When Cameron Watson reports back to his Portland school about his time on a ranch in Eastern Oregon, he will talk about fences.

“When you’re traveling across America and see a fence, know that took a lot of hard work,” the seventh-grader said. “And it’s either really hot or really cold -— never in between.”

Watson, who attends St. Rose School in Portland, and five of his schoolmates spent last weekend in Baker County as part of the 4-H Urban-Rural Exchange Program through the Multnomah County 4-H program.

Watson and Miguel Hosty stayed with Jake and Wendy Bingham.

Four sixth-grade girls — Kate Humphrey, Sylvia Austin, Laney Fadden and Elle Fadden — spent time with two host families, Beth and Wannie Mackenzie and Bob and Becky Harrell.

This is the first time Baker City has participated in the program, said Jayne Kellar, who works with the 4-H program at the OSU Extension Service in Baker County.

The students arrived on Thursday, April 6 with their chaperones, Scot and Sue Lawrence, who have worked with the program for four years.

The kids first met their host families, and then headed out to experience ranch life for the weekend.

For the Binghams and their guests, that meant building fence.

“We took a two-hour ride over the mountains to build a fence for seven hours,” Watson said.

They also learned how to brand bull calves.

“I did one — one and done,” Hosty said.

The girls spent a lot of time riding horses — something they’ve done before in Portland — and also helped work cows, vaccinate mares, and watched the branding process.

Although they could have lent a hand, the girls preferred to just watch the branding.

“Um, it was a little new for us,” Laney Fadden said.

They also learned that sunglasses are essential when moving hay on a windy day — Sylvia Austin had to borrow a pair of ski goggles to protect her eyes.

They’d planned to take a sample of hay back home, but forgot to pack it.

“Although I’m sure I have some hay in my boots,” said Kate Humphrey, who had two “Harrell Hereford Ranch” hats perched on her head.

One important part of ranch life Hosty and Watson learned was that barbed wire and jeans don’t mix well.

“I ripped my jeans right down the middle,” Watson said, launching into a detailed description of trying to climb over the fence.

When asked about their favorite part of the weekend, none of the girls had an answer.

“Everything,” Laney Fadden said. “Ranching is fun — it’s hard work, but it’s fun.”

This Monday, their last full day in Eastern Oregon, the boys went to classes at Powder Valley Charter School, and the girls spent half a day at Baker Middle School.

Other activities including a visit to the local museums, shopping, going to a dance and attending church services with their host families.

See more in the April 14, 2017, issue of the Baker City Herald.