4-H is the largest out-of-school youth program in the United States and the only nationwide youth organization administered through land grant universities. In Oregon, 4-H is affiliated with Oregon State University. 4-H Youth Development is a program of the Oregon State University Extension Service that serves nearly 25,000 youths across the state.
In addition to the paid faculty and staff who provide leadership to 4-H, more than 5,000 adult and teen volunteers offer their time and talents to
Oregon 4-H. To serve youths from underserved populations with identities that intersect with “geek culture,” OSU Extension 4-H created the Questing Clovers Retreat (QCR) in 2023.
Recruitment for the retreat targeted youths who identify as socially anxious, LGBTQ+, people of color and/or neurodivergent. The retreat goals were to:
- Help youths develop lasting connections.
- Grant youths opportunities to explore various interests.
- Encourage youths to engage with established 4-H programs in their county/state.
The 2024 retreat was held in September at Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, serving youths aged 10-19. The camp featured trained youth leaders, 15 hands-on educational sessions, nine “geekdoms” and learning quests centered on leadership and empowerment, a cosplay competition and community activities such as team-building exercises and opportunities for youths to connect with others who shared similar interests.
A significant aspect of the retreat was a $10,000 grant secured from Braemar Charitable Trust which helped reduce costs for attendees by offering scholarships. Educational classes were provided by a combination of 16 OSU Extension faculty and staff members and 13 volunteers. Workshops included unique topics such as “Hanakotoba: The Secret Language of Flowers,” “Call the Medic: Apocalypse First Aid” and “Introduction to Elven Archery.” These sessions were organized into five different guilds: Rangers (protectors), Engineers (problem solvers and makers), Masters (leadership), Artisans (creatives) and Guardians (stewards of nature).
The Youth Planning Committee, consisting of eight adolescents from diverse backgrounds, played a crucial role in the retreat’s success. This group brought energy and thoughtfulness to the planning process, often voicing the concerns and opinions of the target audience, which helped create more genuine and reflective experiences for the campers. These youth leaders received over 20 hours of direct training and service, including an overnight preparatory planning retreat and multiple planning sessions. These committee members also acted as camp leaders during the retreat.
Accessibility was a key consideration in the retreat’s programming. The shift in location to Camp Kiwanis improved accessibility for attendees with limited mobility, as the latter had a smaller campus with buildings closer together.
The Questing Clovers Retreat hosted 67 youths, including those in the Youth Planning Committee. Campers came from 12 different Oregon counties, with additional participants from Washington and Idaho.
The retreat’s impact was evident in the feedback from participants. The goal of making lasting connections was demonstrated by 74% of the youths reporting that they made new friends at camp. Additionally, 89% of respondents indicated that attending camp gave them the chance to try new things. The third goal, promoting and connecting youth to established 4-H programs, was also achieved, with 43% of program registrants having never attended a 4-H camp before.
