With Alberta 4-H celebrating 100 years, there is a local club that has been around for a quarter century.
Originally formed 25 years ago as the Bashaw Hills Country 4-H Riders, it was turned into the Bashaw Multi 4-H Club just four years ago as a way to keep the club moving forward while maintaining the horse aspects of the rural club.
Leader Charlene Brosinsky explained this move came following a time of low membership numbers.
“The number of riders were low for a couple of years, so the club was transitioned into a multi club,” she stated.
“This allowed a variety of projects and creative options for projects to be done.”
Despite the switch, there remains a focus on horses as members can take on projects such as horsemanship, polocrosse, vaulting and cowboy mounted shooting.
However, modifying the club has meant being able to expand the membership and seen the variety of projects grow as well. The list of projects now includes — but isn’t limited to — sheep, dogs, sewing, scrapbooking and veterinary science.
“With a multi club, the positives are that members can do more than one project that are not related to each other,” Brosinsky said.
4-H has a list of more than 40 projects and only the creative process can limit what areas of interest members can pursue as a project.
“As long as there is a leader for it, a project of interest can be done,” she added.
And the leaders — involved with the club or part of the community — help by providing support to the members as they develop skills in leadership and communication as well as life and technical experiences.
“It’s a program of personal growth involving successes and learning to problem-solve challenges, set-backs and issues,” she said.
Achievement day
All of that work on projects and personal growth was recognized June 18 during the club’s annual Achievement Day.
Among the projects this year were woodworking, cowboy mounted shooting, sewing, foods and horsemanship with the members showcasing their works at the Bashaw Agricultural Society grounds — which included a horse show followed by the banquet buffet done by those with foods projects.
Brosinsky added that many of the projects displayed, including some uniquely individual saddle stands, were based upon the 100th anniversary of Alberta 4-H.
The day also featured each member participated by getting up in front of the audience and speaking as part of practicing their public speaking. Meanwhile, the membership is also working on a time capsule to remember the club’s 25 years.
Club members also presented some recognition gifts to their leaders, while the members were gifted with Alberta 4-H centennial year hoodies.
Even though the awards and recognitions have been handed out, the club’s season will continue until the end of September.
And that includes the Fun Horse Show — which is the Bashaw Multi 4-H club’s primary fundraiser — that is scheduled for Sept. 10 at the Bashaw Ag grounds.
“A member is mentored to assist with the overall planning and organizing of the show. Every member and family participates before and at the show along with obtaining sponsorship,” Brosinsky stated.
“It’s a rewarding event to be involved in.”
For more information on the Bashaw Multi 4-H club or how to get involved, check out their page on Facebook or contact Charlene Brosinsky at (780) 372-2426.