4-H Ontario celebrates Arbor Award recipients

GUELPH – 4-H Ontario has announced the recipients of the 2026 4-H Ontario Arbor Award, which recognizes volunteer service with 4-H Ontario and the community. 

They are 

– Anna McIntyre, Renfrew 4-H Association;

– Charles Twiss, Wellington 4-H Association;  and 

– Craig Steven, Elgin 4-H Association.

The recipients were celebrated on March 21 at 4-H Ontario’s four Regional Roots Volunteer Conferences hosted in Kemptville, Cobourg, Caledon and Arva, as well as virtually. 

In addition to receiving a hand-crafted metal sculpture of a tree, a tree will be planted in a location of the recipients’ choice in honour of their contributions to the 4-H program and their community.

“These recipients are truly outstanding individuals and each one lives the 4-H pledge of through all they do in 4-H and their broader communities,” stated 4-H Ontario respresentative Evelyn Chambers in a press release.

“They demonstrate the purpose and values of the 4-H program and 4-H Ontario is pleased to recognize them.”

Established in 2001 during the International Year of the Volunteer, the 4-H Ontario Arbor Award recognizes a select group of 4-H Ontario volunteers who have served the organization for over 10 years and have positively impacted 4-H and their local community. 

This is 4-H Ontario’s most prestigious volunteer award, officials say. 

To be eligible to receive the award, 4-H Ontario volunteers must be nominated by their local 4-H Association.

Nominees must have demonstrated significant leadership, initiative and made a positive impact on 4-H at various levels. 

In addition, nominees must have other involvement in their community or with other volunteer organizations. The selection committee consists of previous Arbor Award winners.

Charles Twiss

Charles (Charlie) Twiss is a 4-H alumnus who has been a 4-H volunteer for over 30 years in the Wellington 4-H Association. 

Over his tenure, he has led beef, sheep, tractor, field crops, vet and finance 4-H projects, sharing his knowledge with thousands of 4-H participants. 

With 50 participants in his 2025 beef club, Charlie doesn’t shy away from the challenge of leading a large club and excels at ensuring each participant has the opportunity to learn new skills, no matter their age or ability, all while encouraging them to give their best, officials say.

“Charlie does not just teach youth how to show cattle; he teaches them how to run meetings, manage projects, support their communities and lead their peers,” stated one fellow 4-H volunteer.

“He has also always been a strong advocate for lifelong learning, encouraging youth to see their 4-H journey through to graduation and seek post-secondary education.”

Understanding the immense value of 4-H, Twiss plays an active role in creating opportunities for youth to build upon their skills and learn, officials say.

That includes lending a hand at the association’s judging competitions and coordinating annual bus tours to farms and agricultural facilities so youth can broaden their understanding of agriculture and its innovations.

In addition to three decades of commitment to 4-H, Charlie is also an active volunteer in his community, serving organizations such as the Arthur Agricultural Society, Arthur Minor Hockey and Grace Anglican Parish Council. 

In 2017, Charlie received the Senate of Canada 150th Anniversary Medal in recognition of his contributions to the community.