This notice will be updated as more information comes available.  
Last reviewed: October 16, 2020
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.       

​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    

  • Please note: If you are looking for information about the change of gathering in private residences change from 30 people to 15 people, please go to the Government Press Release about this HERE.
    • The press release states, "​As of October 16, private indoor gatherings may have a maximum of 15 people in the home or in buildings located on the private property (eg garages, sheds).  Two-metre physical distancing should be observed when people from outside the extended household are present.
  • 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 event.  
4-H SASKATCHEWAN’S RESPONSE 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, WHO announced COVID-19 was a pandemic. Saskatchewan announced a first presumptive case the same day. 
  • On March 16, 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, with the Provincial Council meeting held on July 18.  
  • 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.) ​

​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.   ​
4-H PROGRAMMING RESOURCES
PLANNING YOUR 4-H YEAR: Incorporating COVID-19 Safety Measures has specific information on: 
  • Registration Nights
  • Club and District meetings 
  • Project meetings 
  • Fundraisers 
  • Competitions 
  • Regional & Provincial Events 
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         ​
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Provincial 4-H Office at 306-933-7727.    ​

FAQ

Last reviewed: October 16, 2020

​With 4-H Saskatchewan programming being suspended or postponed, 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?
  • Please follow the guideline 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. 
    • If physical distancing is a challenge and cannot be maintained, 4-H'ers should be wearing masks for added protection.  
  • 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
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? 
We recommend not serving food, if possible. If you must serve food, no buffets or potlucks - it must be plated service or prepackaged meals/snacks. 
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 15 in private residences, but 30 in public halls).
  • 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? 
4-H’ers are able to take part in nearly all regular 4-H activities, provided any recommended precautions are in place. 4-H clubs have been provided with a guide regarding which precautions need to be taken for general and project meetings, fundraisers, competitions, etc. These items will be revisited and updated as the Government of Saskatchewan continues in its Reopen Saskatchewan plan. 
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? 
When participants cannot be physically distanced, masks should be worn. You can find more information about masks on the Government of Saskatchewan website HERE. 
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?
In a Press Release from the Government of Saskatchewan on October 16, it stated: 

"As of October 16, private indoor gatherings may have a maximum of 15 people in the home or in buildings located on the private property (eg garages, sheds).  Two-metre physical distancing should be observed when people from outside the extended household are present.

This will not impact restaurants, licensed establishments, banquet halls as well as weddings, funerals and religious gatherings which are all required to follow seating and physical distancing guidelines as described in the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan at (HERE).  Any event that occurs in a private dwelling, including weddings, religious gathering and funerals, must abide by the 15 person gathering limit." 

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 

4-H At Home 

Check out our newest page, with ideas and activities for 4-H members to do at home! The 4-H At Home page will be updated as more resources and ideas are created.