Nova Scotia and Southwest Saskatchewan youth enjoy 4-H Club to Club Exchange
July was a busy month for ten 4-H youth members from Southwest Saskatchewan, specifically from District 3 and 4. They participated in a 4-H Club to Club Exchange which saw them host seven 4-H members from Nova Scotia from July 3 to 12.
While here the youth travelled to both West and East Block of Grasslands National Park, they participated in a branding, they went on a horse drawn wagon ride. They experienced a day in the life of a pen rider at Red Coat Cattle Feeder, where they learned the intricacies of the high tech production of a feedlot.
They also researched and followed the trail of the North West Mounted Police from Wood Mountain to 70 Mile Butte, all the way to Fort Walsh. There the youth were put to the test as new recruits, and were exposed to our First Nation’s culture through gaining an understanding of Sitting Bull and the Battle of Little Bighorn, as well they learned about the Cypress Hills Massacre. They enjoyed time in the teepee at Fort Walsh visiting with indigenous woman as they demonstrated beading and leather work.
The exchange consisted of more than just touring. Youth participated in the 4-H “Hands to Larger Service” program where youth built giant Jenga games that would be dispersed back to each youth’s school communities. They also put on a community supper/bingo in Mankota which all the proceeds were donated back to the Arnal Family Bursary and Camp Easter Seal. The community event saw upwards of 150 people in attendance and raised over $1,600 to be split between these very deserving organizations.
Before returning home, the Nova Scotia 4-H members visited the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, the Saskatchewan Legislature, and went kayaking on Wascana Lake. It was truly an honour to show off our great province, its tourism sights, and its “Living Sky”.
Their journey did not end there. On July 22 to 30 these same youth experienced Nova Scotia in its finest. They went whale watching where two humpback whales put on a show in dense fog. They toured various national historic sites, gained an understanding of the Acadian cultures including homemade “Rappie Pie”. Visiting both rocky and sandy beaches were on the agenda as well as participating in a 4-H club tug-a-war practice. These were only a portion of the great experiences and friendships that these youth experienced.
These once in a lifetime opportunities and friendships were made possible through the very generous sponsorship of 4-H Canada, Heritage Canada, and many local generous donations. These youth not only gained pride in showing off their home province, but got to experience travel and culture from a very distinct and beautiful far away part of our country, that they will have a fondness for, for years to come.