4-H Rendezvous at the Ranch: Sparking Older Youth Interest in Out-of -County 4-H Opportunities

1. Ready? SET LeGO! Ready? SET LeGO! Due to the isolation and distance to major cities/airports, older youth participation out –of- county 4-H events has been historically low from youth in two rural Oregon counties. Over the last five years, the new 4-H Agents have both diligently worked to combat the cost and distance issues that arise when seeking out -of -county 4-H opportunities by providing scholarships and transportation. However, older youth 4-H members have still been hesitant to participate at these events due in part to the “fear of the unknown”. Therefore to familiarize intermediate and senior 4-H members with out of county 4-H opportunities, a biannual older youth retreat has been implemented as a co-county effort. The Due to the isolation and distance to major cities/airports, older youth participation out –of- county 4-H events has been historically low from youth in two rural Oregon counties. Over the last five years, the new 4-H Agents have both diligently worked to combat the cost and distance issues that arise when seeking out -of -county 4-H opportunities by providing scholarships and transportation. However, older youth 4-H members have still been hesitant to participate at these events due in part to the “fear of the unknown”. Therefore to familiarize intermediate and senior 4-H members with out of county 4-H opportunities, a biannual older youth retreat has been implemented as a co-county effort. The COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES 4-H Rendezvous at the Ranch: Sparking Older Youth Interest in Out-of -County 4-H Opportunities Jamie Davis, Oregon State University Extension Agent | Jed Smith, Oregon State University Extension Agent | Kenzie Smith, Collegiate 4-H Intern Abstract • Abstract • The 4-H program is full of amazing out of county regional, state and national opportunities for older 4-H members. However, it is often difficult to showcase and advertise these experiences through printed marketing materials. To better acquaint older youth 4-H members with out of county 4-H opportunities, a biannual overnight retreat has been incorporated into two rural counties. This poster will share unique approaches on how to showcase and advertise out of county 4-H opportunities with older youth 4-H members in your county. Objectives of the Program • Short term outcomes for Rendezvous at the Ranch: • Increase awareness of the following regional, statewide and national 4-H opportunities: • 4-H Ambassadors | Collegiate 4-H | OSU Summer Conference | High Desert Leadership Retreat | Activate Oregon | National Conference | State Fair | 4-H Scholarships • Medium term outcomes for Rendezvous at the Ranch: • Youth create a larger 4-H network that has expanded beyond their 4-H club or county. • Youth seek statewide and national 4-H opportunities that support their personal goals. • Youth encourage other 4-H members to seek 4-H opportunities outside of the county borders. • Collegiate 4-H members become more competent in their teaching abilities. Youth & Colligate attendees of 2010 • Discussion • A large body of research supports the importance of youth attending residential 4-H programs (e.g. camps, retreats and conferences) in the development of life skills towards positive youth development (Garst et al., 2011). According to Garst and Jonson (2005) it is important for youth to seek opportunities outside of their home communities where they are more likely to “be themselves”. Rendezvous at the Ranch serves as a stepping stone for youth to seek out-of-county opportunities which allow them to develop life skills while being exposed to unique learning environments without the social constraints which may be present in their school and home communities. Overview • Due to the isolation and distance to major cities/airports, older youth participation in out-of-county 4-H events has been historically low from youth in two rural Oregon counties. Over the last five years, the new 4-H Agents have both diligently worked to combat the cost and distance issues that arise when seeking out -of -county 4-H opportunities by providing scholarships and transportation. However, older youth 4-H members have still been hesitant to participate at these events due in part to the “fear of the unknown”. Therefore to familiarize intermediate and senior 4-H members with out of county 4-H opportunities, a biannual older youth retreat has been implemented as a co-county effort. The retreat, entitled 4-H Rendezvous at the Ranch, showcases state and national 4-H opportunities and expands the member’s 4-H network. This retreat was held in 2010 & 2012 and over twenty youth have attended; many who have since attended a state 4-H event. Program Evaluation • An IRB approved survey measures knowledge gained and short term objectives met in 2010 & 2012. Overall the results indicate participants reported knowledge learned on all short term objectives. Specific results follow: • References • Garst, B. Nichols, A., Martz, J. NcNeely, N.N., Bovitz, L., Frebertshauser, D., … Graton, M. (2011). Examining Youth Camping Outcomes Across Multiple States: The National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC). Journal of Youth Development[On-Line], 6(1). • Garst, B. A. & Johnson, J. (2005). Adolescent leadership skill development through residential 4-H camp counseling. Journal of Extension [On-line], (43)5. Delivery Methods • The 4-H Rendezvous at the Ranch is an overnight retreat held in a rural setting located at the border of the two counties who coordinate this effort. Highly engaging and interactive presentations showcase out of county 4-H opportunities which are available to older youth 4-H members. This event allows youth to experience what it is like to attend these opportunities by: being away from home, making new friends and participating in mock activities that are traditionally held during many of the statewide and national opportunities. What has made this approach truly unique is the majority of the presentations have been delivered by collegiate 4-H members who have personally attended and benefited from these opportunities. Target Audience • The Rendezvous at the Ranch reaches: • Intermediate and senior 4-H members from Lake and Klamath County Jamie M. Davis Oregon State University Lake County Extension Service 103 South “E” Street |Lakeview OR 97630 Jamie.Davis@Oregonstate.edu extension.oregonstate.edu/lake/ Jed Smith Oregon State University Klamath County Extension 3328 Vandenberg Rd. | Klamath Falls OR 97603 Jed.Smith@Oregonstate.edu extension.oregonstate.edu/klamath/ Kenzie Smith Oregon State University State 4-H Office 105 Ballard Hall | Corvallis OR 973310 SmitKenz@onid.orst.edu oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/