Ross County 4-H member CJ Jones returns from Greek Immersion Trip

CHILLICOTHE – CJ Jones, a Ross County 4-H member recently returned home from participating in the Ohio 4-H Greece Immersion Trip to the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece. This unique opportunity, organized by Ohio 4-H, aimed to immerse participants in Greek culture while exploring diverse career pathways in agriculture and related fields.

Led by Steve Brady, assistant professor and 4-H educator, and Margo Overholt-Seckel, program manager, Ohio 4-H Workforce Development and Pathways, Jones was one of 13 Ohio 4-H teens who participated in the transformative adventure to explore into Greek culture while also gaining valuable insights into agricultural practices and career pathways. The trip, which spanned 10 days, allowed participants to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions and customs of Greece, fostering cross-cultural understanding and global awareness.

"CJ embraced the spirit of curiosity and ambition that we strive to cultivate in all our 4-H members,” said Brady. “By participating in the Ohio 4-H Global Immersion - Greece, his has the opportunity to broaden his horizons, forge meaningful connections, and lay the foundation for a successful future."

Throughout the immersive experience at the American Farm School, Jones and his peers will engage in a diverse range of activities, including hands-on agricultural experiences, cultural excursions, and interactive workshops. From exploring ancient landmarks to learning about sustainable farming practices, Jones gained invaluable insights into Greek culture and the agricultural industry.

As Jones represented Ross County on the global stage, their participation in the Greece Immersion Trip not only highlights their dedication to personal and professional development but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring youth in Ross County and beyond.

Following his return from Greece, Jones undoubtedly brought back a wealth of knowledge and experiences to sharewith his peers in Ross County and across Ohio. Their journey exemplifies the transformative impact of 4-H programs in empowering youth to become confident, capable leaders in their communities.

"The Ohio 4-H Global Immersion trip is a testament to Ohio 4-H's dedication to shaping well-rounded leaders who are prepared to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world," said Kirk Bloir, state 4-H leader.

Ohio 4-H is the youth development program of OSU Extension, the outreach program of The Ohio State UniversityCollege of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Ross County 4-H member returns from Greek Immersion Trip