By: Alexandra O’Connor

            A week of fun, new friends, curiosity, and science. Canada Wide Science Fair was hosted by Explore Edmonton from May 14th-19th. They hosted 500 finalists from all across Canada and some international projects as well from Thailand and Mexico. 
            On Saturday May 13th, I departed Regina to Edmonton where I arrived at 12:30am. I got some sleep, then was back at it again. Breakfast was served at the hotel, then we were off to the convention center for project display set up and opening ceremonies. That evening we did an escape room with other people from our ambassador group. After, we headed back to the hotel for the night.
            Monday was a full day of excellence award judging. We were up early because judging started at 8am and didn’t finish until 2pm. I got to present my project to four different judges. The coolest thing happened when we came out of the judging hall, our delegates were lined up cheering and clapping for us, congratulating all of us on the hard work put into our projects. It was a moment I will never forget! I said to myself, this is why I do this because there is not a better feeling of accomplishment than when another congratulates you, whether you win or learn. For the evening we went to the West Edmonton mall. I have never been before so another big learning experience. I went shopping with a friend, had supper, and seen some very cool things in the mall.
            On Tuesday, we were at the University of Alberta for the whole day. We took public transport to the university, where we went into the science building. There we were welcomed to U of A by many people, then we started our tours. The campus is an amazing place. It is not a super high-tech university; it is one that is passionate about their history and landscape. Many of their buildings (e.g., the library) are still the original buildings. I used the example of the library because there is preserved lamp posts and sidewalk in the new addition, which still looks like the original building from the outside. Post tours, we were shown to lunch, and after we got to do lab experiences. I got to do 2, where I learned how coffee is made: right from the planting to the point you pour it in your cup. My second lab experience was a microbiology lab. In this one all participants got to take part. In this lab we were exposing super concentrated yeast solutions to UV light, along with the same yeast solution covered by sunscreen. It was interesting to learn about the equipment used and the process. We then saw some presentations by students at the U of A about their adventures, experiences, and opportunities that are offered by the university. Next was supper, which was a great time. I got to meet someone who is a current undergrad at the university who is studying the exact same thing I want to when I go. It was great to hear about her experiences and advice she had. She was super funny and understood everything about my project. That was really important to me as it is really hard to find someone who understands the topic I study, other than my mentors. After supper we were escorted over to the main gym, where the annual talent show was held. Everybody did such a great job. There were some pretty impressive acts and some pretty interesting ones as well.  It was a very full day, so I was relived to get back to the hotel!
            On Wednesday, we were up and out the hotel by 8:30am. Another busy day ahead of us. I had special judging. Special judging awards you can self nominate for. As my project talks about climate change, I self nominated for a climate change award. I had seen two judges. During this time, there was public viewing. I also got a few opportunities to present my project to the public. Many schools had signed up to explore the fair as well as many other people came to check out the projects. In the evening, we got to go to the Telus World of Science center. That place is so interesting. I learned a lot from just being there as well as got to experience some pretty cool things. Many memories from there that I will never forget.
            On Thursday, was another great day. In the morning we were up and out of the hotel by 9am. In the morning, I presented to the public a few times and chatted with some new friends. The two guys beside me were the best, we had lots of laughs, and shared many farming experiences amongst each other. In the afternoon, I got to present to the public a little more. Then I got to meet my mentor in person. We talked for a while. I learned about projects they are doing this summer and more about my project. It was great to finally meet him, it was quite important as we have been working together for 17 months and we live 8 hours away from each other. In the evening was awards. I am sad that I didn’t get to come home with anything. Supper was a great meal, to be honest the meal actually rounded off the week for me. As a fourth-generation cattle producer, every event has roast beef for a meal. And to my surprise this one did as well! After supper (which was amazing), was the big dance. I went until my body said no more. Jumping and dancing for many hours is very tiring. I went back to hotel and had the best sleep in the world.
            Friday, the last full day… I couldn’t believe it! We were off again at 9am. Lots of public viewing that day. Over the last 3 days we had 10,000 people walk past our projects, another thing that was unbelievable. I will admit I was very tired that day, and coffee become your best friend when you have no energy left. I spent the day at my project, talked to the people across from me and within the area. I had many laughs that day and made some great memories! After public viewing, we had to take down our project displays. This was hard, as you become very close to this because it like home for 5 days. Your knowledge and your space. That evening, my roommate and I spent the night in our room. It was great, we ordered in pizza, caught up on missed TV, and talked endlessly. At this time, I would like to thank her for being the person she is, and especially for being a great roommate. I had a lot of fun!
            Saturday was the day we departed Edmonton. We left the hotel at 3am to catch our flight, and I arrived home just before lunch.
            As I reflect on the past week, I wish I could repeat everything again and again. I miss everybody and everything. I learned so much, made so many new friends, and got an experience of a lifetime! Edmonton you have treated me well, you are greatly missed.
            To those thinking, oh this is so cool. I encourage you to try for 4-H Science Fair (if you are an eligible member). I got to experience lots of amazing things as you just read. So why not? You can change the world, ask a question, or even follow you passion and find something you want to investigate. It all starts with ‘why?’. My advice for you is, dream your dream, follow your dream and maybe you may walk home with a gold medal or a great learning experience. A great saying I always refer to is, there are no losers in the world, there are only learners, so take something away, it could be life changing! 

