By Kody Farrow 

Do you have a passion for 4-H? Do you want to travel across the country? Do you want to meet incredible people from all walks of life? Do you want to represent your province on the national level? 

Then consider applying for the 4-H Canada Youth Advisory Committee! The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is made up of one member from each province across the country, and assists 4-H Canada in areas such as programs, policies, conferences, communications, and marketing. 

You will be placed in one of four working groups, and work with your other YAC members and 4-H Canada staff to deliver programs for our members. Through my experience with YAC, I’ve gotten to be a part of several 4-H Canada programs and policies, travelled to Ottawa and Toronto for conferences, met 4-Hers from across the country, and even met the Prime Minister! 

YACs are chosen for a two-year term, with a possibility of a third year extension. If you’re over 18 years old and a current or former Saskatchewan 4-H member, you’re eligible! 

If you have any questions or hesitations about 
applying for YAC, please do not hesitate to email me at 
kody.farrow97@gmail.com. 

Being the 4-H Saskatchewan YAC member has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I encourage everyone to apply!

Applications for the YAC position can be found under Board and Council Business. Deadline to apply is December 1. You must be 18-25 years old and have at least two years of experience as a 4-H member. 

Sep 14, 2018
​
Complete the 4-H Survey –  You could Win $90.00
We’re running a Program and Communication survey to collect feedback on our event and opportunities, and communication methods. It takes less than 10 minutes, and you could win $90.00 credit to the 4-H Store for participating. (Credit can also can be used for membership fees or 4-H event registration). 
Your participation in this survey is greatly appreciated and completely voluntary. This survey is an important way for our members, leaders, and 4-H parents to share their opinions and suggestions to help us to continue to improve the 4-H experience for all. 
At the end of the survey, you can choose to leave an email address or phone number if you would like to enter a draw to win a $90.00 4-H Saskatchewan store credit. (This can also be used for your membership!)

This survey will remain open until October 1, 2018.
Link to Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KKBHXNC 

Aug 31, 2018
​
4-H Saskatchewan is seeking an experienced fundraising professional for the Development Officer position located at the Provincial 4-H head office in Saskatoon.
Collaborating with the Foundation Board of Trustees, Council Board of Directors, and Executive Director the Development Officer will create and manage a development plan that will increase revenues and sponsorship support for the Saskatchewan 4-H Council and Saskatchewan 4-H Foundation in alignment with goals and strategic directions. The DO assumes responsibility for assigned fundraising projects and provides leadership and expertise in the development and management of fundraising strategies.
The DO will bring an personable and professional approach to representing 4-H in establishing connections and building relationships with individuals, and the corporate sector to cultivate, solicit and steward donor and sponsor prospects for 4-H in Saskatchewan. 
The ideal candidate will be out-going, eager, and excited about 4-H.  They will bring knowledge of the principles and practices of fundraising and marketing, as well as relevant education and/or a proven track record of cultivating, securing and recognizing gifts. Experience in the 4-H program, a Certified Fund Raising Executive Designation, and experience using GiftWorks are considered assets. This position will be based in Saskatoon. Position may require attendance at events out of normal business hours, and travel.
 
Education and Experience:

• University degree or post-secondary diploma in a relevant field or demonstrated equivalent experience and a proven track record of cultivating, securing and recognizing gifts.
• 5+ years of fundraising experience

 
Skills and Requirements:

• Must have working knowledge of principles and practices of fundraising and marketing.
• Innovative thinking and sound judgement
• Discretion and ability to maintain confidential information
• Excellent written and oral communications; persuasive presenter with exceptional interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills
• Familiarity with 4-H considered an asset
• Experience in a not-for-profit environment is considered an asset
• A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation would be considered an asset
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office Suite and a recognized donor data management system are requirements.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• appropriately represent 4-H in establishing connections and building relationships with individuals, alumni, and the corporate sector.
• create and execute a development plan which increases revenues and sponsorship to support the strategic direction of the organization
  • establish and meet aggressive fundraising targets
  • approach individuals, corporate and foundation officials and negotiate the terms of their support to the organization.
  • identify grant-funding opportunities and where applicable, complete applications, progress reports, and funding reports for grant-funded opportunities
  • engage staff and volunteers to raise funds more effectively and efficiently
  • work with 4-H staff to develop a comprehensive communication plan.
  • prepare an annual budget and reports for the fund development program
• contribute to corporate giving strategies through strategic partnership development, appropriate recognition of sponsors and honouring of intent of gifts
  • facilitate events and activities supporting fundraising and recognition of donors and sponsors, including established and novel approaches
  • negotiate and draft sponsorship or gift agreements, primarily for major gifts and legacy gifts,
  • ensure that 4-H sponsorship and fundraising policies and administrative procedures adhere to legislation and good stewardship practices, including maintenance of good records
• liaise and connect with other provincial and national 4-H agencies to determine best practices.

