Hello! My name is Riley Hampton and I’m an Umatilla County 4-H Intern this
year. I’m an incoming Junior at Southern Oregon University in the emerging media and
design program. This is my second year working with OSU Extension through the
summer internship program.
Rylee Martin presenting her cupcakes during Cupcake Wars at Umatilla County’s PreFair. Photo: Riley Hampton
Umatilla County is already gearing up in the 4-H world, with last Thursday
marking the end of Umatilla County Pre-Fair!
Last week we held live food contests, where contestants prepared everything
from a steak dinner to a dozen cupcakes! Thank you contestants, for my spaghetti and
chimichurri breakfasts.
Throughout the week our Fashion Revue and Presentation contestants showed
up in numbers. We had a combined 40 more contestants than last year, which made for
a busy week!
Thursday morning, I got the opportunity to work with 4-H Youth Leaders while
meeting with the future members of 4-H during Cloverbud Camp. Ambassadors and
volunteers led different stations, teaching the kids about different parts of 4-H in a fun
and engaging way. I’d like to thank my youth leaders as well as the kids who came to
make the day the success that it was.
Well, that’s all for me (for now). Hope to see you at the 2025 Umatilla County
Fair, August 6-9th in Hermiston, Oregon!
Hello everyone! My name is Nyla Bennett. I’m an intern based in Wheeler County. This is my
second summer working for this enriching program and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to
return to this position. Since my previous blog post, I have finished my first year of higher
education at Eastern Oregon University, I was accepted into Oregon Health Sciences
University’s 3-year nursing program, and I am one year closer to obtaining my Bachelor of
Science in nursing with a minor in business. I can’t even begin to describe how thankful I am for
this past year; everything I learned and experienced.
Nyla Bennett teaching youth at a 4-H photography clinic. Photo: Miesha Bennett
Now looking forward, I am eagerly anticipating the antics of a busy 4-H summer. I started
working only recently, but I’m already about to dive into some of our most intense projects. Tri-
County 4-H Camp started the same week I did. So, I drove over to Heppner to help organize
campers and guide counselors. I jumped from this camp to my county’s Cloverbud Day Camps
shortly after. We created curricula and crafts that centered around life sciences and basic
chemistry concepts in the hopes of curating curiosity for future scientists. And with the number
of questions I was asked, I think we did just that!
Last summer, I was a large part of planning and organizing events like these, as well as leading
the hands-on activities with youth. I hope to expand on those responsibilities by being less
dependent on superiors. That’s actually my biggest goal for this summer: working more
efficiently independently. The reason I applied for this position, and am so happy to be back, is
the pure dedication to this program that so many people share. I was in 4-H for nine years, and
the effort I devoted to the projects paid me back tenfold with the knowledge, skills and
friendships I gained. I love seeing the same growth happening with the next generation of
youth. As 4-H’ers face responsibilities and requirements, they flourish. I hope to continue
working as a scaffold for future leaders, helping promote scientific questioning, independence
and, of course, 4-H fun!
As for specific projects I’ll be facing over the future course of this summer, I have a menagerie
of duties ahead. Along with working in the Extension office on materials to make the 4-H
program run smoothly, I also have many event responsibilities. I tutor 4-H youth, providing one-
on-one assistance. I plan and teach clinics with topics such as record books, photography and
animal science. I am so excited for our county fair and leading the community service
opportunities presented to 4-H youth. Thank you for reading!
Hi there! My name is Emily Killebrew! Next year at Western Oregon University, I will have
completed my business major, with a concentration in marketing and minors in
communications studies and English studies. I am exploring career options that may be
humanitarian, marketing and/or writing. This program will help me learn more about myself
and gain more experience in my passions, such as working with photos and sharing the
memories those photos contain. Finding the best photos that have perfect clarity is a value I
keep when posting on social media. After all, they say photos are worth more than a thousand
words.
Emily Killebrew snaps photos of the Marion County meat goat showmanship class at the Marion County Fair. Photo: Elvira Alvarez
I used to work with Jared Hibbard-Swanson and Emily Griffith at the Marion and Polk County
Food Share Youth Farm every Friday for the summer after my freshman year of high school. We
transformed a big pile of mulch with pitch forks into a mulch path between the south crop
beds, took care of and harvested the plants that grew on the farm and we made lunch out of
our harvest. Overall, it was fun and rewarding.
One of my main goals for this summer is to verbally communicate in a way that relays the
message intended for another person to receive. As an external thinker, I struggle to think
before I speak, use intentional words and get to the point. I would like for others not to be
offended by me on accident and for me to speak more professionally.
