"4-H Month honours organization's contributions

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

November has been designated as “4-H Month” in Saskatchewan to acknowledge and honour the contributions of an organization that has helped generation after generation of youths become outstanding citizens.

“We’re really proud of the young people who develop life and leadership skills through their involvement with this program, and we want to share that pride,” said Stan Figley, Saskatchewan 4-H Council President.

The designation of 4-H Month has come at the national level, as well as the provincial level here in Saskatchewan, where 4-H has played an important role in youth development for almost 90 years.

The organization’s roots in Saskatchewan go back to 1917, with gardening and grain clubs in Colgate, Tantallon and Dubuc. It has evolved since then to include a wide variety of interests, from livestock, light horse and pets to hobbies and life skills such as woodworking, photography, crafts and cooking.

Today, there are more than 230 clubs across the province, with approximately 3,700 4-H members and 1,100 adult volunteers.

In order to recognize 4-H Month, local clubs will engage in a variety of activities, including setting up community and school displays, visiting nursing homes, hosting colouring contests, conducting school presentations and much more.

“We see it as an opportunity for 4-H clubs and the 4-H organization to celebrate 4-H and promote it among their communities – promoting the benefits of 4-H and increasing awareness for the organization,” said Kim Minogue, the Regional 4-H Specialist for northeastern Saskatchewan.

Minogue herself grew up in the 4-H system, then decided to get more involved at the provincial council level. “I was a member for six years in the light horse project with the 4-H club in Kyle,” she said.

Her experiences in the organization have been nothing but positive. “Young people who join a 4-H club can look forward to learning more about a project topic of their choice, developing lifelong friendships, having fun and gaining valuable life skills,” she said.

“The goal of 4-H is definitely to strengthen the skills of our youth enrolled in the organization and to develop their leadership skills,” Minogue added. “We try to achieve that through our motto, which is ‘Learn to do by doing.’ Definitely we stress the development of leadership skills.”

No matter what the interests of its members are, the 4-H program’s main goal is fostering positive personal development in youth. Club members complete one or more of 27 project possibilities, manage their own club affairs, including holding all of the executive positions, and take part in a wide range of 4-H activities, from camps to inter-provincial travel exchanges.

To become a 4-H member, a youth must be between six and 21 years of age. Those interested in learning more about the organization or how to join can call the provincial 4-H office at (306) 933-7727, or visit the Saskatchewan 4-H website at www.4-h.sk.ca to find contact information for clubs and regional specialists in their area.

For more information, contact:

Kim Minogue, North East Regional Specialist
Saskatchewan 4-H Council
Phone: (306) 933-7727
E-mail: kim@4-h.sk.ca
Website: www.4-h.sk.ca