Two Newman teens recently traded Central Valley sun for the wide-open landscapes of Montana and Wyoming as part of the Stanislaus County Hi 4-H Exchange program.
Newman 4-H members Evan Martins and Olivia Casey joined seven other Stanislaus County youth on an enriching summer adventure that spanned multiple rural towns, stunning national parks, and one unforgettable rodeo.
The group flew out June 24 and was greeted with a warm Montana welcome—complete with a barbecue and meet-and-greet hosted by families from Stillwater County. For Martins and Casey, the exchange experience was more than just sightseeing—it offered a hands-on look at small agricultural communities nestled along the Yellowstone and Stillwater Rivers.
During their stay, the group toured the Buffalo Bill Museum and explored Itch-ka-pee Park, where a day of hiking and rafting immersed them in Montana’s natural beauty. Their itinerary also included camping at Cooney Reservoir, visiting the Grey Cliff Mill and the Montana Silversmith Factory, and crossing into Wyoming to attend a rodeo in Cody and marvel at the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park.
“We got to do a lot of new and interesting things like rafting, camping, tubing off a speed boat,” said Casey. “We also got to go to a rodeo in Wyoming and drive through Yellowstone.”
Martins added perspective from both sides of the program, having hosted a Montana family the prior year. “As a host you kind of know what to expect, but as a visitor you’re experiencing everything new,” he said.
The Hi 4-H Exchange program—held every other year—emphasizes leadership, service, and cultural connection. Participants like Casey and Martins must be active members involved in their local chapters and committed to community service. Next year, Casey will host a 4-H family herself, continuing the cycle of hospitality and exploration that makes the program so impactful.
Whether hiking the Beartooth Mountains or discovering artisan crafts in Montana’s historic mills, the experience proved memorable—not just for the places they went, but for the friendships they built along the way.
Isabell Hayes, the Newman 4-H Reporter, contributed to this story.
