This notice will be updated as more information comes available.  
Last reviewed: April 13, 2021
The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has made the 2020 4-H year unique. Since March 2020, the board of directors has been monitoring the situation and keeping the health of our youth members, leaders, families and communities as our top priority as we move forward.       

​The Saskatchewan 4-H Council will continue to monitor government health information and the responses of other 4-H and youth organizations, as well as school divisions. We will share any updates or changes as soon as possible, should they arise. 

We call on the 4-H family to proactively work to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 for our clubs, our communities, our country, and our world.  If you have any concerns, please call the 4-H office at 306-933-7727.   

COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL IN-PERSON 4-H ACTIVITIES    

  • Club, District, Regional and Provincial 4-H activities must follow restrictions set out by the guidelines from the Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and 4-H. 
  • ALL participants at in person events must sign the MANDATORY 4-H COVID PARTICIPATION WAIVER BEFORE participating at the event/activity. The waiver is completed ONCE for each Family and this is valid for the year. These must be collected by the General Leader and submitted to 4-H Saskatchewan immediately after the meeting​​​
MASK GUIDELINE
When are Masks Required:
  • Masks are required in all indoor public spaces in Saskatchewan.
  • Masks are strongly recommended anytime you cannot maintain social distance (if you will be within 6 ft of someone that is not from your household)
 
To provide clear direction to participants, 4-H Saskatchewan recommends masks be worn at all 4-H events and activities by all participants. If in doubt, wear a mask.

Planning your event

4-H Saskatchewan has been working closely with the COVID-19 Business Response Team to determine what guidelines 4-H activities fall under. 

Organizers should prepare and plan following the In-person Event planning Checklist, so that participants are able to limit their possible exposure (practice social distancing, wear PPE when appropriate, reduce coming between subgroups, and have increased sanitization practices).  

This is a resource for organizers and does not need to be submitted to 4-H Saskatchewan. We recommend completing it locally, as you will then have a document to share to show your due diligence if an issue arises afterwards. Use it to help plan for any meetings, events and activities your club might hold.

It also includes: 
  • Required COVID-19 Screening Questions - these are the questions all participants must answer before participating in an in-person activity 
  • Relevant Guidelines Table - this table will help leaders and volunteers understand what Government of Saskatchewan guideline their activity will fall under. ​​
In-person Event COVID-19 Planning Checklist last updated: April 12, 2021

Relevant guidelines Table

Please see the below accordion to see what guidelines you should be following for your club activities. This is also included in a table form in the "In-person Event Planning Checklist" document. 
​
​Please click the + symbol to expand the accordion to find out more information on the following topics. ​
​IN-PERSON EVENT PLANNING CHECKLIST 
Organizers should prepare and plan following the In-person Event planning Checklist (earlier on this page), so that participants are able to limit their possible exposure (practice social distancing, wear PPE when appropriate, reduce coming between subgroups, and have increased sanitization practices).  
​
This is a resource for organizers and does not need to be submitted to 4-H Saskatchewan. We recommend completing it locally, as you will then have a document to share to show your due diligence if an issue arises afterwards. Use it to help plan for any meetings, events and activities your club might hold. It also includes: 
  • Required COVID-19 Screening Questions - these are the questions all participants must answer before participating in an in-person activity 
  • Relevant Guidelines Table - this table will help leaders and volunteers understand what Government of Saskatchewan guideline their activity will fall under. 
In-person Event COVID-19 Planning Checklist Appendices: 
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL 4-H ACTIVITIES
MASK GUIDELINE
When are Masks Required:
  • Masks are required in all indoor public spaces in Saskatchewan.
  • Masks are strongly recommended anytime you cannot maintain social distance (if you will be within 6 ft of someone that is not from your household)
 
To provide clear direction to participants, 4-H Saskatchewan recommends masks be worn at all 4-H events and activities by all participants. If in doubt, wear a mask.

Check the following guideline for up to date and accurate information on mask use. 
​Other considerations: 
  • The recommendation is to limit all non-essential gatherings. If your meeting can be held virtually or postponed, consider making this change.​
  • ​Masks are mandatory in all of Saskatchewan in all indoor locations. 
    • ​Masks are mandatory during 4-H shows. They must be worn in the ring, the stands and the barns. 
  • ​​Participation at in person events must be voluntary, and members should not be penalized for not attending in-person events.  
  • Organizers must also maintain attendance lists of all participants (so that contact tracing can be completed if required).  
  • Participants should be asked the 4-H Required COVID-19 Screening Questions.  
  • Gathering sizes must respect provincial limits 
GENERAL and Project MEETINGS
Business meetings
Working on record books 

See: Government of Saskatchewan Banquet & Conferences Guidelines
Important considerations:
  • Limit of 30 people
  • No food or beverage allowed
  • Seating should remain static.
  • Instruction is permitted with no contact and appropriate physical distancing and mask use.
  • Recommend moving virtual, to limit in-person gatherings
Fundraising​​
Door-To-Door Selling 
Clubs sell tickets or items door-to-door, including bottle drives, lottery/raffle tickets, sealed food products and other items. 

