4-H « OSU Extension Internship Program

This summer, I had the privilege of working as an intern with the 4-H Extension Service. From
the moment I stepped into the office, I knew this was going to be more than just a seasonal job
— it was going to be an opportunity to connect with my community, strengthen my
professional skills and contribute to a program that has been making a difference in the lives of
young people for generations.

One of my first projects was creating informational bulletin boards. While this might sound
simple, it quickly became a creative challenge. The goal was to design displays that were not
only visually appealing but also informative and engaging for all ages. I researched topics,
gathered images and learned how to present information in a way that was accessible, fun and
aligned with the mission of 4-H. Seeing families stop to read the boards and talk about them
during events was incredibly rewarding — it reminded me that even small touches can leave a
lasting impact.

As the summer went on, preparations for the county fair kicked into high gear. Helping set up
for the fair was no small task. From moving tables and equipment to arranging exhibits, every
step required teamwork and problem-solving. The fairgrounds transformed from an empty
space into a lively hub of activity, showcasing livestock, crafts and the hard work of 4-H
members. I gained a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort that makes these
events possible, and I learned that flexibility and patience are just as important as physical work
when it comes to event preparation.

One of the highlights of my internship was running a fundraiser to support the 4-H
Ambassadors. I coordinated sales, promoted the event and worked closely with both the
ambassadors and community members. This experience taught me valuable lessons about
communication, organization and the importance of building relationships. It was amazing to
see how willing people were to support a good cause when they understood the mission and
saw the passion behind it.

Looking back, this internship gave me far more than I expected. I developed practical skills —
like event planning, public speaking and creative design — that I can carry into any future role. I
also gained a stronger sense of community and learned the importance of teamwork,
adaptability and service.

But beyond the skills, what I’ll remember most are the people — the dedicated staff, the
enthusiastic 4-H members, the supportive parents and the countless volunteers who make
everything possible. Their commitment inspired me and showed me the power of coming
together to achieve something bigger than ourselves.

My summer with the 4-H Extension Service wasn’t just about bulletin boards, fair set-up, or
fundraising — it was about being part of a mission that helps youth grow into capable, caring
and contributing members of society. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have played even a
small role in that mission, and I look forward to carrying these lessons into my next chapter.

-Kyla Baxter

Hello again! My name is Aspen Bowling, and I am currently getting ready to go into my third
year at Oregon State University. As I enter the final few weeks of my internship with the Oregon
State University Extension Service in Clatsop County, I’ve had time to reflect on all that I’ve
learned, the connections I’ve made and the meaningful work I’ve been fortunate to be part of.
From hands-on experience with local programs to helping at one of the county’s biggest annual
events, this internship has given me a deeper appreciation for community-based education,
agriculture and wellness.

OSU Extension intern, Aspen Bowling, snaps a photo of livestock showmen at the Clatsop County Fair. Photo: Aspen Bowling

One of the highlights of this half of my internship was attending the Joy of Gardening
Conference in Corvallis in July. This event brought together Master Gardeners, educators and
plant lovers from across the state to learn, connect and grow. I had the chance to sit in on
fascinating workshops, meet new faces and expand my knowledge of sustainable gardening
practices. Being part of a space where people were so passionate about sharing information
and building stronger garden communities was incredibly inspiring. Back here in Clatsop
County, I’ve continued supporting the OSU Master Gardener Program by helping with
educational events, prepping materials and working alongside volunteers who are committed
to teaching others how to grow food and care for the environment. It’s been a great experience
seeing how this program connects people of all ages and backgrounds. This summer, I also had
the opportunity to get creative with some digital media production. I’ve been involved in
everything from photography and graphic design to helping manage social media posts that
promote events and share the story of Extension’s work. While much of this happens behind
the scenes, it’s a big part of how Extension reaches wider audiences and keeps the community
informed and engaged. I’ve enjoyed learning how to blend creativity with communication to
support outreach and education.

One of the most meaningful parts of my internship was working at the Clatsop County Fair. Not
only was it exciting to be involved in the planning and support side like helping with 4-H events,
capturing moments through photography and being part of the team, but it also brought back
personal memories from when I was in 4-H myself. Walking through the barns and seeing youth
proudly show their animals reminded me of my own experiences growing up. It was truly
inspiring to see today’s 4-H members building confidence, learning responsibility and creating
the same kinds of lasting memories that shaped me. Being there reminded me of how impactful
those moments are and how important it is to keep supporting the next generation. Lastly, I’ve
continued working with the Family and Community Health program, assisting with outreach
and learning more about wellness education and nutrition resources. I have continued
participating in the Mobile Produce pantries, and it is still just as rewarding to see that program
firsthand. This work really showed me how Extension touches every part of community life,
from gardens to kitchens to classrooms.

With just a few weeks left, I’m grateful for everything this internship has taught me. I’ve grown
professionally, gained new skills and met so many inspiring people who are passionate about
helping others. It’s been an incredible season of growth for both the community and for me.

Gracie Cox

Since my last post, my weeks at Extension are flying by and I’m feeling more and more ingrained in Lane County’s projects and culture.

By far, the most exhilarating experience of my internship has been working at the Lane County Fair with our 4-H team for the 4-H and FFA Fair. Coming from a suburban background where my interactions with animals amounted to the occasional squirrel, witnessing the dedication, community and skill of 4-Hers at the fair was incredible. And even more so, I admired the efforts of 4-H families, volunteers and, of course, staff in aiding their success. While fair showed me just how much I still have to learn about this program, I’m impressed by how quickly I picked up the small details that enable an event as complex as fair to run smoothly; these being thorough and direct communication, knowing when to plan ahead and when to act in the moment and how to prioritize the public’s often contrasting needs.