 
Please apply with resume and cover letter by September 28, 2018 to:
4-H Saskatchewan
ATTN: Cera Youngson
3830 Thatcher Avenue
Saskatoon, SK. S7R 1A5
Email: manager@4-h.sk.ca
​

​Aug 22, 2018

Saskatoon, Sask.- The winning tickets for the 22nd Annual 4-H Saskatchewan Lottery were drawn on August 22, 2018 at the Provincial 4-H Office in Saskatoon.

The 4-H Lottery is an annual fundraiser for the 4-H program in Saskatchewan, with all the proceeds directly supporting the 4-H movement in our province. This year, there were 6,940 tickets sold and the lottery raised $37,500, with 40 per cent helping with provincial programming and opportunities, while the 60 per cent going directly back to the clubs and District 4-H Councils, which participated by selling the lottery tickets.
​
Congratulations to the Grand Prize winners:
Calvin Hall of Alida won the Kubota RTV 500, donated by Kubota Canada and participating Saskatchewan dealers, including Armstrong Implements (Swift Current), Redhead Equipment (Estevan), Earthworks Equipment (Saskatoon), Grain Bags Canada (Humboldt), GleMor Equipment (Prince Albert), Logan Stevens Construction (Yorkton), Novlan Bros. (Lloydminster), Parkland Farm Equipment (North Battleford), Wheatbelt Sales (Wadena) Young’s Equipment (Regina) and Thompson Bearing (Luseland). Kubota is a new partner of 4-H Saskatchewan, generously supporting a grand prize item to the lottery. With the motto is “For Earth, For Life”, Kubota is focused on initiatives which develop communities to build a better tomorrow that starts at home. Kubota is proud to support 4-H Saskatchewan in building the next generation of young agricultural and community leaders.
Rebecca Mayerle of Tisdale won the Clubhouse Shed, built by the woodworking students at A.E. Peacock Collegiate, with building supplies donated by Yara Belle Plaine Inc. Yara has been a proud supporter of 4-H Saskatchewan since 1996 when the 4-H lottery was first started. Their generous support includes supplying all necessary building materials for the construction of the playhouse, as well as covering other associated lottery costs. Thank you to Yara for continuing to recognize the value and allowing A.E. students to "Learn to Do by Doing" while building the grand prize lottery items, which in the past have included gardening sheds, multiple playhouses and an ice-fishing shack. Thank you to Peavey Mart Moose Jaw for providing display space.
Congratulations to all of our prize winners:

• Two round trip tickets donated by WestJest – Rick Heidinger of Arcola.
• iPad Pro 128 GB donated by Co-operative Hail Insurance – Marsha Warken of Assiniboia;
• Two - $500 advertising certificates donated by The Western Producer – Grace Alexander of Weyburn and Brent Seffern of Kerrobert;
• Two $500 gift cards donated by Peavey Industries Ltd. – Shauna Benning of Weyburn and Bonny Chupik of Canora;
• HP Laptop donated by Staples – Sara Kirby of Scout Lake; 

4-H Saskatchewan is grateful to have the support of all of our prize donors including: Kubota Canada and participating Saskatchewan dealers, Yara Belle Plaine Inc., A.E. Peacock Collegiate, The Western Producer, Peavey Industries Ltd., Staples, WestJet and Co-operative Hail Insurance.
Plans are already underway for the 23rd Annual 4-H Saskatchewan Lottery. Tickets will be available during the 2018/19 4-H membership year. To support 4-H, contact your local 4-H club or the provincial office for tickets.
-30-
 
For more information, please contact:
Jodi Schellenberg 
Program and Communications Specialist  
4-H Saskatchewan                
306-933-6961             
communications@4-h.sk.ca                                       

​Jul 25, 2018

Saskatoon, Sask.- 4-H Saskatchewan is still selling tickets for the 22nd Annual 4-H Saskatchewan Lottery. Tickets will be available until August 20, 2018, with the draw taking place on August 22, 2018.