​See: Government of Saskatchewan Door-to-Door Canvassing and Sales Guidelines 
Selling at a booth 
Clubs set up a booth to sell an item (lottery/raffle tickets, sealed food products, other items) 

​Depends on location

Retail Location
​See: Government of Saskatchewan Clothing and Retail​ Guidelines 
Grocery Store Location
​See: Government of Saskatchewan Grocery Store​ Guidelines 
Trade Show Location
​See: Government of Saskatchewan Car Show and Trade Show​ Guidelines 
Public Market Location
​See: Government of Saskatchewan Public and Farmers Market Guidelines 
Selling Food Products
Clubs selling takeaway food products (ie. soup and bun) or running a food booth/canteen. 
For food items (takeaway and/or concession), refer to the applicable location guidelines above. If the food will be consumed on site, please also refer to Temporary Food Vendor Guidelines
Important Considerations: 
  • See individual guidelines for specifics, but generally:
    • Sellers should be provided their own supplies (pen, clipboard, tickets, and not need to share)
    • Online, cashless or no-contact payments should be used as much as possible.
    • At events, fundraising should be sold at a table/kiosks or other areas where distancing can be managed. They should not be sold in spectator stands
  • 4-H recommends: ​
    • Wear masks and bring sanitizer
    • Use contactless delivery where possible
PUBLIC SPEAKING​
Club and District Level Public Speaking 
Competitive or non-competitive.  

4-H Public Speaking has special guidelines specific for it. See the 4-H Public Speaking page on the 4-H website 
The Banquet & Conference guidelines can be referred to for additional information and guidance. 
Important considerations:
  • Limit of 30 people
  • No food or beverage allowed
  • Speakers must remain masked
  • Competition is allowed
  • Regional and Provincial Public Speaking will be virtual, live events hosted by the Provincial 4-H Office. ​
BEEF Project (including Achievement Days) 
Where cattle are present
Beef project groups learn safe livestock handling, and how to raise healthy cattle. This involves weighing animals, grooming animals, showing animals, and participating in livestock sales. These take place both at public arenas, and private property (indoor riding arena, large Quonset). They also show and sell their beef animals in the spring and summer. Includes grooming and weigh days. 
​
See: Modified Government of Saskatchewan Racing, Livestock and Rodeo Guidelines 
NOTE: If the event is in a public facility (business or municipal owned), the limit is 30 people. For other considerations, follow the Livestock Guidelines. If in a Private facility (any building located on personal property – eg. arena/Quonset), then it falls under the household gathering limit Public Health Order and is limited to ten people.
 
Special Considerations: 
  • If in a public facility,
    • 30 person limit
    • Food & Beverage permitted if provided by a licensed establishment or temporary food vendor (under temporary food vendor guidelines). If present, food and beverage must not be in the activity area (barns, showring, staging area, or spectator seating).
  • If in a private facility (located on private/personal property)
    • 10 person limit for outdoor 
    • Household members only for indoor
    • No food & beverage permitted.
  • Masks are required in all activity areas (barns, showring, staging or marshalling areas, spectator seating) and are recommended in all areas. 
Other Livestock and working animal projects
Where animals are present
These would be the livestock and market animals, which are not beef (dairy, goat, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbit) Activities include: Showmanship, Grooming and Judging. This also applies to working animals like canine – training, grooming, skills demonstrations (agility, herding, obedience)
​
See: Modified Government of Saskatchewan Racing, Livestock and Rodeo Guidelines 
NOTE:  If the event is in a public facility (business or municipal owned), the limit is 30 people. For other considerations, follow the Livestock Guidelines. If in a Private facility (any building located on personal property – eg. arena/Quonset , then it falls under the household gathering limit Public Health Order and is limited to ten people. 

