail. They need to fail, to test themselves physically, mentally and emotionally. Without the fail, the victories are hollow.
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