Tag Archives: Wallowa County

OSU Extension intern finds personal and professional growth

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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 poses in front of boxes 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.

Getting a well-rounded view of Extension in Wallowa County

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A group of 14 young people on bleachers.
Camp counselor training.
Photo credit – Deb Warnock

Hello, my name is Jacob Falk. This summer I will be a summer intern in the OSU Extension office in Wallowa County. I am a student at the University of Idaho pursuing a degree in agricultural education with a minor in veterinary sciences.

I grew up in Wallowa County and was heavily involved with our local 4-H program. I worked closely with Debi Warnock on 4-H projects and building leadership skills. When she suggested this internship to me, I was interested to see how Extension education would differ from traditional classroom instruction. Being able to have a well-rounded concept of everything involving my career path will encourages me to make a sound, well-rounded, long-term career decision that will be productive and enjoyable.

I have been working at the Extension office for a little over a month. So far, I have had the opportunity to interact with almost every Extension program Wallowa County has to offer. I have been able to monitor the population of armyworm in the county with our forestry and natural resources agent, planned youth events and participated in multiple 4-H leadership activities with our 4-H Youth Development agent and began helping with our local SNAP-Ed program with the Family Community Health program. Overall, my experience so far has been greatly diversified and my work has been fulfilling and encouraging!

I am eager to keep working and I’m finding I’m most interested in the 4-H Youth Development Program. I am excited to keep helping to plan 4-H events and interact with a high quality youth who are driven to learn.

 

I accomplished my mission of giving back to 4-H

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Hi, everyone my name is Celilo Brun and I am wrapping up the last week of my internship with OSU Extension in Wallowa County. This summer was unlike the rest. Usually, I spend the majority of my summer at the lake, but instead I got to spend it giving back to the future generations in agriculture through 4-H members. When I was in 4-H I got to experience everything that 4-H offered, from showing cattle to taking a photography class. I did it all. Even though I had these amazing experiences my mission wasn’t over. I wanted to make sure other youths got to have these amazing experiences in 4-H, like I did. As I sit here and reflect on the past few months, I realized that I accomplished my mission of giving back. 

Four young people
Celilo Brun (far right) and attendees of her cattle fitting clinic.

Throughout my internship I was fortunate enough to meet many amazing individuals that aided in my growth. They showed me their most authentic, giving and caring selves. They all have roles in 4-H. Leaders, volunteers, Extension agents and staff, parents and the community all have an open hand and heart when it comes to 4-H. They are willing to do anything for these members because they know that they will give back to the community in many ways. Observing these individuals’ passion for 4-H and the youth was a beautiful sight to see, even if these individuals didn’t know it. Once I saw the passion flow, I knew it was time to start giving back.  

While most of my internship was spent behind the scenes creating flyers, posters and fun interactive content for youths. I was able to go out and interact with the youth in various ways, including: 

  • Free Summer Lunch Program 
  • Eastern Oregon Livestock Show 
  • Tri-County 4-H Camp
  • Leaders’ meetings 
  • Putting on a cattle fitting clinic 
  • Wallowa County Fair 
4-H’ers participated in the kids parade at Chief Joseph Days.

There are many more ways that I have interacted with youth not listed above. These experiences allowed me to reflect on all of the great memories, lessons and new skills that I had developed from similar experiences. When attending these events, I wanted to make sure I emphasized those skills and experiences that they gain from these opportunities. This is very valuable for them to recognize because usually it takes many years before they see the importance. Some of these skills include public speaking, communication, adaptability, and relationship building.  

From being a 4-H’er to being a helping hand for 4-H’ers this has been a very meaningful experience and one that I will never forget. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support and guidance of many individuals. Thank you to all those individuals who made it possible. Everyone has shined their light into my life with their experience, passion, and love. Those lights have shined bright in my life and will continue to positively impact my life for many years to come.

I would also like to shout out all of the Extension staff in Wallowa County and all Extension programs across the state. Without Extension staff nothing we do would be possible. They are the secret superheroes that make 4-H and Extension programs so successful, and they aren’t always appreciated. My appreciation for all these individuals, parents, community members, and leaders have significantly grown thanks to this experience. I want to continue advocating for these individuals and the youth in agriculture. I can’t wait to watch the program flourish from the sidelines. Thank you!

 

 

Extension agents and staff are my superheroes

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Hello everyone, my name is Celilo Brun. I grew up in the Hood River Valley where I was a part of OSU Extension 4-H for as long as I can remember, and FFA. After I graduated from high school, I moved to Joseph, Oregon, where took a year off of school to serve as the 2020-21 Oregon FFA state treasurer. As treasurer, I learned more about agriculture while helping kids find their passion in ag and FFA. I also started my own show cattle company, Hurricane Cattle Co. This allowed me to continue to fuel my passion for the livestock industry. Fun fact: I have shown cattle in over 10 states!

Celilo Brun with her steer, Henry and her heifer, Sassy.

This past school year I attended Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) where I am majoring in agriculture communications. On top of my schooling, I am on the Livestock Judging Team, Show Team, and I am the president of our Block and Bridle Club (a collegiate agriculture club). After my sophomore year at EWC I plan on transferring to a university to continue my education and livestock judging.

If you can’t tell, my passions have always been for agriculture and advocating for the future of agriculture. I believe that advocating for the future generations in agriculture is essential because they become the future leaders in agriculture. In my future I would like to be a traveling sales representative for an agriculture-related company, as well as continuing to be an agricultural advocate through seminars and leadership opportunities.

Celilo Brun took pictures at this year’s Eastern Oregon Livestock Show.

I began my internship in the OSU Extension office in Wallowa County at the beginning of June. I jumped right into planning and preparing for the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show. From there I have been helping the SNAP-Ed nutrition program by attending summer lunch programs, the Wallowa County Watershed Festival, and facilitating workshops to kiddos in the Building Healthy Families summer program. During the slower days I have been preparing for the Wallowa County Fair, Tri-County 4-H Camp, and my cattle clinic. This time of year it’s crazy in the Extension office with deadlines, fair, and various events that have been taking place!

Ever since I joined 4-H in fourth grade I thought OSU Extension has been a very positive and welcoming environment. I have attended workshops and done various projects though extension and I never once felt like I wasn’t at home. The staff are some of the hardest working people I know, and they want everyone to succeed in what they are doing. Extension agents and staff are truly superheroes.