A young man walking a black and white cattle in a fair barn. — A youth showman walking their steer to be groomed in the Lane County Fair’s Cattle Barn. Photo: Gracie Cox

A key takeaway from fair, and this experience as a whole, is that in public service, there is no “perfect” decision or program. There will always be unexpected (or even expected) hurdles, and the key to being successful in public-facing roles is embracing these challenges as learning opportunities. Even more, I’ve learned to focus on positive feedback and experiences to contextualize the less positive. Appreciating that, at the end of the day, your work has a net positive impact on the community is key to maintaining the vigor necessary to sustain yourself in this field. This is a lesson I plan on referring back to in all areas of my life, whether it be my education, career, relationships or as an overall approach to where and how I spend my time.

Two people sitting behind a table with yellow and blue papers on it — Gracie and Lane County 4-H’s EPA, Kate Hammarback, preparing materials for Master Showmanship at Lane County’s 4-H and FFA Fair. Photo: Elizabeth Gangwer

For future Extension interns, my advice is to throw yourself into the experience, even when it may be intimidating to try new things and potentially mess up. The “newness” of experiences and people at Extension is what makes this opportunity so beneficial. Lean into the aspects that you’re unfamiliar with and watch your confidence grow day by day. Those days will soon turn into weeks, which will turn into months, and all of a sudden, you’ll be preparing to tell Extension “goodbye.”

Hello! My name is Dean Burwash, I am a freshman at Oregon State University,
majoring in natural resources. I am an intern for the Oregon State University Extension
Service in Polk County. I have worked for OSU Extension previously as a Summer
Education Assistant at the Oregon Outdoor Education Center (formerly the Oregon 4-H
Center), where I taught at camps and helped manage the facility. I have been very
involved in 4-H for the last eight years, where I have served as a Polk County and 4-H
State Ambassador, camp counselor and 4-H intern. I have also attended numerous
conferences and taught various classes.

Dean Burwash at the Oregon 4-H Center. Photo: Sarah LaDuke

I just attended the 4-H Summer Conference for the last time as a youth, and I will
be a Junior Camp Director at both 4-H Wild West Camps this summer. I have been
going to camp since I joined 4-H. This year for the fair, I plan to enter some photos, a
wood mosaic (which is incomplete) and other miscellaneous static exhibits.
Previously, I worked for Oregon State University as a student employee at the
Oregon 4-H Center. I spent almost every night last summer living there and getting to
participate in each camp beyond the normal workday. I taught all kinds of activities and
classes, including archery, leatherworking, ropes course, big swings, arts & crafts and
canoes. This was my first job, and I feel like it gave me some unrealistic work standards
because of my love for camp. I am glad that I now have a wider range of work
experience types. This summer is primarily online and last summer was spent teaching
outdoors all the time.

This summer, for my internship, I am primarily working on grant applications to
begin with. These include requests from 4-H clubs, getting robotics curriculum,
purchasing incubators and funding art/welding classes. I am looking forward to
improving my grant application skills and hopefully seeing positive results. I am also
excited to be creating social media posts and learning how to use our new embroidery
machine! So far, I have started some grant applications, and I am working on finding
more.

Hello, my name is Abigail Cape, and this is my second-year interning for Oregon State
University Extension Service Polk County Extension in Dallas, OR. I am going into my third year at
Oregon State University majoring in psychology. After I graduate, as of right now I am hoping to go to
graduate school to get my doctoral degree in counseling psychology. For my future career I hope to either
have a career as a counselor with a specialty in trauma or becoming a counselor for teens and young
adults, with a Christian backing. Along with studying psychology, I am also going into my third year in
the clarinet section of the Oregon State University Marching Band, this is an activity that I just started
doing while at Oregon State and I have learned and grown so much in. This is also an area both on and off
campus where I am constantly making new connections as well as new friends. My past experience with
Oregon State Extension primarily is being a member of 4-H for nine years, volunteering with 4-H
Extension for a year and my internship with Extension last year. I was also granted the opportunity to take
a class on Extension that is taught by Oregon State. Throughout my time in 4-H I showed rabbits, bred
and owned market rabbits, turkeys and bred and owned market turkeys, as well as various leadership
roles.

Students at the Polk County Jr. Master Gardeners Camp begin learning about floral arrangements. Photo: Abigail Cape

Over this summer I hope to continue to learn about the various aspects of behind the scenes work
that goes into 4-H and Extension. In my internship last year, I was able to learn so much and I am
eternally grateful to have this opportunity for the second year in a row. Last year I worked with multiple
different project groups that I had never worked with before in the pre-fair weeks of planning and
preparation, particularly with horses. I was also able to do projects that were closer to what I did as a 4-
H’er by conducting a small animal master showmanship class. This class was meant to teach youth the
basics of handling different animals that would be found in a small animal master showmanship class,
basic knowledge about those animals and other information about your show presence that can help you
stand out while showing. Throughout this summer I am excited to learn more about how to plan and run a
variety of classes with different topics. I will also have the opportunity to learn more about marketing for
the 4-H program, working with various fundraisers and senior scholarship/graduating senior related
promotions. I also will have the chance to work on a multitude of fair related tasks. Through my past
internship experience I have learned so much and I hope to continue to learn and grow this summer! I
have grown up with a deep love of 4-H, which was developed quite a bit here in Polk County, and I am so
excited to help the program grow in any way that I can!

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!

OSU Extension Internship Program

Category Archives: 4-H

OSU Extension intern learns, serves and grows

Growing Confidence and Community

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OSU Extension intern shares highlights from a busy 4-H pre-fair week

OSU Extension intern leads with a heart to serve the community

OSU Extension intern takes on cranberries, tradition, and community education

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