Saskatchewan to British Columbia:

2026 Club to Club Exchange

4-H Builds Lasting Connections Through Club-to-Club Exchange

This summer, Quesnel 4-H had the incredible opportunity to participate in 4-H Canada’s Club-to-Club Exchange Program, a national program funded in part by Heritage Canada. The program provides a unique reciprocal exchange experience, matching 4-H clubs from different provinces and giving members the opportunity to experience new communities, learn about different agricultural practices and build friendships that can last a lifetime.

This year, Quesnel was paired with a multi-club from Saskatchewan located about an hour outside Regina, near the community of Lumsden. Much like our clubs in Quesnel, their program included Beef, Sheep, Poultry and Technical Science projects (welding and technical skills).

British Columbia hosted the Saskatchewan delegates from July 10 to July 18, which happened to coincide with Quesnel’s annual Billy Barker Days celebration. As BC’s largest free family festival, it provided the perfect opportunity to showcase our community and give our visitors a true taste of life in the Cariboo.

One of the highlights of the BC portion of the exchange was a full day spent at Barkerville Historic Town, the famous site of the Cariboo Gold Rush. Delegates enjoyed a guided tour through the historic town, tried their hand at gold panning and even had the opportunity to take home some real gold!

The group also had the opportunity to tour a local dairy farm and learn how a modern rotary milking parlour operates. They experienced the excitement of Quesnel’s annual Crash to Pass, toured the West Fraser sawmill, and learned about Pivot irrigation systems and their importance to modern agriculture.

It was a busy week, but one filled with experiences that showcased the diversity of agriculture, industry, history and community life in northern British Columbia.

The Saskatchewan portion of the exchange was equally remarkable. Travelling to Saskatchewan in mid-August meant arriving right in the middle of grain harvest, giving our delegates an opportunity to see one of the province’s most important agricultural seasons firsthand.

The group explored everything from a historic grain elevator to a modern grain-handling facility. They visited the tunnels of Moose Jaw, experienced incredible Saskatchewan sunsets, toured the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and explored the provincial legislature.

Delegates also learned about Saskatchewan’s grasslands and how they support cattle production, while a chili cook-off provided a fun opportunity to enjoy some local hospitality and friendly competition.

One of the most memorable stops was the RCMP museum in Regina, where the group learned about the history of the force, dating back to its early days as the North-West Mounted Police.

The experience continued with a trolley ride to the RCMP Depot, a modern working training facility for recruits. Delegates learned about the training process and had the opportunity to watch the Commissionaires’ Parade, where recruits practise their marching and ceremonial skills.

That evening provided what may have been the perfect ending to an already incredible exchange. The group visited a local farmer’s field, where harvest was in full swing. Delegates were able to see the combines working and even experience a ride in a combine themselves.

The Club-to-Club Exchange Program is so much more than travelling to another province. It gives young people the opportunity to experience their own country, discover its natural beauty and history, learn about agriculture in different regions and, most importantly, connect with other 4-H members.

The experience has left a lasting impression, not only on the delegates, but on the leaders as well. The friendships and connections made through the exchange will continue long after the summer has ended.

“Meeting new people, leaders and members through the exchange has expanded my network of resources for programming for our club, which will benefit many.” noted one delegate.

Another delegate shared  “Exploring BC with the Sask kids was so fun, and I have made so many friends I can’t wait to see again.”  And another summed up the experience simply:  “My most memorable part was experiencing a new province with new kids, and learning new things.”

The Club-to-Club Exchange truly demonstrated what makes 4-H so special. Through agriculture, travel, friendship and shared experiences, young people from two provinces came together as strangers and left as friends.

The memories may have been made over one summer, but the friendships and connections will last a lifetime.