Regional 4-H Specialist

Who We Are
4-H Saskatchewan is a non-profit youth empowering organization that promotes community involvement through mentorship as demonstrated by our motto “Learn To Do By Doing.” In 4-H Saskatchewan, youth ages 6-21 and adult volunteers come together to learn through fun hands-on activities in community clubs across the province.  There are also provincial camps, conferences, scholarships, travel opportunities, and more to allow youth to develop skills in areas such as leadership, business, and self-confidence.  4-H provides youth with a place where youth can be involved, accepted, valued and heard while developing valuable life skills. 

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible work hours
• Opportunities to perform challenging work in a dynamic and collaborative culture

What You Will Do
Reporting to the Regional 4-H Manager, the Regional 4-H Specialist assists 4-H clubs and their associated districts with organizational and programming needs. They provide leadership, advice and direction to 4-H clubs when needed and actively promote 4-H in the community. They will attend and support club, district and regional events as well as provincial events when needed. A Regional 4-H Specialist is an integral and highly valued member of 4-H’s provincial team.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support, guidance, leadership and encouragement to 4-H clubs, members and leaders through various communication strategies.
• Develop awareness of and promote participation in 4-H programs and events.
• Work collaboratively with programming team in planning and delivering 4-H programming.
• Develop strategies and initiatives to recruit members, leaders, clubs and volunteers.
• Promote the Saskatchewan 4-H Council to the public.
• Submit articles for the 4-H newsletter.
• Maintain regional social media account(s).
• Plan and administer regional level budgets and workplans.
• Prepare and conduct educational opportunities including webinars, resources materials, and workshops.
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions.

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong background in programming, education, recreation and public speaking.
• Background / familiarity with 4-H is a great asset.
• Ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision in a team environment.
• Effective time management and organization skills.
• Familiarity with rural Saskatchewan and the agricultural and youth-serving sector.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
• Experience working with and mentoring youth aged 6-21, and adult volunteers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity and understanding of boards and committees.
• Ability to work with a variety of target audiences.
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office Suite.

Individual Qualities

• Innovative thinking and sound judgement.
• Excellent written and oral communications.
• Persuasive presenter with exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Vision and creativity.
• Demonstrable leadership skills.

 
This position will be based in Saskatoon. Position will require attendance at events out of normal business hours, and travel.

Please apply with resume and cover letter by Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Aubrey Eaton
Executive Director
manager@4-h.sk.ca
3830 Thatcher Ave
Saskatoon, SK S7R 1A5

he weekend was filled with friendship, fun and business.

The 2023 Annual General Meeting was held the weekend of March 18-19 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Saskatoon Downtown. Throughout the weekend, the member and leader delegates were able to vote on policy changes, elect new board members, meet new people, and have fun!

The first item of business, after the welcome and introductions, was voting for the 18-year-old member delegate to the board of directors. Austin Olson was elected for the two-year term.

