4-H News

June 19, 2014 by Staff Report

Geauga County Youth To Visit Norway Through 4-H

A Geauga County youth has been selected to travel to Norway this summer as part of the 4-H/Norway Exchange Program. Amanda O’Reilly, 17, daughter of Kevin and Amysue O’Reilly, will join other 4-H’ers from across the country for the exchange, June 25 to July 25. While in Norway, the American teens will be learning the local culture by living with Norwegian host families and participating in community life.

Amanda is among 15 4-H’ers from the United States who will be visiting Norway. She will begin her tour with orientation sessions in Chicago and Oslo, Norway. The program in Norway is coordinated by the Norwegian 4-H Federation. A weeklong Nordic Camp with hundreds of 4-H’ers from all the Scandinavian countries will be part of the experience.

Amanda attends Notre DameCathedral Latin School and is active in Science Olympiad, Mu Alpha Theta math honors society, Spanish Club and Campus Ministry.

She says that she decided to apply for the Norwegian experience because “this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. My dad traveled with 4-H to Botswana, Africa, in 1993 and I hosted a Japanese girl with 4-H in 2011. Now I’m an outbound exchange myself. I also live to learn and this is certainly one way to do so!”

Young people interested in traveling overseas or families interested in hosting someone from around the world either this summer or in the future, should contact their local county extension office at 440-834-4656 or visit www.ohio4h.org/youth/international.

Ohio 4-H also seeks families to host youth from Japan for 1 month during the summer. Youth and families do not need to be current 4-H members to apply. Join the fun.

(Submitted by Amanda O’Reilly)