The Oregon State University Extension Service in Marion County is in need of county
awareness. This summer I will join events and projects that the Marion County Extension Office
Outreach Coordinators oversee. I will ask many questions about their work and how they
communicate, present and edit outreach style posts on the OSU Extension Service, Marion
County Facebook page and hopefully create an Instagram account to reach younger audiences
in hopes to increase public awareness overall.
So far, I have begun organizing the Marion County Box photo folder that has photos previously
taken by the Marion County Extension Service Staff. I traveled with Collins Bugingo to the Grass
Seed and Mint Grower Fields in the outskirts of Salem and into Silverton. And I have walked
around the warm, noisy livestock pens and the cool, calm Columbia Building tables at the
Marion County fair (as shown in the photo). Finally, I have begun posting on the Marion
County Facebook Page for the Marion County fair, and soon I will begin posting subjects related
to the outings I have been and will be a part of.
Thank you for taking me aboard. I am looking forward to getting to know the Marion County
staff and being a part of varied events this summer!
Hey there! My name is Gracie Cox, and I’m going into my third year studying planning, public
policy and management at the University of Oregon’s Clark Honors College with minors in legal
studies and political science. I grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, but I’m now proud to call
Eugene home. This is my first year interning with Oregon State University Extension Service in
Lane County, and the experience has been equally rewarding, challenging and enjoyable so far!
Farm Camp campers take on the task of making strawberry jam with the help of the Lane County Extension’s Master Food Preservation program. Photo: Jordan Bethel
Career-wise, I’m interested in pursuing community health, public interest law and overall, any
path related to public service. Extension has been an excellent outlet for me to explore these
interests, and I’m especially grateful to the 4-H and Nutrition Education programs for
encouraging me to dive right into learning and leaving my mark on Lane County.
Over this summer, I look forward to learning more about the “behind the scenes” of community
development and community health programs; the glimpses I’ve taken of this so far have been
truly inspiring. Also, I’m curious about the work-life balance in public service and how programs
hosted by Extension are responding to changes at the federal level. In observing my Extension
office’s flexibility, it’s become clear to me that this organization is adaptable yet deeply
committed to its community development mission.
So far, my internship has largely revolved around completing projects related to 4-H and
Nutrition Education camps, preparing for the Lane County 4-H and FFA fair and working on
digital outreach for 4-H. In these roles, I’ve had the delight of meeting and working with such
compassionate and diverse individuals, from campers to Extension staff to community leaders.
Only a few weeks in, I already feel so much more connected to the county that I’ve called home
for the past two years, and I look forward to this continuing as summer progresses.
Now three weeks into my summer with Extension, I’m excited to continue educating myself and
my community about the things that matter most: lifelong learning, health and well-being and
our relationships with one another.
Hey everyone! My name is Sienna Mahaffy, the intern here in Coos County this summer for the
second time! I will be a junior at Oklahoma State University in the fall, majoring in animal
science, with minors in ag business and equine enterprise management. I was born and raised
on a dairy farm in Coos Bay and was an active participant in 4-H, so agriculture and Extension
are close to my heart. My career goals are a work in progress, but I would love to get a master’s
degree and return home to work in Oregon agriculture.
Sienna Mahaffy working in the cranberry bogs. Photo: Sienna Mahaffy
I am excited to continue learning about the Oregon State Extension Service this summer! I will
be continuing my responsibilities with 4-H in preparing for the county fair by assisting with
organizing contests, setting up shows and disseminating information to members and leaders.
Additionally, I will continue to assist our Food and Nutrition Agent with the Food Hero program
at local farmers’ markets and organized classes. I look forward to continuing to work with youth
in the community through 4-H and Food Hero, educating them in agriculture and nutrition
while helping them have a fun, learning filled summer!
The most exciting addition to my summer experience is my introduction to the cranberry
industry! I am working with Coos County’s agriculture agent and local cranberry specialist to
trap and track cranberry girdler and black-headed fireworm moths, large pests in the cranberry
bogs of Coos and Curry counties. In my biweekly travels to check the pheromone traps I have
met with many growers and learned an immense amount about cranberry growing, an industry
that is thriving in this area.
My internship project has yet to be decided, but I will likely use the organization of the Milk
Drinking Contest again this summer. I have already contacted sponsors and arranged for the
donation of milk and prizes. Soon, I will begin contacting local dairy farmers to help serve the
milk and race against the winning team (our little Coos County tradition). I could also use my
increased involvement with managing the Purple Cow, the ice-cream booth run by 4-H and
staffed by local clubs during the fair to raise money for 4-H events, activities and awards
throughout the year!