Next, delegates dispersed into their regional meetings, where several reports were given, hosts for regional and provincial events were determined, and the elections for AC member and Board of Directors were held.
The Board of Directors for 2023-24 are:

North East:

• Mike Kirzinger
• Trena Hoffus-Preston
• Krystal Spray

North West:

• Scott Downie
• Joanne Richmond
• Louise Sroka

South East:

• Susan Avramenko
• Jason Frey
• Kristin Caldwell

South West:

• Kylie Mackie
• Stacey Hawkins
• Robyn MacNeil

Ministry of Agriculture Representative: Dwayne Summach
Member Delegates:  Danica Kiefer and Austin Olson

The 2023-24 Advisory Council members are:

• Kierra Hawreluik, North East Delegate
• Brynne Leppa, South West Delegate
• Heidi Fradette, South East Delegate
• Shelby Peacock, North West Delegate
• Danica Kiefer, 18-year-old Representative
• Austin Olson, 18-year-old Representative
• Rebecca Fitzsimmons, 4-H Canada YAC Representative

In addition to the AC and Board of Directors, the new Members and Leader Ambassadors were chosen. The Ambassadors will showcase the spirit of 4-H Saskatchewan through their willingness to volunteer and share their knowledge of the 4-H program. Ambassadors will help in recruiting new members, representing 4-H at local events and sharing their 4-H story.

The new Ambassadors are:

North West:
Keaten Osicki

• Jessica French
• Mikayla Bueckert
• Tammy Walerius
• Jeanelle Warner
• Azure McGonigle

North East:

• Amber Spray
• Amber MacDonald
• Emma Qually
• Abby Tomblin
• Jacquie Tomblin
• Katelynn Tait

South West:

• Emma Brost
• Brooklyn Leppa
• Brooklyn MacNeil
• Sierra Condie
• Sharon Condie
• Kaylor Rudd

South East:

• Amy Fradette
• Laura Christensen
• Jory LaBatte
• Kaleb Kelly
• Delaney Sebastian
• Glenn Gress
• Paula Beattie
• Brittany Stepp

The banquet was held on Saturday evening, where 4-H Saskatchewan’s sponsors and donors were honoured for their contributions to 4-H, Provincial Public Speaking winners showcased their winning speeches, and the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place.

There was one individual inducted into the Saskatchewan 4-H Hall of Fame:

1. Harvey Welter

​There were two individuals inducted into the Saskatchewan 4-H Builders Honor Roll:

1. Tracy Fitzsimmons
2. Thelma Howard

All three individuals have dedicated most of their lives to 4-H and helping develop the youth in the province. They were all happy to say a few words following their inductions, where they continued to show their 4-H spirit by encouraging the youth in the room to go on to do great things.

Following the banquet, the members headed to their 4-H dance while the leaders played music bingo.

Although it was a late night on Saturday, everyone was up early and ready for the business meetings to continue at 9 a.m. on Sunday.

New to AGM this year was the “Mentoring Minutes” sessions. This provided an opportunity for members and leaders to learn about the 4-H Canada Leadership Development Pillars in a fun and interactive way, and to engage with 4-H sponsors and supporters.

The 2023-24 Executive Officers and special positions were announced.

President: Jason Frey
Vice-President: Kristin Caldwell  
Secretary: Robyn MacNeil  
Representative to the Saskatchewan 4-H Foundation: Mike Kirzinger
Representative to the Advisory Council: Louise Sroka

After the auditor report and the member and leader recognition, two resolutions were voted on by the delegation.

Resolution 1 resolving that "All beef Cloverbud members that pay a full membership fee [will] have access to taking multiple beef projects. If a district or club wants to limit numbers at their show then it must be disclosed in their club/regional show rules at the start of the membership year."
​
After several final loonie draws, the business meetings were adjourned, and everyone was free to go home. Overall, it was a very successful weekend and effective AGM!
​

​Provincial curling was a huge success in Swift Current at Innovation Plex on February 17-19th. There were four teams from each region who were able to join in the bonspiel, and the hosting District #9 added in their teams for a total of 18 teams 9 Junior and 9 Senior playing in the bonspiel for the weekend.

The weekend started off Friday afternoon with the first draw taking place at 4pm. The banquet was held Saturday night, where all the teams were introduced. A grant total of  190 curlers, family and friends attended the banquet and dance! Members had a great time getting to know one another during the curling and dance!

The committee had a dress in your best Surf and Turf competition for Saturday, and there ended up being four winners, District #10 Junior, District #9 Juniors, District #26/27 Senior and District #9 Seniors! Congratulations to all who participated in the fun dress up event.

Two members were also spotlighted for the 4-H Spirit award, Jane Beierbach and Brayden Myers!

Thank you to the District #9 Curling Committee for hosting an exceptional event. They would like to thank the local Sponsors for the event: 

Red Head Equipment, 4-H Saskatchewan, Syngenta, Sark and Marsh, Farm Credit Canada, Seed Solution Seed labs, Prairie Centre Credit Union, Innovation Credit Union, Wholesale club, Safeway, Giant Tiger, Cowtown, Peavey Mart, Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart, AgResource, Soils & Such Agronomy, Tourism Swift Current, Signs ‘n Such, Pharmasave, C5 Transport, Triple C Trucking, South Slope Stock Farm, Aero Farms Trucking, Hamm Transport.
 
