March 17, 2026
Twenty-three Kansas Families Needed for Hosting Japanese Delegates!
Submitted by Pamela I Van Horn
Have you been reading emails that Kansas 4-H is offering families the opportunity to host a Japanese delegate this summer, and thought, we should host sometime? Take the chance this summer and make memories for a lifetime. Kansas 4-H needs 26 Host Families for 15 girls and 6 boys ages 12 to 18 from Japan. Kansas families are needed to host delegates from July 23 to August 15. Yes, that might be through the county fair, but the Japanese youth would love participating in and learning from the fair activities. Some past delegates have shown hogs and sheep, plus exhibited foods, and arts and crafts. It’s a dream come true for the delegates during their school break.
Additionally, by August 15, some schools may have started - take the delegate along, as past delegates have experienced American schools. Now, that’s a memory!
The Japan’s youth delegates and their families have invested funds for 10+ years to come to the United States for a 3 ½ week stay during their school break. Let’s assist the delegates in making their goals become reality.
Any Kansas family (4-H Family or non-4-H Family) with children aged 9-17 who are interested in hosting someone from another culture may apply. A separate bed is required, but not necessarily a separate room from the host sibling. Delegates are 100 percent medically covered with 4-H insurance and bring their own spending money for souvenirs. The delegates can go on host family vacations or camping trips, or join their host sibling at summer camps and the county fair. The focus is on everyday family life. If you have further questions, please call any of the following:
Pam Van Horn, pvanhorn@ksu.edu; 785-826-8917
Susanne Hokett, skhokett@gmail.com; 785-643-6511
Allison Lecklider, allisonlecklider@yahoo.com; 785-822-5125
Deryl Waldren, dwaldren@ksu.edu; 303-349-7403
Our Kansas responsibility is to make host family assignments that match each delegate with an American same-gender host sibling who is no more than 3 years older or younger. We provide families with the Japanese delegate’s Personal Information Sheets so families and the exchange delegate can communicate and get to know each other before the delegates arrive on July 21. Don’t delay! Our goal is to have delegates placed by May 15.
Contact: To host a particular youth from the attached list or if you have further questions, please call Pam Van Horn, Kansas 4-H Japanese Exchange Coordinator, 785-826-8917, or e-mail pvanhorn@ksu.edu.
Benefits: Increase your family’s cross-cultural and global understanding, broaden family communication skills, make a new friend from another country, and have fun while learning about Japan in your own home.
Promotional Materials: Watch the video from past host families that provides an overview of what your family will experience when hosting.
How to apply: Families may now apply online by visiting: https://www.states4hexchange.org/apply/host. There is a required application with references. In addition, there will be an in-home interview conducted as well as background checks conducted for all adults living in the household.
What you do: The host family treats the delegate as a family member (rather than a tourist/guest) and keep a “regular” family schedule. That could mean chores, fairs, camping, ballgames, etc.... very busy –or not so busy. It just depends on what your family likes to do! Most delegates will have studied English for one year in school. They are usually shy and don’t want to make mistakes –so the first few days getting them to talk may be a challenge! The host family needs to be proactive in ways to communicate without words, or using a Japanese/English translation dictionary, etc. Also, the host family can visit with the Japanese chaperones if they are having challenges and need assistance. Chaperones are always available by phone when needed.