The 4-H Lottery is an annual fundraiser for the 4-H program in Saskatchewan, with all the proceeds directly supporting the 4-H movement in our province. Forty per cent of the proceeds help with provincial programming and opportunities, while 60 per cent goes directly back to the clubs and District 4-H Councils, which participated by selling the lottery tickets.
​
This year’s prizes include two Grand Prizes, a Kubota RTV 500, donated by Kubota Canada and participating Saskatchewan Dealers, and a Clubhouse Shed, built by the students at Moose Jaw’s A.E. Peacock Collegiate, with materials donated by Yara Belle Plaine Inc.
Other prizes include:

• Two Round Trip Tickets to any regular scheduled WestJet destination
• One iPad Pro 126 GB with iPad case, donated by Co-operative Hail Insurance
• Two $500 Gift Certificates, donated by Peavey Mart
• Twp $500 Advertising Vouchers, donated by the Western Producer
• One HP Laptop, donated by Staples Business Depot 

4-H Saskatchewan is grateful to have the support of all of our prize donors including: Kubota Canada Ltd., Yara Bell Plaine Inc., A. E. Peacock Collegiate, WestJet, Co-operative Hail Insurance, Peavey Industries, The Western Producer and Staples Business Depot.
For tickets, please contact the Provincial 4-H Office at 306-933-7727.
 
-30-
 
For more information, please contact:
Jodi Schellenberg
Program and Communications Specialist
4-H Saskatchewan  
306-933-6961            
communications@4-h.sk.ca                                

Prince Albert, Sask.- It was an exciting end to a long day when the charity steer at the Prince Albert Finished Beef Show and Sale raised $63,000.

The 4-H clubs who participate in the Prince Albert Finished Beef Show and Sale – including West P.A. 4-H Beef Club, Canwood 4-H Beef Club, Weldon 4-H Beef Club, Torch River 4-H Club and Wild Rose 4-H Beef Club – have been hosting the charity steer event with the Prince Albert Exhibition for about 15 years, said West P.A. 4-H Beef Club member Sara Grassick.

“All the members contribute – they split up the feed costs and the value of the steer,” Grassick said. “The 80 kids that are showing up at this show pay for this steer to be raised, so it is really a community thing.”

Each year, a different 4-H club raises the charity steer. This year, it was the West P.A. 4-H Beef Club’s turn, she explained. Their club decided to donate the funds to the Rose Garden Hospice, which is a palliative care home being built in Prince Albert for terminally ill patients.

“This is something that sparked our interest and when you start looking into hospices, you wonder why don’t we have one,” Grassick said. “It is going to be a hospice not only for Prince Albert but northern Saskatchewan.”

The five 4-H clubs started the Dutch Auction by giving those who donated $25 an entry into the draw to win the steer. After a family won the steer, it was resold three more times in a traditional auction, raising a total of $32,584.

“We are also really excited because Malcolm Jenkins (the owner of the local Canadian Tire), he has decided to match all of the donations we have raised,” Grassick said. “We are pretty pumped.”

With the matching funds from Jenkins, the total donation to the Rose Garden Hospice was $63,000.
​
“It is going towards a great cause and something that means a lot to all of us because everyone has been effected by these awful diseases,” Grassick said. “To have somewhere, potentially and unfortunately your relatives can use, it means a lot to these kids.”

