An education provided by the countryside (or YFC?!)?
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- Published on Saturday, 14 May 2011 23:24
We're often asked what YFC is and what members get out of it. Whilst, as members, we're really passionate about this fantastic organisation, it's actually a very difficult question!
YFC is so diverse that a better question is perhaps "What isn't YFC?"! We were recently pointed towards this article from Country Life magazine, which lists what they believe young people should encounter before they grow up. Reading through, it struck a chord, as it looks like a potential advert for YFC, listing some of the many activities you can get involved in (and learn skills from)!
Some are very much rural focussed, e.g. "39. Deliver a lamb", "9. Handle a shotgun, skin a rabbit, gut a fish and pluck a pigeon" and even "21. Drive a tractor, reverse a trailer, renew engine oil and change a wheel". However, those unfamiliar with YFC, may be more surprised that other inclusions such as "1. Cook three different dinner party menus", "10. Repair a bicycle puncture and fix the chain" and even "11. Dance the eightsome reel, waltz to Strauss and bop to Lady Gaga" are also not uncommon in the world of YFC! This may be through the regular club meetings or through the competitions programme starting at Club and rising up to National level.
With members running the clubs, the club programme can be designed to match what they want to get out of it. This creates a fantastic mix of interesting, fun and educational meetings, giving members the opportunitity to learn 'skills for life'.
Here's the full list of 39 suggestions, courtesy of Country Life: Take a look and see what you think >