The Bonspiel winners are below:

Junior
3rd place NE- District #18/19 Good Spirit 4-H Club
2nd place SE – District #12 Springside 4-H Beef Club
1st place SW- District #10
 
Senior
3rd place NW -District #38 Paradise Hill 4-H Multi Club
2nd place- SE – District #13 Goodeve Multiple 4-H Club
1st place- NE- District #26/27 Tisdale Beef/ Melfort Trail Blazer

Provincial 4-H Judging was held this past weekend on August 5th and 6th, 2022. The event hosted by Prairieland Park was a huge success and saw 35 competitors compete throughout the 2 day event. 

Friday started with registration and orientation and then went right into the Judging Competition and activities. Then, on Saturday, the day started with a breakfast before moving onto a quiz and more judging. After lunch participants continued to judge until it was time for their oral and written presentations, giving reasons for their choices. 

Saturday, late afternoon, was the Awards Banquet held at Saskatoon Prairieland Park Terrace. We are proud of all the members who attended and would like to congratulate them all in their hard work over the weekend. 

Below is the list of our 2022 Provincial 4-H Judging Top 12 competitors. Congratulations!

Rank          Name
 1                 Faith Stevens- Catherwood Beef & Sheep Club 
 2                 Heidi Fradette- Pangman-Ogema 4-H Beef Club 
 3                 Hunter Reid – Saskatoon 4-H Beef Club 
 4                 Jorja Beck – Milestone 4-H Variety Club 
 5                 Kelsy Schmitz- Ernfold 4-H Beef Club 
 6                 Emily Sebastian – Candiac 4-H Beef Club 
 7                 Aiva Beiber – Fillmore-Francis 4-H Beef Club 
 8                  Sarah Felskie – Fillmore-Francis 4-H Beef Club 
 9                 Sydney McCormack – Whitewood 4-H Beef Club 
 10               Kristopher Morrison – Saskatoon 4-H Beef Club 
 11               Hillary Lacelle – Wymark Drylanders 4-H Club
 12               Mason Thackeray – Lomond 4-H Beef & Homecrafts Club 

Thank you to all the volunteers, judges, and the hosting committee for all your hard work in ensuring this event was a great success.  Thank you to Prairieland Park for hosting this event, and thank you to SAASE and Viterra for your sponsorship.  

We hope to see everyone back for the 2023 Provincial 4-H Judging event held in Weyburn.  

The Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan 4-H Council has the following announcement:

WELCOME AUBREY EATON
Executive Director

The 2022 4-H Saskatchewan Provincial Public Speaking Competition was held in Middle Lake, SK on April 9, 2022.    

4-H Saskatchewan’s District 28 4-H Council hosted 32 members from throughout Saskatchewan in Middle Lake. This event was held in person for the first time in two years, and showcased the creativity and knowledge of 4-H’ers.

Whether it’s personal anecdotes about calving time, learning about honey bees, new words like “kerfuffle”, or getting tips and tricks from a senior about public speaking, the judges had their work cut out for them!
​
After much deliberation, the panel of judges determined the results to be:
 
Cloverbud Results
1st Place- Josie Riou- Hanley Light Horse 4-H Club – “The Big Decision”
2nd Place- Kate Hougham – Hillmond 4-H Club – “Snow Forts”
3rd Place- Brooke Quinton – Springside 4-H Beef Club – “Important Things About Calving Time”
 
Junior Results
1st Place- Kamilah Pineda – Redvers Wranglers Light Horse 4-H Club – “EnCanto”
2nd Place- Addison Pain – Medstead Multiple 4-H Club – “The Best Trip Ever”
3rd Place- Maria Brons- West PA 4-H Beef Club – “Honey Bees”
 
Intermediate
1st Place- Amber Spray – Kelvington 4-H Beef Club – “The Rush”
2nd Place- Ava Loveridge – Goodeve Multiple 4-H Club – “Weird Words”
3rd Place- Kiersten Nienhus- Sask Valley Dairy 4-H Club – “Mental Health and You”
 