Special Considerations: 
  • If in a public facility,
    • 30 person limit
    • Food & Beverage permitted if provided by a licensed establishment or temporary food vendor (under temporary food vendor guidelines). If present, food and beverage must not be in the activity area (barns, showring, staging area, or spectator seating).
  • If in a private facility (located on private/personal property)
    • 10 person limit for outdoor 
    • Household members only for indoor
    • No food & beverage permitted.
  • Masks are required in all activity areas (barns, showring, staging or marshalling areas, spectator seating) and are recommended in all areas. ​
EQUESTRIAN PROJECTS (including achievement days)
Where horses are present. 
Equestrian project groups working with their horses in indoor arenas or outdoors arenas. Also for those in outdoor/nature areas. This includes Light Horse Project, Rodeo Project and Young Horse Project. Some common activities are: Equestrian/Horsemanship, Gymkhana and Rodeo, Trail Riding and Conditioning. 

See: Modified Government of Saskatchewan Racing, Livestock and Rodeo Guidelines ​
NOTE: If the event is in a public facility (business or municipal owned), the limit is 30 people. For other considerations, follow the Livestock Guidelines. If in a Private facility (any building located on personal property – eg. arena/Quonset), then it falls under the household gathering limit Public Health Order and is limited to ten people.
 
Special Considerations: 
  • If in a public facility,
    • 30 person limit
    • Food & Beverage permitted (under temporary food vendor guidelines), but not recommended. If present, food and beverage must not be in the activity area (barns, showring, staging area, or spectator seating). 
  • If in a private facility (located on private/personal property)
    • 10 person limit for outdoor 
    • Household members only for indoor
    • No food & beverage permitted.
  • Masks are required in all activity areas (barns, showring, staging or marshalling areas, spectator seating) and are recommended in all areas. ​​
ARCHERY Project​
Archery members practice their archery skills at a range. 

See: Government of Saskatchewan Sports and Activities Guidelines
Presently, Achievement Day will need to be non-competitive or held virtually as no in person competitions are allowed. 4-H Saskatchewan is continuing to work with the Government to get additional clarity and opportunities for these activities.

Special Considerations: 
  • Age Limit: Only 4-H members under the age of 18 are able to participate in skills and conditioning.
  • Over 18 members can take on a leadership position and support younger members, but cannot participate in the skills and conditioning exercises (under the same limitations as a coach/volunteer)
  • Must be in groups of eight or fewer, and at least three metres of distancing between participants at all times.
  • Coaches/trainers are not included in the training group numbers as long as they are masked and maintain a minimum physical distance of three metres.
  • Individual groups of eight must remain in their own group throughout the training or rehearsal.
  • Tournaments are not permitted. Virtual competitions/virtual judging for individual sport activities is permitted/ Virtual competition can now take place only with one individual in a facility at any time. One competitor at a time plus their coach.
  • No in-venue audiences/spectators are permitted.
HANDS-ON OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ​​
Outdoor Living members practice outdoor skills
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Canoeing
  • Animal Tracking
  • Animal Trapping
  • Bicycling
  • Car Care
  • Gardening 

See: Government of Saskatchewan Sports and Activities Guidelines
Presently, Achievement Day will need to be non-competitive or held virtually as no in person competitions are allowed. 4-H Saskatchewan is continuing to work with the Government to get additional clarity and opportunities for these activities.

Special Considerations: 
  • Age Limit: Only 4-H members under the age of 18 are able to participate in skills and conditioning.
  • Over 18 members can take on a leadership position and support younger members, but cannot participate in the skills and conditioning exercises (under the same limitations as a coach/volunteer)
  • Must be in groups of eight or fewer, and at least three metres of distancing between participants at all times.
  • Coaches/trainers are not included in the training group numbers as long as they are masked and maintain a minimum physical distance of three metres.
  • Individual groups of eight must remain in their own group throughout the training or rehearsal.
  • Tournaments are not permitted. Virtual competitions/virtual judging for individual sport activities is permitted/ Virtual competition can now take place only with one individual in a facility at any time. One competitor at a time plus their coach.
  • No in-venue audiences/spectators are permitted.
HANDS-ON INDOOR ACTIVITIES ​
These would see 4-H members working on a project or activity on their own, with instruction from a leader. 
  •  Cooking
  • Photography
  • Woodworking
  • Crafts
  • Drama
  • Sewing
  • Jewelry Making
  • Quilting
  • Welding
  • Cake decorating 

​See: Government of Saskatchewan Sports and Activities Guidelines
See “Youth Extracurricular Activities”
 
Presently, Achievement Day will need to be non-competitive or held virtually as no in person competitions are allowed. 4-H Saskatchewan is continuing to work with the Government to get additional clarity and opportunities for these activities.

