Wagons Ho! The 4-H Wagon Train Brings History Alive for Oregon Families
Imagine this summer scene: a gentle breeze cooling sweat on your arms, while laughter of your hiking companions surrounds you. Up ahead, the faint roar of a river courses up ahead, one that you will most certainly have to ford. One step in front of the other, a hand on the horse beside you, the clip-clop of horse hooves carves out a path before you between miles of trees. And all you need is contained in a wagon rolling along behind you.
Since 1982, the 4-H Wagon Train, offered through Washington County 4-H and OSU Extension, has been making these images of the past a reality of today. Wagon families literally walk the trails of history by experiencing it first-hand: navigating large hills with replica 1883 wagons, feeding livestock, and reading the unexpected twists and turns of the trail and the weather.
The program was created 35 years ago to provide families a summer experience that is entirely focused on outdoor immersion and adventure, cooperation, and inter-generational fun. Over eight days, 60-100 participants walk or ride horses and wagons along Oregon backcountry trails, progressing 7-12 miles per day.
All participants are placed in wagon families, a group that cooks food together, completes camp chores, sleeps in tents under the stars, and builds community as the unexpected presents itself. Many participants look forward to the “rest day” on Tuesday of the trek, where participants can join in on pioneer games, crafts, horse games, and even a camp-wide talent show! Pioneer attire is encouraged during the week to deepen the immersion, but certainly not required.
This year, the Wagon Train will occur July 9-16, following a trail near a section of the Old Santiam Wagon Road near Sisters in Central Oregon. Participants will prepare for the trek by attending orientation meetings throughout the spring, as well as the Tune-Up Trek, a one-day event from June 25-26 that acts as a trial run of the longer 8-day event.
Given all the summer programs available to families in the Portland-area, this one stands out as a true gem. It is affordable ($225 per participant + 4-H fees and $35 per animal, for the entire eight days of food, lodging and fun), and no one is ever turned away because of cost barriers. It is unique, truly immersing participants in daily life of pioneers and the realities of traveling long distances by foot and horse. It provides a break from the distractions and stress of everyday life, time with loved ones, opportunities to make new friends, and encourages all participants to challenge themselves.
The 4-H Wagon Train is Oregon’s best-kept summer secret – will you take to the trail this year? For more information and to register, visit the program website at 4hwagontrain.org or talk to program organizers at this weekend’s NW Kids Summer Camp Expo at OMSI on April 2nd. Special thanks to Lyle Spiesschaert and Wayne Beck for their decades-long leadership of this program and for providing first-hand information for this article.
