Douglas County « OSU Extension Internship Program

My name is Amaya Slay, and I am excited to spend my summer interning with Oregon State University Extension Service in Douglas County as part of the 4-H program. I am currently a student at Oregon State University majoring in agricultural and food business management. I have always enjoyed working with youth and being involved in my community, so this internship is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience while giving back to a program that has had such a positive impact on my life.

2026 Douglas County Cloverbud Camp. The theme was ‘patriotic’ in honor of America’s 250th birthday. They made lots of crafts, made snacks and explored the Master Gardener’s Discovery Garden. Photo: Amaya Slay

Over the summer, I hope to learn more about how Oregon State Extension and the 4-H program work behind the scenes to support youth, families and communities. I am excited to develop professional skills in leadership, communication and event planning, and I hope to gain a better understanding of the many responsibilities that go into creating meaningful experiences for young people and supporting volunteers. One of the things I am looking forward to most is working with the Douglas County community and getting to know the families, volunteers and youth who make the 4-H program so successful. I can’t wait to help with summer activities and events, like the fair, that create memories for youth in the community and help them build their confidence and leadership skills. Being able to contribute to a program that positively impacts so many young individuals is something that I am looking forward to being a part of.

In the future, my career goal is to work in a field where I can continue making a difference in the lives of others, whether through education, youth development or a related profession. This internship will allow me to explore those interests while gaining valuable real-world experience. Although I am still considering different options for a career path, this has been a great opportunity to learn more about work in Extension, a career field that I have been interested in. My experience has been great so far and has helped guide me in the right direction for my future career decisions.

My connection with Oregon State Extension began long before this internship. I participated in 4-H for many years, and those experiences helped shape who I am today. Through 4-H, I developed leadership skills, learned responsibility, built lasting friendships and gained confidence by trying new things and making connections with so many people within my community. Because of the positive experiences I had as a 4-H member in Douglas County, it is very rewarding to now be on the other side of the program as an intern in my home county. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to learning, growing and helping make this a successful summer for the youth and families of Douglas County.

Hello! My name is Makaela Carter, and I am very excited to be working with the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service in Douglas County as a 4-H intern this summer. I was born and raised in Douglas County, so I am grateful for the opportunity to work within my home community. I graduated from OSU this spring with a bachelor of science in agricultural sciences and a minor in agricultural and food business management. I will be returning to OSU this fall to pursue a master of science in agricultural education, with the goal of becoming a high school agriculture science teacher.

Makaela Carter smiles for a grad photo taken outside of the Memorial Union on OSU’s campus this past spring. Photo: Jacob McGhehey

I am extremely passionate about teaching others about the agriculture industry and helping students develop leadership skills early on. I hope to give students the resources they need to be successful in life after high school. Because I care deeply about education, I am excited to learn more about different types of educational outreach during my internship with OSU Extension this summer. I hope this experience will broaden my perspective on education and help me become a stronger educator in the future.

My involvement with 4-H began when I was 11 years old through raising and showing hogs at the Douglas County Fair. While my knowledge of OSU Extension as a whole has been limited, I am eager to expand my understanding throughout this internship. My main tasks this summer will be assisting with preparations leading up to the Douglas County Fair and helping out behind-the-scenes to ensure that it is a successful week for all 4-H members. I am looking forward to being a part of such an important event in the community!

Since beginning this internship a few weeks ago, 4-H activities have been in full swing. I helped prepare and facilitate our county’s Cloverbud 4-H Camp, where we offered many engaging activities for members. Kids created bug hotels, made bird feeders, performed science experiments, potted flowers and even put together a paper quilt that will be displayed at the fair this August along with the other 4-H static exhibits.

These three weeks have flown by and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store!

Douglas County intern, Makaela Carter, smiles for the camera at the end of the 4-H Cloverbud Camp alongside the 4-Hers, volunteers and other OSU intern (Amaya Slay); posing with the paper quilt that the Cloverbuds created. Photo: Katie Baxter

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! 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!

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!

I am Matthew Harting and I am a mechanical engineering student at Oregon State University. This summer I have been working at the OSU Extension office in Douglas County for 4-H. I haven’t had any prior experience with the Extension Service and my experience with agriculture is also limited. Nevertheless, I have been learning a lot about 4-H and am very grateful for the opportunity to intern with the Extension office.

Mathew Harting painting at 4-H Clover Bud Camp in Douglas County

Recently, I got the opportunity to teach at the Cloverbud camp in the Discovery Gardens in Roseburg. I was in charge of an exhibit called ‘The Mud Explosion’. When I informed the 4-Hers of this, you may imagine, their anticipation and curiosity were captured. Little did they know, the real display is better described as a small pop. However, they seemed not to care which I was thankful for.

I did the routine three times for three groups. By the time of the third group, I had gotten pretty good at it. The ‘explosion’ worked by filling a vial with runny mud and sealing it with an Alka-Seltzer. Eventually, the Alka-Seltzer would produce enough gass that it would blow open the vial it was in and make a muddy mess all over the launch pad (construction paper). The highest we vial we were able to launch landed in a small tree. Whomever wished to take the remaining muddy paper home then would be able to, undoubtedly to their parents’ delight.

Beyond the Cloverbud camp, I most look forward to the looming Douglas County Fair. Most of the work I have done thus far in my internship has been in preparation it. Before I became involved, I didn’t fully realize or appreciate all of the work it takes to have a county fair every year. I’m well aware now.

My job there will be to help with the daily tasks, such as counting and running ribbons to the appropriate places as well as any odd job that may come up and require attention. I am looking forward to this a lot! Regardless, in my second blog post I’m sure I will have plenty to say regarding Fair.

