The Saskatchewan Youth Programme
In the early 1900s co-operatives were the saving grace for many Saskatchewan farmers and their families on the Canadian prairies. The co-operative movement grew steadily in Saskatchewan for many years, and the people of Saskatchewan attributed much of their survival and success, often amid natural disasters, depressions and low prices, to the co-operative way of working together. They developed co-operatives to market their grains, dairy and poultry production. They created co-operative stores to meet their consumer needs, credit unions to provide financial services, curling rinks for winter amusements, community groups to fund medical services, and bull rings to improve the quality of their herds.
As early as the 1920s, the pioneers of the co-op movement were concerned that the movement might not continue in Saskatchewan if it did not actively educate youth on the co-op model and its benefits. They wanted to ensure that Saskatchewan youth understood the significant role co-operatives had played in making survival possible for many rural people on the Prairies. They decided to start educating Saskatchewan youth on why co-operatives are so important and that co-operation is a way of life that really works.
Originally named, "Co-op Schools," the first one-day seminar was held in 1928 and was organized for anyone who wished to become familiar with co-operative principles, particularly young adults. Thirty-eight Co-op Schools were held that year and they drew a positive response from both those in charge and those in attendance. The popularity of the Co-op Schools necessitated growth. By 1929, 127 one-day seminars were being held in different locations across Saskatchewan. The majority of attendees were farmers and committeemen from the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, the main grain-marketing co-operative in the province. While most of those attending were older, many were younger – in their twenties and early thirties. The Co-op Schools attracted great interest and would have continued after 1929, but, when the stock market crashed and the Great Depression swept over the Prairies, there were not enough financial resources to keep the Co-op Schools going. There is no recorded Co-op School activity between 1930 and 1937.
As most people living on the Prairies during the 30's were accustomed to co operating as a way of survival, they responded to the destitution of the Great Depression by working together to help themselves. The Depression stimulated the creation of many new kinds of co-operatives all over Saskatchewan. As these new co-operatives were organized and grew, it became apparent that more specialized co operative training was needed.
In response to this increased need, the first weeklong Co-op School seminar was held at the University of Saskatchewan in June 1937. This seminar had a broader scope in subjects than the previous one-day events. The participants received intensive and specialized training in the areas of co-operative marketing and in the operation of the co-operative business model. These longer seminars were a huge success and continued in a similar fashion through World War II and into the 1960s.
By that time, though, a new attitude toward education and learning techniques was beginning to emerge. There was considerable demand for the use of more varied teaching techniques, including the use of more visual aids and increased student participation. In response to the demand, Co-op School session leaders started moving away from lecture techniques and towards group discussions aimed at encouraging an increased understanding among participants. The Co-op Schools were taking on new objectives, including individual and group development. There was also a change in the way that discipline was achieved in the Schools. The students, who had once been under fairly firm discipline applied by the instructors, were given more freedom and responsibility for their actions. Decision-making became a more democratic process involving both Co-op School participants and staff.
As the Co-op Schools grew in size and popularity, it was evident that there was a need to formalize the weeklong seminars and ensure high quality, consistent co-operative education. In that regard, Co-op Schools had a major role in fostering the development of the Co-operative College of Canada (later merged with the Co-operative Union of Canada to become the Canadian Co-operative Association). Co-op Schools became the responsibility of the College, and the seminars were held in Saskatoon at its facilities.
During the 1960s the focus of co-operative education moved even more towards the younger generation. In 1966 the first Junior Co-op School was held for youth between the ages of thirteen and fifteen. Before this time, the people attending the Co-op Schools had been mainly in their late teens and twenties.
By 1970, it was felt that even the term “Co-op School” was a bit misleading because lessons on co operatives were no longer the only concern. Living together in a social and working environment was gaining more importance. A new name, The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Programme, was formally adopted in 1970.
The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Programme has changed significantly over the past 76 years. The original intent, however, “to grow with the co-operative sector and educate people on the benefits of co operatives”, is still a part of today's programme. Today, the aim of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Programme (SCYP) is to contribute to the personal development of youth and encourage their active involvement in community and co-operative organisations. Each summer, during the months of July and August, seven seminars are offered to Saskatchewan teens, between the ages of fourteen and eighteen. The seminars are held in a camp-like setting and their focus is on fun, learning, and personal growth.
