It all began in September 2015, when nine members of the Eagle Hills 4-H Club and one member from the Edam Light Horse 4-H Club decided they wanted to do the Club-to-Club National Exchange. They met several times and started the application process, hoping they would be chosen.
In January 2016, it was announced they were paired with a group of 10 4-H members from Wellington County, Ont. At that time, we were informed our members would travel to Ontario from July 7-16 and the Ontario 4-H members would be in North Battleford from July 25 to Aug. 3. This was just the beginning of an incredible journey.
The next few months, the members met regularly to discuss the different activities and volunteer opportunities that were available at the time the members from Ontario would be here. They were in contact with local businesses, local venues, local city officials and Saskatchewan 4-H to discuss what the itinerary would be. The members also had a huge task of fundraising for all the costs associated with the exchange while the Ontario members were in the Battlefords.
Time went by fast and we had our last meeting two nights prior to members leaving to Ontario. We were putting the final touch on both the Saskatchewan part of the exchange, but also informing the members about their role as ambassadors for Saskatchewan 4-H while they were in Ontario. The main message was all the members were to have fun and enjoy this great opportunity that was both awarded to them, but also that they worked hard for.
July 7, the members boarded the plane from Saskatoon to fly directly to Toronto. Once there they were picked up by the chaperones and driven to their host families. They finally got to meet the “twins” they had spent so much time talking to prior to the trip.
Once in Ontario, they got to do many amazing and wonderful things and got a true taste of what Wellington County has to offer. They went to the top of the CN Tower and got to do the walk at the top of the tower to see the scenic view of Toronto.
The members were treated to a Blue Jays baseball game and had a wonderful time.
Another highlight of the trip was Falls. They were able to walk around and see the falls and then they got on a boat to get up close to, and a little wet by, the falls. Other highlights were tree top trekking, University of Guelph, horse racing, a family-owned zoo and a walk at Elora.
The members also spent a day volunteering at Green Legacy. The Green Legacy mission is to plant trees in the Wellington County area to better the environment. The members spent some time transplanting the seedlings and getting them ready to be shipped. Before the members knew it, their 10 days in Ontario was over and it was time to come home.
The second part of the exchange started July 25 when the members from Ontario arrived in Saskatoon. They were treated to a limo ride to North Battleford. They reconnected with their “twins” and got to meet their host families.
The members were extremely busy the next 10 days in North Battleford and area.
They went to the Western Development Museum, Allen Sapp Gallery, Nationswest Field House, Apex Trampoline Park Ltd., Forestry Farm Park and Zoo with NorthWest 4-H Regional Specialist Nicole Hoffas, Prairie Lily River Boat, a Hutterite colony, Fort Battleford, PBR bull riding, Doukhobor Dugout House and the Crooked Trees. They had a lake day, visited Blue Mountain Adventure Park and toured various Battlefords’ landmarks including City Hall with Mayor Ian Hamilton.
They also spent a day volunteering at the North Battleford International Street Performer Festival. The members lent a helping hand doing various tasks and they were also able to watch the performers.
At each place the members visited, they were treated to informative and educational, but extremely fun events. The Eagle Hills 4-H Exchange Group is so grateful for the support of the community and businesses that were able to help us with this program. The Ontario members had a wonderful time and enjoyed every minute of their trip to Saskatchewan.
The members from both Ontario and Saskatchewan had a wonderful time and they enjoyed the experience. There are so many great aspects of this program. One of the best parts is that these 4-H members represented 4-H proudly in their communities and brought a great awareness to what 4-H means to these members.
It was a summer of adventures, friends and great laughs that the members will cherish.
Quotes:
“New lands, new fans”
“It was a great experience”
“Meeting new people”
“I had a great time going new places and making new friends”
“New laughs with new friends”
“Going new places with new people was an amazing experience”
