Text Box: 4-H Urban-Rural Youth Exchange

About the Program

Dates and Location

APPLICATION

What to Bring

Emergency Contacts

2006 Press Releases

County Information

Program Flyer

 
 

   4-H Youth . . .

Helping Bridge the

Urban-Rural Divide

Dates

 

November 6-10

Klamath County

February 14-18

Grant County

April 24-28

Wallowa County

 

Cost:  $90

 

 

 

About the Program

In cooperation with the Grant County, Wallowa and Klamath County 4-H Extension Program, the Sunnyside School Exchange to Eastern and Southern Oregon will be held to help students gain an understanding of the issues on natural resource management from both an urban and rural Oregon perspective. The exchange is also designed to help students develop a camaraderie and spirit of friendship with families from rural Oregon who are involved in ranching, farming and natural resources management.

The program began in 2006 with 20 students from Sunnyside Environmental School and 5 teachers and volunteers. 

Participating Sunnyside School Students will:

  • live with a rural family ranch or from host family from either Grant County, Wallowa or Klamath County Oregon for 3-4 nights (all families are screened and approved by OSU Extension 4-H staff) - two students per family.
  • be expected to help with daily family ranch or farm chores during the busy calving season (expect long days!).
  • learn about the history of the area, rural Oregon lifestyle, the economics of ranching, logging issues, water rights issues and other natural resources management issues from a rural Oregon perspective;
  • share the natural resources issues facing urban Portlanders with ranch families
  • have the opportunity to exchange letters and photos with the host family prior to arrival.
  • Visit the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (Grant County) or Crater Lake (Klamath County) and participate in a hands-on educational workshop.
  • Participate in an orientation meeting to plan for trip and plan for hosting rural 4-H youth to Sunnyside School in May

Dates and Locations

 
  • Klamath County:

November 6-10

  • Grant County:
    February 14-18
  • Wallowa County:
    April 24-28

How to Apply

 

All Sunnyside School middle school students may apply for this program. A committee of teachers and the 4-H staff will screen and select the students based on their application. To apply students must submit to the 4-H office in room 204


1.  A 4-H Urban-Rural Exchange Application (complete 4 pages)
2.  A photo of yourself for the host family
3.  A $90.00 registration fee
4.  Submit your application by December 5th

If selected, students will be asked to write a letter of introduction to their host family.

Sample Schedule

Day One
  • Depart from Portland: 8:30 am
  • Stop for Lunch (bring a sack lunch)
  • Arrive at4-H County Office for potluck dinner and welcome
  • Depart to host families

Days Two-Four

  • Live and work with farm or ranch families (some families may attend church on Sundays)

Day Five

  • Depart from County Extension office at 9:00 am
  • stop for lunch (McDonalds or Subway Sandwiches)
  • Arrive in Portland at 4:00 pm

What to Bring

  • Plenty of Warm Clothes (remember: Layers!): It can be  VERY cold especially in Eastern Oregon and students will be outside a lot. Temperatures often drop below freezing.
  • Hats, gloves
  • Personal toiletries
  • Work boots
  • Work gloves
  • dessert to share at the potluck for the first night
  • Small gift for family
  • Sack lunch for first day traveling to site
  • Money for lunch or dinner for the return trip (we will stop at a fast food restaurant)
  • Camera
  • Journal or notebook for writing thoughts
  • Phone card for calling home if needed

Emergency Contacts

  • SES 4-H Office:  503-916-6074
  • Klamath Falls 4-H Office:  541-883-7131
  • Grant County 4-H Office: 541-575-1911
  • Wallowa County 4-H Office: 541-426-3143
  • Maureen Hosty Email: 

 

2006 Press Releases

Grant County Information

Klamath County  Extension Office

Wallowa County Extension Office