Overall, this summer is looking to be the best yet. I am excited to continue my involvement with
Extension and work with my community in new, meaningful ways!
Hi everyone, my name is Heidi Moran! This will be my third summer as an intern for Oregon
State University Extension Service in Union County. I just finished my junior year at Eastern
Oregon University, where I am majoring in elementary education. I have been involved in 4-H
since I was in fourth grade and have really enjoyed working and helping at 4-H events that I
participated in when I was in 4-H. So far this summer I have worked at Eastern Oregon
Livestock Show and the Union County Crop Tour.
Heidi Moran at the Union County Crop Tour. Photo: Shelby Benson
At the beginning of my internship, I prepared and helped at the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show
in Union, Oregon. To prepare for the show I prepared awards, made exhibitor packets and
brought everything to the Stock show grounds. During the show I helped by directing traffic
during weigh in, assisted with some of the livestock shows, took pictures and helped wherever
was needed. This was a great way to start my internship!
Another highlight of the summer was the 47th annual Crop Tour in Union County. During the
tour I helped by counting people on the buses, taking pictures and doing anything else that was
needed. I enjoyed learning more about the agriculture in Union County!
This has already been a great summer, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer has in
store for me!
Hello! My name is Kyla Baxter, and I am so excited to introduce myself as the 4-H Summer Intern for the Oregon State University Extension Service in Douglas County. I was born and raised in the small town of Oakland, Oregon, and have always been involved in the agricultural community for as long as I can remember; I am so happy I can connect it with youth development activities this summer!
Kyla Baxter, OSU Extension Intern in Douglas County. Photo: Christine Summers Photography
I started in the 4-H program when I was just nine years old, and I was involved for six years. I showed livestock at the county fair, participated in community service, photography, and livestock judging, and even served as my club president during my junior year of high school. During my freshman year, I transitioned to FFA to exhibit my animals.
Kyla and swine project, George. Photo: Brooke W Photography
This fall, I’ll be taking a further step in my education at the University of Idaho. I am majoring in animal and veterinary science with a focus on production and animal nutrition. I hope to pursue a career in feedlot production or animal nutrition, which I find so important and crucial to the world of Agriculture!
One of the most exciting things about this internship is getting a behind-the-scenes look at all that Extension offers. I’ve always associated Extension with 4-H, but now I’m learning that it’s so much more. From agriculture and natural resources to youth development, community engagement and nutrition education. Extension reaches every corner of our community, and I cannot wait to be a part of it this summer.
Of course, one of the biggest events of the summer is the Douglas County Fair, and this year is going to be a huge challenge and an even bigger adventure for me. I’ll be helping with the 4-H program all week and exhibiting my market and breeding hogs as an FFA member. It is going to be a whirlwind, but I love a good challenge and I’m excited to rise to the occasion!
During my interview for the internship, I was asked how I might help shape the culture of the fair this year. I immediately thought about how much I love a good t-shirt- not just for the style, but for how it can unite people and spark for pride. So, I came up with a t-shirt fundraiser! The shirts feature “Douglas County 4-H” on the front and the 2025 fair logo on the back and they celebrate our beloved fair mascot Dougy’s 60th Birthday! All proceeds will go toward supporting the Douglas County 4-H Ambassador Team. This project is more than just raising money- it is about bringing our community together to celebrate 4-H, agriculture and youth involvement.
I know this summer will be full of learning, growth and lots of hard work, and I truly couldn’t be more excited. I am so grateful for the opportunity to give back to the program that I grew up in and learn from the passionate people who make Extension such a vital part of our community.
Thank you for reading, and I hope everyone has a great summer!
During my time here at the Oregon State University Extension Service office in Morrow County I have had such a fun summer! I have learned so many amazing things about what the Extension Service is all about. I have felt like I have grown my confidence level of being assertive and confident enough to where people felt like they could come to me if they had any questions. This was a challenge for me when I first started my internship. I was never confident in my answers to the public and was always double checking before answering them. Now I have the confidence and knowledge to help people in a way that is more presentable.
During my internship I was able to be hands on in several events. The largest being fair. I had such an amazing time at our county fair and felt like I was able to help and show kids that even though you may not be able to still show animals you can still be a role model to the younger kids and help them have an amazing fair. Fair was by far my favorite event I got to help with but helping with all the other events has been a blast as well. During this internship every day has been a little different and that is why I have come to love this summer so much!
