4-H Ontario, Leaders Today, a division of Free the Children, and the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation have joined forces to create a new opportunity for high school youth.
The Greenbelt Youth Forum, to be held at the YMCA Camp Cedar Glen, near Bolton, from April 3 to 6, will bring together rural and urban students from the 53 high schools in the greenbelt. The participants can develop a broader understanding and appreciation of agricultural and environmental stewardship initiatives; become engaged in local issues; expand their civic responsibility and work to protect and enhance the rural character and integrity of the greenbelt.
Youth delegates will have the opportunity to learn more about water preservation, land use planning, environmental stewardship and local food. The members of 4-H Ontario and Leaders Today will lead exercises designed to build leadership and teamwork skills, as well as organize guest speakers and tours of the Greenbelt,
Following the forum, delegates will complete work in their community or school, called the Bushel Basket of Change Project. That initiative will further promote the value of the greenbelt to participants, their families and their community, by engaging them in a project that implements the results of the forum. The results of the Bushel Basket projects will be featured at the 2008 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Lyndon Stewart, Executive Director of 4-H Ontario said, “We’re thrilled to be working with Leaders Today as they are recognized around the world for their ability to help youth create social change.”
Greenbelt area high school students in grades 10 or 11 who are interested in participating in the forum are invited to call 4-H Ontario for an application form. They are due March 1.
