Fifteen Ohio 4-H teens, including Hardin County’s Mariann Woodruff, are currently immersed in a dynamic leadership and cultural exchange program in Greece as part of the Ohio 4-H Global Immersion Project. From April 20 to 30, the group is stationed at the historic American Farm School in Thessaloniki, a renowned institution dedicated to agriculture, leadership development, and experiential education.
This intensive international experience puts Ohio teens at the forefront of learning about global agriculture, sustainability, and cross-cultural collaboration through hands-on activities, educational tours, and community service opportunities. The project is designed to equip youth with critical leadership skills while deepening their understanding of worldwide food systems and cultural traditions.
Ohio Teens Lead Cultural and Agricultural Exchange in Greece
Accompanied by experts including Steve Brady, assistant professor and Warren County 4-H educator, Theresa Ferrari, Ohio Military Kids Extension specialist, and Margo Overholt Seckel, Ohio 4-H Workforce Development manager, the teens are forming bonds with local Greek students and faculty. Together, they explore agricultural operations, partake in Greek cooking and pottery workshops, and dive into local music and dance traditions.
A standout moment in the trip took place in the village of Pleteno, where participants connected with a social cooperative of Pomak women, a Muslim minority community in northern Greece, gaining rare insights into their cultural crafts and traditions.
Global Service and Youth Leadership Take Center Stage
Beyond learning, Ohio teens are actively giving back. They led team-building and leadership workshops for over 100 Greek students in grades five and seven, forging significant cross-cultural communication skills that strengthen youth leadership in both Ohio and Greece. These interactive sessions are a vital part of the experience, empowering participants on both sides to develop confidence, collaboration, and global citizenship.
The program’s heavy focus on cultural immersion also included travel to iconic sites like Meteora’s Eastern Orthodox monasteries and attending a youth music festival in Xanthi, enriching the youths’ perspectives on history, religion, and art in Greece.
Why This Matters Now
The Ohio 4-H Global Immersion Project is supported by the Ohio 4-H Foundation alongside generous donors, emphasizing the urgent need for international experiential learning in youth development. This program builds essential global competencies as young Ohioans prepare to lead in an interconnected world economy and culture.
For Ohio residents following youth leadership and education development, this project showcases the state’s commitment to fostering global awareness and real-world skills among its next generation.
Those interested in helping sustain future international travel opportunities for Ohio youth can support the Ohio 4-H International Travel Support Fund at ohio4h.org/give-now.
Next Steps and What to Watch
The group will conclude its trip soon, returning home with new global leadership capabilities, cultural insights, and sharpened community service skills. Their experiences promise to ripple through local 4-H clubs and communities across Ohio, inspiring broader youth involvement in international projects.
Ohio 4-H teens’ ongoing engagement in global programs illustrates the expanding reach of youth leadership efforts—building bridges far beyond state lines toward a unified, informed future.