Special Considerations: 
  • Age Limit: Only 4-H members under the age of 18 are able to participate in skills and conditioning.
  • Structured extracurricular activities and programs for people 18 years of age and younger can continue to operate in groups of eight as long as they are supervised by an adult.
  • Over 18 members can take on a leadership position and support younger members, but cannot participate in the skills and conditioning exercises (under the same limitations as a coach/volunteer)
  • All amateur, in-person events/performances/concerts/ competitions/ recitals/festivals/demonstrations of activities (including dance, band and choir) are not permitted, unless performed virtually.
  • No in-venue audiences/spectators are permitted.
  • Wherever possible, participants should have their own items supplies or equipment. If there is any sharing, it should be carefully cleaned between uses.
  • For cooking/food projects, no food should be consumed during the meeting or activity. Items can be individually packaged and taken home to consume. Young children should not be involved in the production of food that will be consumed by others. 
project meetings/activities (For all project types) & Shared Project experiences
  • Guest Speakers:  Speaker showcases skills and members watch
  • Clinics:  Speaker demonstrates skills, members practice the skill at their own station
  • Tours: Visits to facilities relevant to their projects (ie vet clinic) 

See: Government of Saskatchewan Child and Youth Day Camp Guidelines
  • Group Size Limit: All sport, music, art, dance, drama and educational day camp services shall follow capacity and distancing as per respective sections in the Sport and Activity Guidelines.
    • Maximum group size is eight (8) with 2 metres between each participant
    • Up to 30 per space in a facility provided five (5) metres can be maintained between the two to four groups in the space 
    • Multiple groups can be in the facility provided they do not co-mingle
  • Masks at all times
  • Incorporate more individual activities or activities that encourage more space between participants.
  • Children are not allowed to participate in food preparation.
  • Each group should have designated equipment (e.g. balls, loose equipment) or clean and disinfect equipment between group uses.
  • Establish a plan to prevent mingling of groups in common spaces like foyers or washrooms, and to minimize the number of shared surfaces.
Miscellanous Club Experineces
Clubs have outdoor fun activities, such as skating, snowshoeing and skiing
​ 
See: Government of Saskatchewan Child and Youth Day Camp Guidelines
  • Group Size Limit: All sport, music, art, dance, drama and educational day camp services shall follow capacity and distancing as per respective sections in the Sport and Activity Guidelines.
    • Maximum group size is eight (8) with 2 metres between each participant
    • Up to 30 per space in a facility provided five (5) metres can be maintained between the two to four groups in the space 
    • Multiple groups can be in the facility provided they do not co-mingle
  • Masks at all times
  • Incorporate more individual activities or activities that encourage more space between participants.
  • Children are not allowed to participate in food preparation.
  • Each group should have designated equipment (e.g. balls, loose equipment) or clean and disinfect equipment between group uses.
  • Establish a plan to prevent mingling of groups in common spaces like foyers or washrooms, and to minimize the number of shared surfaces.
Club Travel
Where a club/families are traveling to an event location
​ 
See: Government of Saskatchewan Transportation Guidelines
Special Considerations: 
  • Carpooling or sharing rides between family groups should be discouraged.
  • Remember the 4-H in Canada Youth Safety “Rule of Two” must also be adhered to.
Food Service
Applies when food is provided for sale, or there is a mealtime during a program. 

See: Government of Saskatchewan  Restaurants and Licensed Establishments Guidelines
If a temporary, unlicensed concession or similar, follow Temporary Food Vendor Guidelines
Special Considerations: 
  • Wherever possible, avoid having food and beverage at 4-H events.
  • Where food service is required, consider reserving space at a restaurant or licensed establishment and/or creating breaks in the program to allow people to leave and go to a restaurant.
  • If food service is provided, all food and beverage service and consumption must be separated (i.e. cordoned off) from the primary activity/games area. Food or drink is not permitted in the activity area (barns, showring, staging area, spectator area). The food/beverage area should be properly set-up for physical distancing, and regularly sanitized. Where possible, set up a rotation to minimize the number of people eating at a time.
  • For full day events, families may bring their own food. These must be consumed in a designated and properly managed eating area or a private space (eg. vehicle). Food from home must not be shared with others. Do not bring snacks and treats to share. If food is provided to others by a family, it should be individually packaged and taken home to consume (do not eat at event).  
Provinical 4-H Programs
Events like Science Day, Citizenship Day, Summer Camp

See: Government of Saskatchewan Child And Youth Day Camp Guidelines. 
Special Considerations: 
  • Group Size Limit: All sport, music, art, dance, drama and educational day camp services shall follow capacity and distancing as per respective sections in the Sport and Activity Guidelines.
    • Maximum group size is eight (8) with 2 metres between each participant
    • Up to 30 per space in a facility provided five (5) metres can be maintained between the two to four groups in the space 
    • Multiple groups can be in the facility provided they do not co-mingle
  • Masks at all times
  • Incorporate more individual activities or activities that encourage more space between participants.
  • Children are not allowed to participate in food preparation for consumption at the event (can prepare food to take home).
  • Each group should have designated equipment (e.g. balls, loose equipment) or clean and disinfect equipment between group uses.
  • Establish a plan to prevent mingling of groups in common spaces like foyers or washrooms, and to minimize the number of shared surfaces.
REGIONAL SHOW AND SALES
Market animal show and sales and light horse shows/gymkhana events. 

