When: March 12-23, 2025
Who: Ohio 4-H Teens 15-18 (Teens are nominated by Ohio 4-H Professionals)
Where: American Farm School (https://www.afs.edu.gr/) – Thessaloniki, Greece. It was established in 1904, is renowned for its innovative approach to agricultural education. https://www.afs.edu.gr/afs-at-a-glance/
What: Participants will engage in a variety of educational classroom and field activities, including sensory analysis workshops with products such as feta cheese, honey, and olive oil. They will tour the school’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its experimental farms and research centers. Teens will be part of a “Work Internship” with AFS high school students working in cohorts focused on different program units that include: Animal and Plant Production, Food Science & Technology, and more. Youth will also participate in a cross-cultural and agricultural career field exploration program designed to help youth learn about careers in agriculture, cross-cultural interactions, workforce preparation and leadership skills.
In addition, youth will help facilitate team building and problem-solving activities through a Leadership Workshop with Greek high school and Jr. high students. By engaging with these students, the teen leaders will expand their leadership skill development and gain insights into teaching an international audience.
Two off-site cultural experiences include hiking in the Enipea Canyon near Mount Olympus and a visit to UNESCO World Heritage site Meteora, which features monasteries built in the 11th century atop of limestone pillars. A Greek cooking class, city history tour, and local farmers market activity are included.
Cost: To be determined – based on Grants received (Estimate- $2,000 – $3,000 per individual, includes airfare, all lodging, most meals, ground transportation, translation services, park entrance and program fees.)
Additional Components of the Trip Include:
Student Workshops: Tasting and Sensory analysis of Olive Oil, Cheese, and other local foods. Mediterranean diet: science and culture.
Recreation: Sports, team building, and Leadership games with AFS students, hiking Mount Olympus (highest peak in Greece – 9,573 ft.), trekking in Enipea Canyon, waterfalls, and more
Tours: Meteora (11th Century Monasteries built on gigantic rocks), Farmers Market of Voulgari, Aristotle’s Park, Anel Honey Park, Marianna’s Vine leaves (pit stop featured on Amazing Race – Season #35) and more…
Deadline for nominations: Please contact your 4-H Advisor if you are interested in having them nominate you for this experience. Teens must be nominated by October 1st.
More information about the history of the American Farm School: https://www.greece-is.com/the-american-farm-school-21st-century-farming/
Call or email if you have questions. brady.111@osu.edu or 513.695.1311