February 8, 2008
(Guelph, ON – February 4, 2008) - 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 Glenn near Bolton from April 3-6m, 2008 will bring together rural and urban students from the 53 high schools within the Greenbelt. Together, the participants will: develop a broader understanding and appreciation of agricultural and environmental stewardship initiatives; become engaged in local issues; and expand their civic responsibility as well as protect and enhance the rural character and integrity of the Greenbelt. While at the Forum, the youth delegates will have the opportunity to learn more about issues of significance to them such as water preservation, land use planning, environmental stewardship and local food. 4-H Ontario and Leaders Today will lead fun, hands-on 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 a project within their community or school, called the Bushel Basket of Change Project. This “one of a kind” initiative will further promote the value of the Greenbelt to participants, their families and their community, by actively engaging them in a project that implements the outcomes of the Forum. The results of these Bushel Basket projects will be featured at the 2008 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Lyndon Stewart, Executive Director of 4-H Ontario believes that, “This opportunity will immerse future leaders in focused study about the Greenbelt and engage them in making decisions about its future. 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.” “Our specialty is bringing hands-on training programs to schools and communities around the world”, says Jesse Jewell, Leadership Coordinator & International Trips Facilitator with Leaders Today. “We work hard to empower high school students with the knowledge and research skills to not only address community social issues but to assist local charity and non-profit organizations in their community support work. This project will be a unique opportunity to merge 4-H’s experience with rural youth and our work with social change to address issues within the Greenbelt. I can’t wait to see the results.” Greenbelt area high school students in grades 10 or 11 who are interested in participating in this Youth Forum are invited to call 4-H Ontario for an application form. Applications are due March 1, 2008. Leaders Today is the top youth leadership training organization in the world, delivering innovative local and international training experiences to more than 350,000 youth every year. We bring our hands-on programs to schools and communities around the world, providing opportunities for both young people and adults alike to travel and learn through life-changing international volunteer trips. Founded in 1999 by international spokespeople for change, brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger, Leaders Today is now the worldwide leader in empowering youth with leadership education, inspiration and action tools. The Ontario 4-H Program is about opportunities, personal development, making friends, and having fun. In the province 1500 volunteer leaders help over 7,000 young people (10-21 years of age) learn self-confidence and new skills. Members also learn communication and leadership skills, problem solving, and goal setting. 4-H Ontario Members can choose to be involved in any of over 60 different projects, ranging from drama to woodworking, life skills to livestock, and square dancing to conservation. Funding for this project was provided in part by The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation. For more information: Lyndon Stewart, Executive Director, 4-H Ontario 1-877-410-6748, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.