SCYP seminars are an opportunity for Saskatchewan youth to gain important life skills, such as leadership, communication, co-operative behaviour, public speaking, teamwork and self-esteem. The seminars instil responsibility, as participants are responsible for organizing a co-operative to plan and run the week, and for chores such as cooking and cleaning. This gives the participants a sense of ownership of the seminar and helps everyone to bond with everyone else, developing rewarding and lasting relationships.
The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Programme has evolved into a three-year progressive programme. Each five or six day seminar that participants attend builds on what they have learned at previous seminars. Each level has curriculum that staff uses to ensure quality, consistent education. Although the Youth Programme is highly educational, it bears little resemblance to the more traditional methods of teaching. Skill development takes place through interactive, experiential learning. The participants work together to do activities and solve challenges – so the learning is always fun and hands-on. However, the Youth Programme seminars are not all about the lessons – a significant portion of the week is spent doing the usual fun camp activities, like canoeing, swimming, campfires, volleyball and other games.
The SCYP seminars are staffed by employees and elected officials from the co-operative sector, as well as programme alumni who volunteer their time. Staff responsibilities include: planning the seminar, developing and leading sessions, participating in sessions, organizing social and recreational events, supervising participants, being involved in cooking and clean-up, and participating in daily staff meetings. Staffing a Youth Seminar is a great opportunity for staff to help make a difference in the lives of young people; to meet and work with other co-operative sector employees; to polish presentation and facilitation skills; and to learn all kinds of things about co-operatives and the co-operative way of working together. Many staff members return year after year because of their enjoyment of the seminars and the personal growth they experience.
Attending a Co-operative Youth Programme seminar opens up a world of opportunities for Saskatchewan youth. It has been a significant way in which young people have been able to prepare themselves for the work place. Some previous participants have gone on to become Junior Staff or summer students in the Youth Programme office. Some have participated in overseas exchanges or gained employment in Saskatchewan co operatives as a result of their participation in the programme. Attendance at an SCYP seminar is highly regarded on a résumé because it tells future employers that the youth have learned about co-operatives, that they are serious about learning new skills, and that they have polished their communication and leadership abilities.
The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Programme is the single largest programme managed by the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA). The members of the SCA are: Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan, Federated Co-operatives Limited, The Co-operators, Concentra Financial Services Association, The CUMIS Group, Community Health Co-operative Federation, Saskatchewan Federation of Production Co-operatives, Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada, Access Communications Co-operative, and the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation. Each participant who attends a seminar pays a registration fee. In addition, a local co-operative pays a sponsorship fee. The seminars are held at Hannin Creek Camp, Candle Lake, northeast of Prince Albert, and chartered bus transportation is provided from Saskatoon up to the seminar site.
The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Programme has been successful for more than 75 years. It has been estimated that more than 41,948 Saskatchewan-based young adults have attended a Co-op School or a Co-operative Youth Seminar. This is an unmistakable sign that the programme has truly touched the lives of Saskatchewan people. Although the programme has changed significantly throughout its history, the focus and intention behind the programme has only strengthened. The uniqueness of the programme stems from its ability to provide a co-operative, participatory learning experience for young people, co-op staff and volunteers within a positive, enjoyable environment.
The Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Programme Statement of Values
Respect
The SCYP has a fundamental respect for people. We honour the uniqueness of the individual and the value of groups. Respect fosters openness and authentic self-expression which, in turn, builds trust. We enhance this trusting atmosphere through sharing, listening and respecting confidentiality.
Co-operation
The SCYP values co-operation and democratic practices. We value the input of each individual, and through teamwork, we effectively achieve our goals. Through group decision-making and communication we generate a spirit of co-operation and a sense of community.
Equality
The SCYP respects the equality of all people. We believe in social responsibility, justice and economic empowerment through co-operatives. We welcome a diversity of beliefs, cultures and values in our programme. We act to include this diversity.
Development
The SCYP values the growth and development of people and their co-operatives. We contribute to personal growth through education, participation and skill development that in turn benefits co-operatives. Our programmes serve as an information link between youth and co-operatives in Saskatchewan.
Interdependence
The SCYP believes in the interdependence of people. We build a social bond between individuals through understanding, consideration and interaction. We act with a responsibility to care for others.
Michelle Korven is the Program Officer with the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association and Manages the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program. Michelle graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2002. Michelle was born and raised on the Saskatchewan prairies in the small town of Cabri. Michelle grew up on the land that her great-grandfather homesteaded in the early 1900's, and where her parents continue to farm. She is a strong supporter of the co-operative movement and is dedicated to helping youth explore their potential and develop the skills that will help them to succeed as community conscious citizens.