Senior
1st Place- Hunter Reid – Saskatoon 4-H Beef Club – “Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking”
2nd Place- Megan Kelly- Moosomin Multiple 4-H Club – “The G-O-O Family”
3rd Place- Adrian Byman – Tisdale 4-H Beef Club – “Change”  
 
Thank you to our judges Patti Durand, Cameron Choquette, Chad Paetsch, Elan Baun, Taryn Heidecker, Brendan Smith, Adrianna Wormworth, Dave Altrogge, Kim Hauber, Ann Ramler, Corrine Breker, and Valerie Kirsch for volunteering.  It was greatly appreciated! Thank you to our Platinum sponsors 4-H Saskatchewan, Lake Lenore/Middle Lake Co-op, RM of Hoodoo #401, and our Gold sponsors Ledcor, FCC Saskatoon, A Horizon Ag Research, and RM of Three Lakes #401. 
​
We are looking forward to seeing everyone next year for the 2023 Provincial Public Speaking Competition in District 35! 

4-H Saskatchewan is seeking project book writers for the Beef and Light Horse project revisions. 

We are currently searching for a writer to develop an eight-unit Light Horse Project resource for 4-H members as well as a functional leader resource guide. We are also looking for a write to develop a four-unit Beef Project resource as well as a functional leader resource guide.  

Please contact Karrie Watson, Executive Administrative Assistant if you have any questions or concerns.  

​Seventy-five 4-H’ers from across the province joined SE Regional Specialist, Melodi Hawksford-Lee, and this year's hosting committee, District #7, for the 2022 Provincial 4-H Curling event held February 18-20, 2022 in Weyburn, Sask. The eight senior teams and seven junior teams enjoyed an exciting weekend playing a sport near and dear to the hearts of Saskatchewan residents and 4-H members alike. Opening ceremonies included Ceremonial first rock thrown by Weyburn’s own, Marcel Roy, with the rock swept by 4-H Saskatchewan Ambassadors Madeline Christensen and Kierra Hawreluik. 
 
After a hard fought round robin, the Sunset Rangers Multiple 4-H Club emerged as Champion Senior team. From the North West region, team members included (in no particular order) Harper Doige, Tyler Norman, Ryder Boyenko, Kaydence Lalonde and coach Ryan Norman. Due to double knockout rules, the final game was repeated to determine the winner with Sunset Rangers coming out on top. Committee chair, Brittany Stepp, presented the team trophy and certificates on the final day of the event.

Second place Senior team was the Longlaketon Multiple 4-H Club from the South East Region: Ryan Grabarczyk, Karla Friesen, Brett Rumpel, Jana Rumpel with coach Sean Friesen. 
 
The Champion Junior team - from the North East region - was District 18/19. Undefeated throughout the weekend, this team included Bristol Lindgren, Paisley Wolkowski, Westin Lindgren, Presley Vogel and coach Jennifer Lindgren. Committee chair Brittany Stepp, once again, hand out the prize, trophy and certificates.

Second place in the Junior category was awarded to District 10 from the South West Region. Team curlers included Makenna Robertson, Jane Beierbach, Luke Moorhead, Paden Robertson with coach Emmy Robertson. 

Curlers and organizers gathered for a celebratory banquet at Weyburn McKenna Hall where Jenae Nixon presented an inspirational speech for all members in attendance. His Worship, Marcel Roy, Mayor of Weyburn, Saskatchewan 4-H President, Cameron Choquette, and Kurtis Schwindt of MNP also brought greetings and congratulations to the members. 
 
Thank you to event sponsors: 4-H Saskatchewan, MNP, Barber Motors, Young’s Equipment, PAHC, South Country Equipment, Nelson Motors and Equipment, Schuck Law Firm, E. Bourassa & Sons, Prairie Sky Co-op, Weyburn Security,  Weyburn Credit Union, SaskPower, Souris Valley Industries, Vortex Plumbing & Heating, Megadry Disaster Restoration Inc.  Appreciation goes as well, to the door prize sponsors including Weyburn Credit Union, Affinity Credit Union, Radius Credit Union, FCC, SaskTel, Deep South Animal Clinic, Pangman-Ogema 4-H Beef Club, District 7 4-H Council, Brittany Stepp, SGI, SS306, Prairie Creations, Louise Sroka, Ashworth Farm & Ranch, Storle Production Testing, BMO, and CAA.

Congratulations to all the 4-H members and leaders for making it to Provincials! We can't wait to see everyone again next year for the 2023 Provincial 4-H Curling Competition in the South West region.