See: 
Generally Government of Saskatchewan Racing, Livestock Sales and Rodeo Guidelines
​Large, indoor multiplex facilities may also refer to Arena/Facility Guidelines. These set-out guidelines for managing spectators. 
Special Considerations: 
  • Spectators limited to 30
  • Event participants [competitors, volunteers, leaders and event staff] do not count towards spectator total.
    • For safety, young competitors can have 1 support family member with them who are also counted as event participants.
    • Where possible group in cohorts  (groups of 30 or fewer that do not comingle – recommend clubs be cohorts). 
    • Event participants should not intermingle with spectators and remain in the event participant areas (not in the stands with spectators).
    • Establish a plan to prevent mingling of groups in common spaces like foyers or washrooms, and to minimize the number of shared surfaces.
  • Food & Beverage permitted if provided by a licensed establishment or temporary food vendor (under temporary food vendor guidelines). All food and beverage service and consumption must be separated (i.e. cordoned off) from the primary activity/games area. The food/beverage area should be properly set-up for physical distancing, and regularly sanitized. Where possible, set up a rotation to minimize the number of people eating at a time. 
  • Food and drink is not permitted in the activity area (barns, showring, staging area, spectator area, marshalling area)
  • Masks are required in all activity areas (barns, showring, staging or marshalling areas, spectator seating) and are recommended in all areas. 
VIRTUAL/ONLINE AND HOME ACTIVITIES
​We have many virtual, online or at home activities available to 4-H members to keep them involved in the 4-H community while at home, including:
 
Photo Contest
  • Each year, we hold a photo contest. You can start taking your photos now and get your pieces ready for the contest deadline of April 30! (www.4-h.sk.ca/contests)

Exploring 4-H at Home
  • There are more than 100 activities available through 4-H Saskatchewan’s Exploring 4-H At Home. This program ran from March to August. You can find them at
  • Other 4-H provincial organizations also created 4-H @ Home programming - 4-H Canada has posted other provinces 4-H @ Home Activities at
  • Challenge each family to choose two or three 4-H @ Home activities to complete. When your club meets again, report back which they chose!

We know everyone would like to have fun activities with their clubs, so we have come up with some fun alternatives. Here are some suggestions:
  • Facebook Live Party. Cook supper at home, and join in for a virtual dinner.
  • Facebook Live Games. For example you can host a bingo night.
  • Virtual Snow Sculpture competition
  • Virtual Baking Competition
  • Virtual Paint Night
  • Enjoying the outdoors with your family
 
Currently, these types of activities are NOT allowed:
  • Group suppers or potlucks​

Equine:
  • Send supplies to create winter projects, such as saddle racks, to members’ homes and show them home to do the project virtually
Beef: 
  • Consider holding virtual sessions or challenges (eg. a photo contest).
  • Send supplies to create winter projects, such as halters, to members’ homes and show them how to do the project virtually
Archery: 
  • Hold a MailMatch Archery competition 
Outdoor Activities: 
  • Set up fun at home challenges. Some Examples of these could include:
    • Set up a fun track at home. Share what they have done on their own with the group through videos and photos.
    • Create an at-home fitness challenge or a fun fitness video for your group! They can send photos or videos of them doing it to the group.
    • ​Create an outdoor adventure at home challenge, where you give certain challenges to do and have them get their parents to time and video them. For example, set up a tent, tie a rope and find a certain type of tree, all in their own backyard. Everyone send in their results!
Indoor Activities: 
  • “Meal in a box” – choose a recipe, gather the necessary ingredients, and drop off a box for each member/family. They can follow along with a recipe through a webinar or just on paper. They take photos or film it to share with the group later.
  • Run your virtual meeting like a cooking show on TV, where the members follow along!
  • Challenge your club to cook with strange ingredients (like the Chopped TV show) or give them challenges that can be judged virtually, such as a cookie decorating challenge (like the Nailed It! TV Show)!
  • Do a guided craft (like a paint night or card of the month group). This could also work for sewing or quilting where you do a block of the month quilt square!
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Provincial 4-H Office at 306-933-7727.    ​

Other resources

4-H SASKATCHEWAN’S Past RESPONSEs TO COVID-19 ​ 
The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has made the 2020 4-H year unique. Since March, the board of directors has been monitoring the situation and keeping the health of our youth members, leaders, families and communities as our top priority as we move forward.       

