LLOYDMINSTER, Sask. — Roger Skolrood of the Standard Hill Club in Saskatchewan joined 4-H when he was 10, doing projects such as mechanics, woodworking and welding.
Now he is back, this time as a leader teaching his own kids.
The hustle of kids grooming their animals, moving livestock, doing demonstrations and public speaking and showing make for a busy weekend at the 4-H Expo in Lloyd-minster each June.
Skolrood said his club has 13 members and one Clover Bud.
“When we have Clover Buds, they get a little more attention, but we expect them to come to all of the meetings and participate in club activities. We have older members who mentor the younger ones,” he said. These younger members, aged five to eight, are called Cleaver Kids in Alberta.
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At the Hidden Creek Multi Club display, Roberta Thomas, 8, was excited to see a quilt project getting first place.
In her second year as a Cleaver, she previously did a light horse project.
“This year, I thought it would be fun to try sewing, but it takes a lot of work,” she said.
Kari, Roberta’s mother and an assistant leader, said 4-H was always a part of her family’s life while growing up on the farm near Vermilion, Alta. Her father was also a 4-H member and general leader.
“The skills you learn in 4-H are things that I have used my entire life and I wanted to make sure my daughter also has that opportunity,” she said.
Kari’s father, Wayne Farkash, said the 4-H motto of learn to do by doing is important for kids.
“The interaction with other members and competition is important,” he said.
“I always told our members to smile if they win but to smile even bigger if you lose. It is just good to see a bunch of kids get along and learn together. They may make mistakes, but they learn skills at the same time.”
A squeal of delight is heard from the display table where Alberta Bandits 4-H club members Jorja Fox and Colby Carr of the Lloydminster region learn they have earned a blue ribbon for their club display.
Jorja represents the fifth generation of her family to be in 4-H.
“This is my second year as a Clover Bud and the best part of my year this year was when I won reserve grand champion with my heifer. I watched my brothers and sisters in 4-H and it always looked like fun, so I joined too,” she said.
Her parents, Shelly and Jon, are leaders and founding members of the club.
“We really enjoy teaching the kids and seeing them learn new skills,” said Shelly.
“They need to learn safety issues right away when they are working with cattle as it only takes a split second for one of them to get hurt.”