2026 Oregon 4-H Summer Conference: A Century-Long Tradition of Leadership, Learning, and Connection

Corvallis, Ore. June 24-27, 2026) – Another successful Oregon 4-H Summer Conference has come and gone, and we are excited to share highlights from this year's event, held June 24–27, 2026, on the Oregon State University campus.

For more than 100 years, Summer Conference has served as a cornerstone experience for Oregon 4-H youth. It provides young people with opportunities to build leadership skills, teach and learn from one another, explore higher education pathways, develop lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. This year's conference continued that proud tradition while showcasing the many ways 4-H prepares youth for future success.

Statewide Reach and Participation

This year, 216 youth representing 31 Oregon counties participated in Summer Conference. Their experience was made possible through the support of 47 adult chaperones, many of whom are longtime Oregon 4-H volunteers who return year after year to invest in the next generation.

Recognizing that transportation can be a barrier for some families, Oregon 4-H also provided bus transportation from Lostine, Astoria, Central Point, and Burns, helping ensure youth from across the state had access to this unique opportunity.

Experiential Learning and Career Exploration

Participants selected from more than 58 educational sessions spanning science, agriculture, health, creative arts, recreation, and leadership development. Popular offerings included Paper Rocket Engineering, a Sheep Genetics Escape Room, leather crafting, livestock management, yoga, salsa making, food preservation, and many more hands-on learning experiences.

A particular highlight this year was the intentional integration of OSU's academic colleges into conference programming. Through partnerships with the College of Forestry, College of Business, College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, and the College of Agricultural Sciences, youth had opportunities to interact with faculty, students, and facilities that brought higher education and career pathways to life.

These experiences help participants envision themselves on a college campus and expose them to future educational and professional opportunities they may not have previously considered.

Experiencing Life as a Beaver

One of the most powerful aspects of Summer Conference is that youth are immersed in the OSU campus environment for four days.

Participants lived in residence halls, shared meals in West Dining Hall, and explored campus while building connections with peers from across Oregon. Classes and tours took place across campus locations including Magruder Hall (the OSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital), the OSU Dairy Barn, the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts, Peavy Hall, Dixon Recreation Center, the Memorial Union, and several other iconic campus destinations.

For many youth, Summer Conference provides a first glimpse into what college life can look and feel like.

Service Beyond Campus

The 4-H pledge calls on members to dedicate their hands to larger service, and this year's conference offered a powerful opportunity to do just that.

On Friday, 270 youth and adults participated in community service projects benefiting the greater Corvallis community. Projects were completed in partnership with Corvallis Parks & Recreation, the Benton County Fairgrounds, Heartland Humane Society, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

These service projects reinforced the values of citizenship, responsibility, and community engagement that are central to the 4-H experience.

Celebrating Achievement

The week began with an engaging opening session featuring keynote speaker Eddie Cortes, who challenged participants to think critically about the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Summer Conference concluded with the annual Recognition Breakfast at McAlexander Fieldhouse, where youth were recognized for their accomplishments and leadership. Honorees included National 4-H Congress delegates, scholarship recipients, State Ambassadors, participants in national events, and graduating high school seniors. The breakfast also provided a meaningful opportunity for Board members, volunteers, staff, and youth to connect through shared 4-H experiences and stories.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to strengthen and expand Summer Conference, we hope the Board will help share its value and impact throughout Oregon.

One important aspect of Summer Conference that is sometimes overlooked is that the event is open to all youth in grades 7–12—not just current 4-H members. As participation grows, Summer Conference can serve as both a culminating experience for existing 4-H members and an entry point for youth who may not otherwise engage with traditional county-based programming.

By helping spread the word to families, educators, community leaders, and potential partners, you can play an important role in ensuring that more Oregon youth have access to this life-changing opportunity.

Thank you for your continued support of Oregon 4-H and the Oregon 4-H Foundation. Together, we are helping young people discover their potential, explore future possibilities, and build the skills they need to thrive.

please visit Summer Conference — OSU Extension Service