A woman stands in front of a brightly painted bulletin board and gives the thumbs up gesture. — Johanna Simonson, 4-H summer intern, in front of her finished bulletin boards.
Photo credit: Kelly Simonson

Wow, this summer has gone by fast! I feel like I shouldn’t even be writing my final blog post, but given there is only two weeks left of my internship, it makes sense.

This summer has been such an eye-opening experience. I experienced multiple facets of Extension. Right after I wrote my last blog post, I taught at a Cloverbud Day Camp at Extension’s Discovery Garden. That was enjoyable for me as well as the kids and quite a coincidence considering I was just telling my family how much I missed the kids at the daycare I worked at during school!

My next adventure was in Snap-Ed. That day I drove with a co-worker to Canyonville to set up a booth with samples of Couscous Salad and recipes to hand out at the farmer’s market. The majority of people trying out the sample loved it! A lot of people came back for more, and almost all the recipes we printed out were gone! It was a huge success. Not only that, but I got to learn more about my co-worker. Even though we were different ages, we still had many things in common, which was a delightful surprise.

Another experience I had was a “Mud and Manure” event. This may not sound like a lot of fun to some people and probably slightly disturbing. However, it was actually very educational, and I loved driving out to the farms to see some soil conservation designs around high-traffic livestock areas. I was impressed that the designs have lasted almost a decade, too. Through this event I got an idea of how I would like my job to look in the future. After the event, it wasn’t really planned to go on a farm call, but I am grateful that we did because it really helped me understand the fuller extent of what being a livestock and forage agent for Extension looks like.

A woman in a pink top stands at a table and makes candles with two kids in white shirts — Johanna Simonson making candles with 4-H.
Photo credit: Kelly Simonson

After this it was time to prepare for the fair. The main events I took charge of were line dancing, candle making, and the bulletin boards in the fairgrounds’ exhibit building. After hours of planning, preparation and creation, everything was finished.

At least 30 people attended the line dancing event. Everybody learned three new dances, which is a lot considering temperatures reached 90 degrees! The candle making event went so well that we ran out of soy wax after making around 25 candles. Even though the paper to decorate the bulletin boards came late, I improvised and painted them instead. Honestly, I am glad I did because they look WAY better than paper décor would. People actually liked the bulletin boards so much they took pictures in front of them. I am very pleased with my events at the fair, even if there were some things that needed to be improved.

Overall, I would say that this internship has been a great experience. I learned more about myself, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and I strengthened my self-discipline muscle. This internship has shown me that I am stronger than I thought I was in multiple areas of my life, and I am fearful to think of where I would be without having participated in this internship. I am extremely thankful to everyone who made it happen. So long, until next time!

May y’all be blessed,
Johanna Simonson

Hello y’all!

This is Johanna Simonson talking to you from Douglas County Extension Service.

Two women in an office hug and smile at the camera. — Oregon State University Douglas County 4-H Program Coordinator Kelly Simonson and Oregon State University Extension Service Summer Intern Johanna Simonson.
Photo Credit: Johanna Simonson

This summer I was granted the wonderful and fulfilling position of being an intern at Oregon State University Extension Service in Roseburg, Ore. I mainly work in the 4-H sector, but my internship also includes tasks that allow me to help other sectors of Extension. This allows me to complement my studies in Agricultural Science through a focus on agricultural education to the public. Additionally, I get the unique opportunity to work alongside my mom. How cool is that?! I save on gas, too.

This summer I have already gotten to experience so much. My responsibilities, lately, have mainly included updating, revising and editing documents and older county fair displays, which has strengthened my creative muscles in new ways. Additionally, I attended my first 4-H Extension meeting and proposed an idea that eventually was declined; however, I am proud of the courage I took to propose that idea. I can already see so much growth in my confidence in this internship.

I also have been able to prepare for the county fair and see the background of what goes into making fair happen every year. I have been a part of 4-H since I was in fourth grade. After high school, I bred and grew my own flock of sheep for 4-H youth, and then also helped my younger brother with his project. I had never considered the hard work and dedication that went into the fair every year. I hope to experience as much of 4-H extension as I can in as many settings as possible through this internship.

A woman in an orange shirt sits at a desk and sorts through pages in a binder. — Oregon State University Extension Service Summer Intern Johanna Simonson.
Photo Credit: Nikita Morales

Being around my co-workers, I see nothing but hard-working, dedicated, persevering and get-er-done people. I am constantly inspired by them and look to them for guidance and encouragement.

This summer, my internship will include multiple facets. A main portion will be preparing for the county fair. Another portion is helping with the Cloverbud day camps. I desire to grow my knowledge in youth ag curriculum through this internship, so I am very excited to experiment with that in the Cloverbud camps.

The last portion is fair week and fair take-down. Through all of these different opportunities, I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge in the office, on the procedures and routine of 4-H Extension and diagnosing and analyzing where things can be improved to build upon my knowledge of problem solving and efficiency in the workplace.

Overall, I hope that through this internship I will be able to see the direction I want to take in the agriculture major that either is or is not on my Extension path. I hope to also expound upon my ability to communicate agricultural issues to the public and educate youth as well.

May y’all be blessed!

-Johanna Simonson (soon to be Junior at Oregon State)

OSU Extension Internship Program

Category Archives: Douglas County

OSU Extension intern shares the path from 4-H member to mentor

OSU Extension intern supports education in the local community

OSU Extension intern learns, serves and grows

OSU Extension intern goes from member to mentor

OSU Extension intern receives a muddy introduction to 4-H

Internship showed I was stronger than I thought

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