A key takeaway for me over this entire summer has been just rolling with the punches. There is never a guarantee that the day will go as planned and that is alright! As long as things get done before the due date it is a success. This is a great life motto to live by I feel, and it is something I have tried to live by but this summer has really amplified the trueness of this statement. There have been many other lessons I have learned but I feel this is the greatest piece of advice I have come to know is true. This internship has really allowed me to grow as an employee and grow my skillset to be a larger asset for myself. I really encourage other college students to apply for this internship if they are not sure what they want to do for the summer.
Hi, my name is Jacob Falk. I am originally from Wallowa County, and had the privilege of returning as an intern for Oregon State University Extension Service in Wallowa County for a second year. My internship was slightly different this year, allowing me to gain a wider acquaintance with the Extension office in Wallowa County.
Jacob Falk in Wallowa County
This year, I had the privilege to intern under Pet Schreder helping to collect data for the East Moraine Virtual Fence project on the Wallowa Lake Moraine. Each day started out hiking or 4-Wheeling in the beautiful Wallowa County outdoors to check trail camera footage and monitor grazing impacts on “exclusion zones”. I found my time spent surrounded by the outdoors educational and refreshing. It was an amazing opportunity to learn more about a new technology, improve my record keeping skills, and expand the scope of career choices.
Carrying over from last year, I had the opportunity to work with an incredible team of youth leaders in preparation for the Tri-County 4-H camp in Summerville. This was another highlight of my summer. Through the 4-H portion of my internship, I helped train councilors, organize events and execute plans to help positively impact youth in this regain.
Although this internship has been fun, growth does not come from the most enjoyable moments. It is important to notice the difficult aspects of our work, learn from the challenge and grow as an individual. One of the most educational moments of my internship was when an individual showed extreme apprehension to attending an overnight 4-H event. After a long conversation and much reassurance, I was able to give this individual a tour of the facility while explaining what our event was about. Although this individual was unable to attend the event, I left the situation with a sense of accomplishment that this person may be more comfortable attending overnight 4-H events in the future.
As a returning intern, I can honestly say this experience provided an opportunity to grow professionally, personally and practice career ready skills. Overall, my experience has been incredibly beneficial in developing new skills and deciding future career paths.
This summer with Oregon State University Extension has been so gratifying, growing my skills as a communicator, leader, and organizer. My name is Nyla Bennett and I’m closing out my internship at Wheeler County. I worked with the 4-H program over this summer, spearheading two 4-H county events and getting to be a part of multiple other large scale 4-H endeavors. When looking back on the goals I had set for both my personal development and community impact in this position, I am happy to say I achieved them.
Nyla Bennett at 4-H field day. Photo: Miesha Bennett
For my first goal, I wanted to bring educational opportunities to the rural youth in our county that they would not otherwise get to experience. Being part of 4-H myself when I was younger, I recognize how important this program is to introduce a wider variety of topics to kids and communities. The events I spearheaded achieved that, the first was our county wide 4-H field day. I chose classes, communicated with workshop teachers, organized class schedules and then led icebreakers, games and taught a class at the event. The field day set 4-H’ers up for success with their current projects, and introduced them to potential project interests. We had classes on photography, archery, rope halter making, ice cream science and so much more.
The other event I arranged was our Wheeler County Cloverbud Day Camps. This two-day event is something I’m incredibly proud of. The pre-K through third grade kids were fascinated with the workshops we offered, and had whole-hearted enthusiasm for every activity. I planned curriculums for interactive classes with topics such as “Wheat Ag”, “Chicken Anatomy” and “Buoyancy” that the younger age group could understand and engage with. I created the schedule, advertised, and worked with my supervisor to create this amazing, free event. Being able to bring youth together so they can learn and grow is so important to me and I’m glad I was able to be a part of these activities.
One aspect of this position I was excited for was getting to work with a variety of people in ever changing situations and settings. In my past jobs I generally stayed within set areas for predictable things. However, working in this position I was often thrown into new situations that tested my skills and pushed me to grow. For example, one day I was asked to teach a class in Mitchell. I had two days to prepare, then I traveled there and taught a pollinator class that introduced the students to bees’ effect on agriculture and robotics. I was given the responsibility of representing Wheeler County Extension on my own and this experience, along with others like it, strengthened my abilities to quickly organize and execute a plan.
Being an Oregon State University Extension intern in Wheeler County has been everything I wanted and more. I want to thank my supervisor, Amy Derby, for guiding and supporting me. Through this position I have grown my skills, tested my abilities, and brought opportunities to the community I cherish.
