Hello again! 

This summer, I have had the privilege of interning with the OSU Extension Service in Douglas County. Since my last blog post, we have been busy preparing for the fair and making sure that everything ran smoothly throughout the week!

Photo of preparation for static exhibit pick up day at the Douglas County fair. Photo: Makaela Carter

For the past several weeks, I have been working out of the fairgrounds to help get everything ready for fair week. From putting together materials for each species exhibited at the fair to setting up spaces for our 4-H Static Exhibit Day, I have been involved in many of the behind-the-scenes tasks that go into preparing for the fair. 

Once fair arrived, I helped check 4-H members’ record books, staff the 4-H office at the fairgrounds, run supplies between barns and assist with anything else that was needed. Every day of this internship has brought a new adventure and a new opportunity to learn. Being able to see the direct impact that 4-H has on kids has been one of the most rewarding parts of this internship. 

A few weeks ago, I also had the opportunity to judge the Cloverbud 4-H exhibitors and learn more about their static projects. Although Cloverbud projects are judged on participation rather than competition, I had a great time interacting directly with the kids and seeing the amazing projects they had worked so hard on. From LEGO structures to quilts to floral arrangements, I was so impressed by the creativity and effort that each Cloverbud member put into their project. 

As my internship comes to a close, I have been reflecting on what a great summer it has been! I have had so many opportunities to gain hands-on experience, develop new skills and see the impact that 4-H has on our community. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to spend my summer giving back to my home county and being part of such a meaningful program. I can’t wait to take the skills and experiences I have gained this summer into my future career. Thank you to the Douglas County staff for making this such a memorable and rewarding summer! 

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