Oregon 4-H Center Property Pending Sale to the Zack Packard Memorial Foundation

The Oregon 4-H Foundation is excited to share an important update regarding the Oregon 4-H Center property that both honors its legacy and preserves its future. We are pleased to announce that on June 7, 2024, the Oregon 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees voted to sell the Oregon 4-H Center property to the Zack Packard Memorial Foundation to establish the Oregon Outdoor Education Center.  

In the fall of 2023, Oregon State University determined it could no longer manage the year-round, full-service camp facility at the 4-H Center. Following the university’s decision, the Oregon 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees unanimously voted to pursue a sale of Oregon 4-H Center property to organizations interested in continuing the Center’s legacy as a youth camp. We are impressed and encouraged by the leadership and vision presented by the Zack Packard Memorial Foundation for the future of the property as the Oregon Outdoor Education Center. 

The Zack Packard Memorial Foundation was founded in 2022 by Chuck and Cindy Packard in memory of their late son, Zack. In 2001, Zack was the very first camper to register for the Wildlife Stewards 4-H Camp hosted at the Oregon 4-H Center. The Packards have been dedicated 4-H camp volunteers for over two decades. They, along with their team, are experienced and ready to take on the stewardship of the property, ensuring that the next generation of Oregon youth will have the opportunity to grow, learn, and connect while exploring this cherished property. 

The Packard Foundation’s Oregon Outdoor Education Center will continue to serve as a home to 4-H camps while also providing year-round camping and outdoor education opportunities to Oregon youth through strengthened partnerships with local outdoor education and youth serving organizations. For more information about the Zack Packard Memorial Foundation, please visit www.zackpackard.com.   

While the sale isn’t yet final, we wanted to keep the community informed of this significant development. We are currently under a due diligence period, and we will share additional details once the transaction is complete. All proceeds from the sale will be used to support Oregon 4-H, ensuring that the OSU Extension 4-H program, including 4-H camps, remains a thriving positive youth development program, accessible to all youth across Oregon.   

We are committed to keeping the community informed as we move forward. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at oregon4h@osufoundation.org.