  • On March 12, 2020, WHO announced COVID-19 was a pandemic. Saskatchewan announced a first presumptive case the same day. 
  • On March 16, 2020, 4-H Saskatchewan announces the suspension of all in person programming until April 13. This most notably affected the fast-approaching AGM, which had been planned for March 20-21. 
  • The Exploring 4-H @ Home virtual program was launched to keep 4-H'ers engaged while they stayed at home.  
  • On April 13, 2020, ALL in person programming was further suspended until at least June 15.    
  • 4-H Saskatchewan continues to offer virtual programs including Citizenship Day and Equine Symposium.  
  • Clubs work to complete their year virtually, or at home.  Resources were prepared to support clubs in hosting virtual Achievement Days and a webinar and resources are available to support members in marketing their project animals.  
  • On June 5, 2020, it was announced that all district, regional and provincial programming would be suspended for the remainder of the membership year (until August 31, 2020). In-person club activities would be able to resume when government restrictions allowed them to.  
  • In the Government Reopen Saskatchewan Plan, outdoor recreational activities are allowed in Phase 4, Part 1, which began on Monday, June 22, 2020.  Indoor recreational activities are allowed in Phase 4, Part 2.2, which began on Monday, July 6, 2020.   
  • 4-H Saskatchewan AGMs were held virtually for each Region on July 6, 7, 8 and 9, 2020, with the Provincial Council meeting held on July 18, 2020.  
  • On August 18, 2020 it was determined that club, district, regional and provincial activities could be held in person beginning in the new membership year (September 1), provided Government Restrictions are followed.  
  • Virtual Summer Camp was held August 17-21. The Exploring 4-H @ Home program wrapped up on August 31 after creating nearly 100 activities from 40 projects during 6 months of programming.  
  • The 2020-21 Membership Year began September 1. Resources and support are available to help clubs hold their events and activities virtually or to navigate the restrictions and guidelines for in person events (gathering size limited, social distancing must be maintained, etc.) ​
  • As of November 27, 2020, public health orders are available HERE
  • As of December 14, 2020 press release HERE
  • As of January 12, 2021 the Government of Saskatchewan announced the restrictions put into place on December 17 will be in place until January 29, 2021.
  • As of February 19, the restrictions from December 17 were extended to March 19
  • As of March 24, 4-H Saskatchewan put out information about what activities should fit under which government guidelines. This information was part of a large conversation with the COVID-19 Business Response Team. 

​The Saskatchewan 4-H Council will continue to monitor government health information and the responses of other 4-H and youth organizations, as well as school divisions. We will share any updates or changes as soon as possible, should they arise. 

We call on the 4-H family to proactively work to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 for our clubs, our communities, our country, and our world.  If you have any concerns, please call the 4-H office at 306-933-7727.   

Here are previous Memos, which are now out of date: ​
4-H PROGRAMMING RESOURCES
These are ​documents that may help you in planning your 4-H activities. 
ADMINISTRATION 
  • The Saskatchewan 4-H Council office has LIMITED ACCESS to the public until further notice.     
  • Arrangements can be made to pick up or drop off club supplies by calling 306-933-7727.  
  • 4-H Staff are still available to support you by phone or email. Please be aware some staff are working remotely or have modified hours but will respond as soon as they are able.     
  • All store orders will still be processed by the office and mailed out. Please have patience, as there may be delays in receiving your packages.    ​​
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES  
  • This is an unprecedented situation and a trying time. Please take care of each other and yourselves. Leaders are encouraged to share resources for mental health and support in your clubs and your networks.        
  • Kids Help Phone offers professional counselling, information and referrals. You can phone, text or chat online. It's confidential, free and available 24/7.   
    Call 1-800-668-6868      
    Text CONNECT to 686868      
    Chat online at kidshelpphone.ca      
  • HealthLine 811 -  mental health and addictions service continues to be available, providing 24/7 crisis support, advice to help manage a caller's situation, information and connection to community resources.      
  • Farm Stress Line provides support for farmers and ranchers and is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. To get help, call 1-800-667-4442.     
  • 4-H Canada Mental Health Resources - https://4-h-canada.ca/healthyliving/mentalhealth         ​
Government resources

