Spring Break
National 4-H selects OSU for honors
Parents, students, biologists volunteer to focus on youth development, outdoors
Nick Ngo
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: News
It's all about the volunteers for the 4-H Wildlife Stewards program, a working program model that is being recognized for the 4-H Natural Resources Conservation Award.
The award was given to the 4-H Wildlife Stewards program on March 26. The award was presented by the national 4-H organization.
The 4-H Wildlife Stewards program is part of OSU Extension Services and is the first program to receive this award.
"This is a great example of how OSU is making a difference in communities across Oregon," said Roger Rennekamp, state 4-H program leader.
The award also comes with a $5,000 cash award.
"It was great. It was very rewarding for the whole program, all the volunteers and kids that's been participating," said Maureen Hosty, a 4-H youth faculty. "We were able to have two volunteers and youth go down to Phoenix, Ariz. to accept the award."
The award recognizes the hard work of the program.
"[The award is] recognition for what the program has done and mostly the volunteers - that's what it's all about," said Maggie Livesay, 4-H outreach agent.
The difference between 4-H Wildlife Stewards program and others is how it utilizes volunteers. Those who volunteer range from parents and students to retired biologists and community members.
"Some have a great background in science and some don't," Livesay said.
"They just want to give their time to kids and be connected with the outdoors."
Starting in 1996, the 4-H Wildlife Stewards program began looking at the environment and habitat and packaging them into an educational experience.
The program consists of 14,000 children and 60 schools across Oregon, focusing on youth development. Hosty said it establishes a strong development for children to convey new ideas, demonstrating changes in knowledge, behaviors and attitudes.
The program is an opportunity for young students to broaden their horizons, Rennekamp said.
"We believe it's a premiere way of helping young people understand their role with the world around them," Rennekamp said.
The award was given to the 4-H Wildlife Stewards program on March 26. The award was presented by the national 4-H organization.
The 4-H Wildlife Stewards program is part of OSU Extension Services and is the first program to receive this award.
"This is a great example of how OSU is making a difference in communities across Oregon," said Roger Rennekamp, state 4-H program leader.
The award also comes with a $5,000 cash award.
"It was great. It was very rewarding for the whole program, all the volunteers and kids that's been participating," said Maureen Hosty, a 4-H youth faculty. "We were able to have two volunteers and youth go down to Phoenix, Ariz. to accept the award."
The award recognizes the hard work of the program.
"[The award is] recognition for what the program has done and mostly the volunteers - that's what it's all about," said Maggie Livesay, 4-H outreach agent.
The difference between 4-H Wildlife Stewards program and others is how it utilizes volunteers. Those who volunteer range from parents and students to retired biologists and community members.
"Some have a great background in science and some don't," Livesay said.
"They just want to give their time to kids and be connected with the outdoors."
Starting in 1996, the 4-H Wildlife Stewards program began looking at the environment and habitat and packaging them into an educational experience.
The program consists of 14,000 children and 60 schools across Oregon, focusing on youth development. Hosty said it establishes a strong development for children to convey new ideas, demonstrating changes in knowledge, behaviors and attitudes.
The program is an opportunity for young students to broaden their horizons, Rennekamp said.
"We believe it's a premiere way of helping young people understand their role with the world around them," Rennekamp said.
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