It’s a group with more than 3,000 members in 200 clubs all across the province – and now, 4-H Saskatchewan is 100 years old.
“A lot of organizations don’t make it to 100 years,” said Jodi Schellenberg, communications specialist with 4-H Saskatchewan. “We’re very proud of celebrating 100 years of 4-H and everything that we do for youth in the province.”
Current members, alumni and special guests all came to celebrate the milestone on Saturday. It was the first livestock club in Saskatchewan and has made a big impact on many people.
“(It) kind of helped me come out of my shell a bit, be more outgoing and not be afraid to be confident in front of a big group of people,” said Doug Sroka, a council member with the Northwest Youth Advisory.
It was also a trip down memory for many former members, who had the chance to write their favourite memories onto clovers and hang them on trees.
Marlene Tymiak, a 4-H Hall of Famer who has spent the last 54 years with the club, said it changed her life.
“Just to say one specific memory lane … 4-H is just absolutely one big memory for me and a loving one,” she said.
The hundredth anniversary party also included a walkthrough history exhibit to give people a look into the past. The exhibit featured hundreds of items, including trophies, handmade clothing and old record books, showing how far the organization has come, and how it changed over the years.
“We’re kind of adapting a lot towards the urban population,” Sroka said. “Hopefully that continues through to bring more members through and keep it growing.”
And the celebration is a milestone a century in the making.
“I hope 4-H is here and continues for the next 100 years,” Tymiak said.
Based on a report by CTV's Mark Villani