FAQ

Last reviewed: April 12, 2021

We know our membership has a lot of questions. We want to do our best to answer all of your questions to the best of our ability. This list will be updated as more questions come to light. If you have any questions, please contact the 4-H office and we will be able to assist you. 
Can we meet in person?
  • The recommendation is to limit all non-essential gatherings. If your event or activity can be held virtually or postponed, consider making this change. 
  • No food or drink may be present or served during any gathering
  • Please follow the guidelines from the Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and 4-H Saskatchewan for all in-person gatherings.
    • This includes gathering size, increased hand santization/washing and physically distancing. 
    • Masks are mandatory in the entire province in indoor settings.  
    • Please check the first accordion on the page to see if your hands-on activity is allowable 
  • For clubs with more people than the gathering size recommended, instead of meeting in person you can:
    • Hold virtual meetings
    • Work independently and with parental supervision on your projects
  • Please note: Gathering sizes might be different in some locations. Please check the Government Public Health Orders to see what restrictions might be in certain areas. In general: 
    • Indoor gatherings in public facilities are limited to 30 people for static meetings. 
    • Outdoor gatherings are limited to 10 people
    • Indoor gatherings in private residences are limited to 10 people 
      • ​The 10 individuals should be from no more than two to three consistent households. 
      • You must be consistent in your household bubble: the bubble of ten is always the same individuals, from the same households. 
      • You may not join multiple bubbles. 
Can my club still do fundraising?
  • If it is an event where you can follow all physical distancing and other guidelines from the government, you may hold fundraising events.
  • If selling door-to-door, 4-H'ers will be required to wear masks
  • For other fundraisers, such as selling tickets at a table, make sure to maintain social distancing and wear masks when social distancing cannot be maintained.   
Are we allowed to serve food at 4-H meeting or events? 
As of November 27, no food or drink may be served or consumed during any public gatherings. This includes 4-H meetings. Please note: this also means no outside food or drink can be brought into public facilities to be consumed. 
Our club/group is larger than the gathering limit. What can we do? 
  • You can hold the meetings so they are partially in-person and partially virtual. This would require some members to call in through an online meeting platform or through a conference line
  • Hold the meeting in separate rooms with up to gathering limit in each room/space. Connecting the two rooms/spaces through technology
  • Change your venue if that means a larger gathering allowance (eg. limit is 30 in public halls, outdoor 10 people).
  • If you need help using new technologies to hold virtual meetings, please reach out to your regional 4-H specialist
  • Modify your meeting/event so that fewer people attend (eg. send a representative from each family, project group).
More details will be in the "Planning Your 4-H Year: Incorporating COVID-19 Safety Measures" document.                ​
I feel like I just have a cold - can I attend events? 
If you are feeling unwell, even if you think it is just a cold, do not attend the 4-H activity. Please stay home and take the self-assessment tool on the Government of Saskatchewan’s website to see if you should be tested for COVID-19.
What types of activities can we still do in 4-H? 
At this time, 4-H members can do project work in the comfort of their own homes. 

No hands-on activities in public gatherings are allowed at this time. Please read the December 17 memo to learn more. 
Can we hold meetings/Events beyond the club level? 
Yes, you may hold events beyond club level - this includes your district meetings. Please make sure to follow all the social distancing and other gathering guidelines from the Government of Saskatchewan. 
Are masks mandatory at 4-H activities and events? 
Masks are mandatory in all indoor spaces in the province. 
if a family member needs to quarantine from school or another group due to COVID-19 exposure, do they need to quarantine from 4-H? 
Yes, if an individual is required to quarantine from exposure, or they exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, they must quarantine from 4-H.
Can I be part of 4-H and a local sports team or other youth groups?
Yes, members and leaders can participate in other activities and events in their communities, provided they follow the public health orders from the Government of Saskatchewan. 
Can I do ____ at this facility? 
Please work with your facility to see what their protocols are and follow the Government of Saskatchewan guidelines. 
Will we be able to have an in-person achievement day/regional shows in the spring of 2021?
While we hope so, we cannot say at this time. We will continue to monitor the Saskatchewan Health Authority requirements and Saskatchewan’s re-launch closely and communicate regularly.
If someone becomes ill at a 4-H activity or event, what do we do?
The individual experiencing symptoms of an illness should be removed from the activity or event with a parent or guardian immediately. If immediately leaving the event is not possible, the individual should be isolated from the larger group. Immediately clean and disinfect surfaces the individual may have been in contact with. The individual should immediately mask and glove, if not already wearing these protections. Those who are caring for the individual experiencing symptoms need to take precautions. The individual is legally required to isolate for at least 14 days from the start of symptoms (fever, cough – new or worsening, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing – new or worsening, runny nose, sore throat) or until they resolve, whichever is longer. 

