We are pleased to welcome seven new B.C. 4-H Ambassadors to the team for 2010.

These new ambassadors are keen to get started on their two-year commitment and are eagerly looking forward to the annual Ambassador Training Weekend in May. The new ambassadors will join eight second-year ambassadors.

For more information or to contact a B.C. 4-H Ambassador in your region, please contact Sarah van Heeswijk at sarah.vanheeswijk@gov.bc.ca.

Each year retiring members of the B.C. 4-H Ambassador team are honored for outstanding participation. This year two members are being recognized with this esteemed award: Kirsten Bevandick from Kamloops/Okanagan and Kelsi Warawa from the Fraser Valley. Kirsten and Kelsi will be receiving B.C. 4-H Ambassador belt buckles and certificates to recognize their hard work and commitment to the B.C. 4-H Program!

Kirsten and Kelsi were members of the Ambassador team in 2008 and 2009. During their 2 year term their Ambassador accomplishments went far above and beyond what was required.

Kirsten was involved with many projects during her ambassador term. She did some excellent work helping to support new 4-H clubs in the Kelowna and Vancouver areas. A longtime member of the Valley Lopers 4-H Club in Kelowna, Kirsten’s judging and speaking skills were put to use in hosting and judging 4-H events around the Kamloops/Okanagan region. Kirsten’s commitment and reliability were a huge asset to the ambassador team and were greatly appreciated by the 4-H clubs and leaders she supported. Kirsten is currently attending UBC and pursuing a degree in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems.

Kelsi was active throughout her ambassador term with initiatives like the Chilliwack District Junior Camp, the B.C. Dairy Foundation summer display, and 4-H promotion at community events. Kelsi has been involved as a member of both the Chilliwack Dog and the Chilliwack Lamb clubs, so her project skills were also frequently put to use in teaching and judging. Kelsi’s enthusiasm and positive attitude made her a pleasure to work with. Her efforts in promoting the 4-H program and supporting 4-H clubs were greatly appreciated by the members and leaders in her region. Kelsi is currently attending the University of Victoria pursuing a career in teaching.

Kirsten and Kelsi follow an outstanding list of award recipients, they are:

• 2000-2001 Sarah van Heeswijk
• 2001-2002 Jeanette Tamis
• 2002-2003 Connie-Lyn Stafford and Nikki Kouwenhoven
• 2003-2004 Kim Beltrametti
• 2004-2005 Dustin Griffin
• 2005-2006 Kristy Lineham
• 2006-2007 Matt Masi and Breena Kotz
• 2007-2008 Jo Wyers

The 2010 B.C. 4-H Ambassador team is gearing up for a very busy and exciting year. B.C. 4-H Ambassadors function within their Region in a variety of ways such as helping with club, district or regional events or promoting the 4-H program to the general public. Get to know the B.C. 4-H Ambassadors in your region and if possible invite them to participate in an event with your club!

Congratulations to Kirsten and Kelsi for their excellent work. They will certainly be missed on the Ambassador team but no doubt their commitment to 4-H will be ongoing in the future.