​Jun 13, 2018

Prince Albert, Sask.- It was an exciting end to a long day when the charity steer at the Prince Albert Finished Beef Show and Sale raised $63,000.
The 4-H clubs who participate in the Prince Albert Finished Beef Show and Sale – including West P.A. 4-H Beef Club, Canwood 4-H Beef Club, Weldon 4-H Beef Club, Torch River 4-H Club and Wild Rose 4-H Beef Club – have been hosting the charity steer event with the Prince Albert Exhibition for about 15 years, said West P.A. 4-H Beef Club member Sara Grassick.
​
“All the members contribute – they split up the feed costs and the value of the steer,” Grassick said. “The 80 kids that are showing up at this show pay for this steer to be raised, so it is really a community thing.”
Each year, a different 4-H club raises the charity steer. This year, it was the West P.A. 4-H Beef Club’s turn, she explained. Their club decided to donate the funds to the Rose Garden Hospice, which is a palliative care home being built in Prince Albert for terminally ill patients.
“This is something that sparked our interest and when you start looking into hospices, you wonder why don’t we have one,” Grassick said. “It is going to be a hospice not only for Prince Albert but northern Saskatchewan.”
The five 4-H clubs started the Dutch Auction by giving those who donated $25 an entry into the draw to win the steer. After a family won the steer, it was resold three more times in a traditional auction, raising a total of $32,584.
“We are also really excited because Malcolm Jenkins (the owner of the local Canadian Tire), he has decided to match all of the donations we have raised,” Grassick said. “We are pretty pumped.”
With the matching funds from Jenkins, the total donation to the Rose Garden Hospice was $63,000.
“It is going towards a great cause and something that means a lot to all of us because everyone has been effected by these awful diseases,” Grassick said. “To have somewhere, potentially and unfortunately your relatives can use, it means a lot to these kids.”
-30-
To request an interview with a 4-H member or leader, please contact:
Jodi Schellenberg
Program and Communications Specialist
4-H Saskatchewan
306-933-6961
communications@4-h.sk.ca 

​May 07, 2018

4-H Saskatchewan is hiring!
4-H Saskatchewan is seeking an outgoing student to join the Provincial 4-H Office staff team for the summer.
​
Summer Student – 4-H Summer Programming Specialist

• The 4-H Summer Programming Specialist will focus planning, facilitation and hosting of provincial 4-H programs for youth taking place throughout the summer and fall; and development of resources for 4-H programming.
• The ideal candidate is proficient with the Microsoft Office suite and able to work independently.
• First Aid Training and CPR-C training is an asset.
• Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite is an asset.
• 4-H knowledge or experience is preferred. Previous experience in a summer camp environment is an asset. 
• Enrollment in an agriculture or education based program is an asset. 
• Candidates must be between 15 - 30 years old, and have been registered as a full-time student in the preceding academic year and intend to return to school full-time in the fall. 

Duties:

• Assist in planning recreational and educational programming for Provincial 4-H Summer Camps with direct links to the four pillars of 4-H (Agriculture & Food Security, Leadership and Community Engagement, Science & Technology, Environment and Healthy Living)
• Attend Provincial 4-H Summer Camp(s) as a Junior program director
• Assist in the planning and facilitation of the 4-H Fun Zone for youth at Ag in Motion
• Assist in the development of resources related to the four pillars.
• Support 4-H Staff in the planning, facilitation and hosting of other provincial 4-H programs for youth taking place throughout the summer and fall.
• Conduct special projects and provide assistance and support to other Council personnel, as requested. Position will provide a variety of work experiences in a small office environment.  

About the role:

• This is a summer term postition beginning in June and ending August 31, 2018.
• The position will be based in the Provincial 4-H office in Saskatoon (with the exception of programming dates which take place near Big River, Lumsden, and Langham). 
• Candidates must have their own vehicle and a valid driver's license. 
• Candidates must be available to attend overnight 4-H Summer programs: Dates:  July 1 - 6, 2018; August 10 - 12, 2018; August 26 - 31, 2018; 

TO APPLY
Please send resume accompanied by a cover letter and references by 4:30 pm, Monday, May 21, 2018 to
Cera Youngson, Executive Director,
3830 Thatcher Ave., Saskatoon, SK S7R 1A5
manager@4-h.sk.ca 

Apr 09, 2018
By Paula Beattie

Thirty-one 4-H members from across the province came together on April 7 for the 2018 Provincial 4-H Public Speaking Competition at the Horizon Credit Union centre in Melville to compete for the top place honours in this prestigious competition.
​
Public Speaking is a very important component of the 4-H program, which helps young people to develop confidence and communication skills. All 4-H Saskatchewan members write and present a speech to their club during the 4-H year. Competitors earn their spot at the Provincial 4-H Public Speaking Competition after advancing through the club, district and regional tiers of the competition in their age category.
The opening brought about 150 people together in silence to honor and in support of those involved in the recent tragedy of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.

