Youth education resources

For more than 100 years, OSU Extension has been helping Oregon’s young people learn, grow, and thrive — and we’re just getting started.

Across the state, OSU Extension educators create hands-on, research-based learning opportunities for youth and families in schools, communities, and the outdoors. From early learning to leadership development, our programs help youth build confidence, curiosity, and lifelong skills. We are teachers, mentors, researchers, and neighbors — committed to supporting every child’s path to success.

This summer, discover camps and programs that spark growth, friendship, and a love of learning — from outdoor adventures to campus-based creativity.

Photo: Chris Branam

4-H Summer Camps

Oregon 4-H overnight camps combine outdoor adventure with skill-building and personal growth where kids learn by doing on the wooded campus of the Oregon Outdoor Education Center in West Salem. With seven themed and age-specific weeks to choose from, 4-H camps help youth ages 8–13 gain independence, try new challenges, and connect with friends in a fun, inclusive setting with near-peer cabin leaders and adult educators.

Find Your Summer Camp

a young kid crafts with support from an OSU student

Photo: Maia Insinga

KidSpirit Summer Programs

KidSpirit’s summer programs on the OSU Corvallis campus offer fun, inclusive, and high-quality learning for youth ages 2–18. With age-based options in art, science, cooking, swimming, gymnastics, and more, KidSpirit empowers youth to grow through challenge, creativity, and connection — all with a growth mindset focus.

OSU Extension's 4-H program highlights youth voices

Elizabeth Neese, a 4-H member in Polk County, has been raising rabbits for seven years. She was one of the experienced 4-H'ers who conducted health checks for the rabbits during the Critter Campus. Neese also taught a class called "Preparing your rabbit for a show."

"I’m motivated to see all these younger 4-H’ers succeed and be curious and learn things. It’s an amazing experience. I’m so glad I’m able to grow up with 4-H in my life and I want to help those who also want 4-H in their lives.”

Credit: Josie Noteboom (Cropped from original)

Extension programs for youth

4-H Youth Development: 4-H empowers young people with hands-on learning experiences to help them grow and thrive. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, young people develop the skills needed to make a positive impact on the world around them.
Open Campus: OSU Open Campus provides local access to learning to address the unique educational needs of Oregon’s communities. Through a statewide partnership network, Open Campus delivers education to underserved and place-bound Oregonians.
Outdoor School: OSU Extension works in collaboration with schools, partners and communities to administer funds to support and grow the statewide Outdoor School program for Oregon’s 5th and 6th grade students.
KidSpirit: KidSpirit provides young people with intentional, high quality, equitable learning experiences that promote positive interactions. Activities include sports, arts, science, gymnastics, cooking and many other activities offered each summer or throughout the year.

Resources by subject

Photo: Amy Schmid

Photo: USDA Food & Nutrition Service

Resources by grade level

Latest resources

OSU students and Extension faculty build a food calculator to teach kids about food and sustainability

Six seniors of the College of Engineering designed an interactive website that shows how what we eat affects our health and the planet through nutritional value, carbon and water footprints.

Grace Xue | Jun 13, 2025 | News story

New documentary brings Oregon’s Outdoor School experience to life

For many Oregonians, Outdoor School is a rite of passage that crosses generations. OSU Extension produced a 17-minute documentary about this journey following sixth-grader Angel at Camp Kuratli.

Grace Xue | May 27, 2025 | News story

In memoriam, Kyle Loeschen still helping 4-H

The Loeschens chose to donate proceeds from the tournament to 4-H because of the family’s appreciation for the OSU Extension program.

Mitch Lies | May 15, 2025 | News story

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Try these activities at home!

Families can play BEPA 2.0 activities at home with either the English and Spanish instructions to increase their daily physical activity.

Try out:

Food group ball pass
Bean bag balance
Breakfast song
Bucket ball
Muscle tag
And more!

See all the activities

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Food Hero

Food Hero is your go-to bilingual site for quick, delicious, healthy recipes, and helpful tips. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will find something new for your family to enjoy.

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Community planning

Community science

Nutrition and healthy eating

Environmental education (PreK-12)

Parenting

Physical activity

Upcoming Events

Jun 23 - Jun 25

Youth Tractor Safety Class, Aumsville (Victor Point Farms)

8:00 am - 4:30 pm Aumsville, OR

Jun 23 - Jun 25

Youth Tractor Safety Certification, Aurora (NWREC)

8:30 am - 4:30 pm Aurora, OR

Jul 1 - Jul 3

4-H Kids Camp (Ages 8-11)

Salem, OR

Aug 5 - Aug 9

Wildlife Stewards 4-H August Camp (Ages 8-12)

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Salem, OR

Meet Our Experts

Julie Scism

4-H Education Program Assistant

Contact me with 4-H Questions in Clatsop County.

Yasmeen Hossain

Associate Director of the Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP)

Contact for environmental education opportunities, questions, and ideas throughout Oregon.

Charissa V. Jones

Outreach and Inclusion Coordinator

Robin Maille

Family & Community Health/SNAP-Ed

Associate Professor of Practice, Extension FCH

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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What should we plant in our school community garden?

Q: I’m a teacher and I want to start a community garden with my middle school students. We would like to grow a variety of flowers and other plants that will encourage pollinators. What do you recommend we plant? It should have maintenance needs appropriate for middle schoolers to provide.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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