The individual should get tested. There is a minimum mandatory isolation for 14 days (or longer if symptoms are not resolved) for anyone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, or symptoms that are not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition. Learn more about self-isolation HERE.

A 4-H incident report needs to be completed and filed as soon as the event is over.
If a member has to quarantine, will they be penalized in terms of meeting member requirements?
No, members should not be penalized for events outside of their control. Clubs are encouraged to work with those members/families to find alternative activities or ways of participating to meet member requirements.
Will 4-H Saskatchewan provide hand sanitizer, masks, cleaning supplies?
Hand sanitizer, masks and cleaning supplies will not be provided to 4-H clubs, districts or regions. It is recommended  clubs encourage members, leaders, volunteers, and families to support the clubs, districts, and regions by bringing and/or supplying their own supplies to help stop the spread. At 4-H Saskatchewan provincial events, items will be available, when appropriate.
Do I need to complete the waiver for each 4-H activity or event?
The 4-H COVID-19 waiver only needs to be completed once in the 4-H year. Make sure to fill out the waiver and hand it in to your general leader who will send your club's waivers to the provincial office. 
Should guests at events fill out the 4-H Covid-19 participation waiver?
Yes, please have anyone attending a 4-H function complete the waiver. 
What is a private residence versus a public facility?
Private facilities would include:
  • Houses​
  • Quonsets 
  • Garages 
  • Shops 
  • Sheds 
  • Private indoor riding arenas 

Public facilities would include: 
  • Town halls 
  • Church halls 
  • Schools 
  • Community halls 
  • Public riding arenas 
  • Hotel conference rooms 
  • Conference centres 
  • Restaurants 
Can a face shield be used instead of a mask? 
According to the Government of Saskatchewan's website, "Face shields are not a substitute for masks. Do not use face shields in place of masks. Face shields can be used to provide eye protection, as alternative to other forms of approved forms of eye protection, such as goggles or safety glasses." 

You can learn more about masks and face shields at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/guidance-on-cloth-and-non-medical-cloth-masks​
If ______ Event isn't in person does that mean all 4-H events will also be virtual? 
We know there is a lot of concern around whether or not some events will be moving forward in person or if they will be moved virtually. We want to assure our membership that just because one event may be moved virtual, doesn't mean all events will be.

Each event is different, with its own challenges to consider, and 4-H Saskatchewan makes the decisions on events on a case by case basis, taking into consideration the safety of the membership and the current COVID-19 restrictions in place from the Government of Saskatchewan. 
WHAT CAN MY CLUB DO WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN RESTRICTIONS? 
​
​Below are some suggestions and solutions for moving forward with club activities until the Government of Saskatchewan lifts the COVID-19 Public Health Orders
 
1) Continue 4-H activities for your club:
  • If your activities are allowed, continue with SAFE practices. Please look under each heading in the accordion in the first section of this page to see what activities can continue safely in person.
  • Respect the group gathering size limitations
  • Wear your masks and PPE
  • Make sure to social distance

2) Move your programming and meetings virtual.
  • Use video conferencing services, such as Google Hangouts, or social media platforms like Facebook.
  • Remember, even if you have bad internet connection, the provincial office staff can help you connect. Give your regional 4-H specialist a call to discuss virtual meeting solutions that will work for your club.
  • Move to a hybrid model of in-person and virtual or self-directed project work
  • Project leaders can hold an in-person meeting, where they present to the group. This should be lecture/demonstration/meeting style, with members socially distanced, and no hands-on activities.
  • Members can then practice at home or complete hands-on project work on their projects afterwards at home.

3) Postpone your club programming until in person restrictions allow gatherings to resume
  • If your group would prefer not to meet virtually, take a pause and enjoy the winter season.
  • Remember, the 4-H year goes until August 31 and there is likely to be plenty of time to complete your in-person activities later. Your club could encourage your individual members to try some of the virtual or independent activities below in the meantime.
 
Remember, if you need help or suggestions, call your regional 4-H specialist! They are there to support
you moving virtual and help you come up with fun ideas for this time.
  •  North West – Kalynne Martin | northwest@4-h.sk.ca | 306-933-6723
  • North East – Shelby Longworth | northeast@4-h.sk.ca | 306-964-1544
  • South West – Kaitlyn Keller | southwest@4-h.sk.ca | 306-964-1545
  • South East – Melodi Hawkesford-Lee | southeast@4-h.sk.ca | 306-787-1958

4-H At Home 

Check out our newest page, with ideas and activities for 4-H members to do at home! These activities were created throughout 2020 as something 4-H members could do at home.