The speeches began at 1 p.m. and proceeded throughout the afternoon with each speaker presenting their speech in turn. All of the youth were exemplary and poised while speaking on topics that were informative, entertaining, or close to their heart.
The competition was followed by a banquet and awards ceremony where special guests the Honorable Warren Kaeding; MLA of Melville-Saltcoats, Mayor Walter Streelasky; Mayor of Melville,  Cera Youngson; Executive Director, Saskatchewan 4-H, Glenn Gress; President, 4-H Saskatchewan, Suzette Szumutku; Guest Speaker, sponsors: Mike Fisher; Painted Hand CDC, Patricia Taillon; SGEU working Together For Saskatchewan, Becky Niessen; F.C.C, Lorie Chambers, Bell, Krecklewich & Chambers Barristers & Solicitors.

In the Cloverbud category, for members aged six to eight, Sunny Cooper earned first place with her speech “The Time I Almost Lost My Marbles.” Sunny is from the South West region, and a member of the Eston Multiple 4-H Club. She spends her days playing the violin, dancing and creating crafts and spending time with her brother and sister. Sunny is in the Outdoor Adventure project, as she loves being outdoors and learning about animals and safety. Sunny’s favorite part of 4-H is Public Speaking. When she was six years old she watched her brother reluctantly deliver his speech and then informed her parents that next year she was joining 4-H so she could do a speech too. She loves talking and telling stories to anyone who will listen.
Tyson Code earned first place in the Junior category, for members nine to 12 years old, with his speech topic “Giraffe.” He is a member of the Eston Multiple 4-H Club also from the South West Region and likes rodeo, roping, playing guitar, biking, the outdoors and hunting. This year he is in the welding project, which he finds fun and will be a useful skill for his future. Tyson’s favorite part of 4-H is the friends he meets along the way and the experiences it offers.

Hunter Reid earned his first place with the Intermediate category, for ages 13 to 15, with his speech topic “Courage.” He is a member of the Crown Hill 4-H Beef Club, representing the North West Region. Hunter enjoys basketball, football, dance and cooking. He is in the Beef Project, this year he has a steer named “Victor” and a heifer named “Victoria”. Hunter’s favorite part of 4-H is the animals, showing, friends and speeches. 
In the Senior category, Morgan Heidecker earned first place with her speech “Defining Success.” She is a member in the Three Lakes 4-H Beef Club, representing the North East 4-H region. Morgan’s hobbies include composing music, playing piano and singing in various Saskatoon choirs. Morgan likes to involve herself in groups and associations within the Agriculture Industry, on and off the campus of the University of Saskatchewan. She is in the Beef Project, this year taking Market Steer, Heifer and Cow Calf Projects. She feels the Beef project is important as it gives youth a better understanding of the industry and provides a financial return in which youth learn how to save money and budget. Her favorite part of 4-H is the unforgettable memories that were being made without even realizing it…The memories made while wasting time, and bringing peers, communities and members closer together.

Congratulations to all of the top placed competitors at the 2018 Provincial 4-H Public Speaking Competition, listed below with their placing, 4-H Club and speech topic.

Thank you to the clubs of the District #13 4-H Council, which includes the Goodeve Multiple 4-H Club, Melville Town ‘N’ Country 4-H Club and Neudorf Beef 4-H Club, as well as those on the Public Speaking committee for their hard work preparing and hosting this event.

Thank you to all our judges who donated their time, including Janet Gulash, Stephanie Lockhart, Cassandra Betts, Shannon Hurley, Don Coleman, Brenda Zalys, Naomi Paley, Heidi Schofer, Carol Streelasky, Jean Dales, Joanne Sebastian and Racheal Yuristy.
​
Thank you to the sponsors and donors who made the 2018 Provincial 4-H Public Speaking Competition a very special day. Your generosity is truly appreciated.  Special thanks to Platinum Level Sponsors: 4-H Saskatchewan Provincial Program Partners and Painted Hand CDC, Gold Level Sponsor; SGEU Working Together For Saskatchewan, Silver Level Sponsors; FCC, Melville & District Community Foundation, Melville City & Sask Lotteries Community Grant Program, Bronze Level Sponsors; Bell, Kreklewich & Chambers Barristers & Solicitors, Bridgeview Manufacturing Ltd., Melville Chev, Prairie Co-Op, R.B.C., RM Stanley #215, Royal Drug Mart, SaskEnergy and SaskPower.