Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Heather Coleman
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
The camp experience helps our youth to work toward the 4-H Youth Development mission of becoming self-directed, productive and contributing members of our society. The Floyd County 4-H Council believes in supporting the 4-H Summer Camp program.One of the reasons the council supports the program is what results from the experience of camping. Below two of our 4-H Alumni share what 4-H Camp means to them.“Camp is more than just a week away so the parents can relax, it’s a ti
Author: Erica LaCour-Thompson
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
According to Childcare Aware of America, in 2017 before and after school childcare for school-aged children costs families $5,389. In Christian County 27% of the population that is under the age of 18, and 60% of those youth are in low-income families (below the 200% of the federal poverty level) as reported by Kentucky Kids Count 2017 Data Book. Although the county has 1,260 less children in low-income families (below the 200% of the federal poverty level), this is still 12% higher than other y
Author: Sherri Farley
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H Camp offers more hours than any other delivery method in 4-H. It provides opportunities for youth & teens to learn independence, gain life skills that will carry them into successful adulthood, become positive & productive members of our society & learn how to acquire skills in a natural setting. Camp helps build self-confidence and self-esteem. 4-H Camp is a place to build social skills and make friends. This summer, Campbell County 4-H broke the single county record in the
Author: Kelly Woods
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
In an extension study of 4-H camp, youth indicated their participation helped them acquire life skills, most of all in making new friends, developing new skills, and gaining independence and the ability to take care of themselves. Parents and guardians identified significant gains in their children in the areas of responsibility for actions, work responsibility, and increasing initiative as a self-starter (Garst & Bruce, 2003). At the close of the 2019 Oldham County Camping session, campers
Author: Lee Ann McCuiston
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
Summer 4-H camp is a magical place where children get the experiences they need to bolster their range of coping strategies. The simple challenges of learning how to shoot a bow, going on a hike, or conquering a high ropes course are among the opportunities presented during this five day adventure. There are the much more complex challenges of getting along with a new group of peers, learning how to ask for help from others, or taking manageable amount of risks without a parent following after y
Author: David Embrey
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
Working in a rural two-agent county presents a unique set of challenges. Sometimes those challenges come from unexpected places. Being forced out of a core 4-H camping group that Edmonson County had been part of for many years was an unexpected slap in the face. Kids were upset, as were parents and volunteers. As dutiful Extension Agents, we accepted the decision and moved ahead with joining a different, new camping group and dealing with changing to a different camping week.
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
The Lee County Extension Service staff along with the Extension Council placed a major focus on increasing the number of participants that was attending 4-H camp. In 2017 we had 12 campers, in 2018 we had 42 campers. The 250 percent increase was due to the extra promotion and the council paying the full expense for the campers. These 42 campers learned many life skills during their 4 day stay a camp. 21 of the campers had never stayed away from their parents or guardian over night before g
Author: Isaac Hilpp
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
This year was the fifth year that the J.M. Feltner Cloverbud Camp has been held. This is an overnight camp for cloverbuds to help them adapt to the camping experience and began the development of personal care skills. SituationIn 2013 Estill County 4-H attended the North Central Cloverbud Camp with three youth. After seeing the positive impact on youth as well as the love for camp it instills in young people the 4-H agent approached the 4-H Council in Estill County about founding a Cloverbu
Author: Owen Prim
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H Camping continues to be a popular summer experience for Campbell County youth. In 2018 Campbell County 4-H set a new state record by having 420 campers and counselors attend our week of camp at North Central 4-H Camp, July 23-27. 4-H Camping provides youth the opportunity to develop life skills such as responsibility and independence by being away from home and keeping up with their own money and belongings during the week. They also gain skills by picking up after themselv
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
The Cooperative Extension Service in Madison County held an overnight camp counselor training for 25 Madison County camp junior and young adult counselors ages 16-18. This training was held at the Madison County Extension Office on May 20th through 21st where the volunteers participated in 8 hours of training topics included: the circle of courage, basics of working with campers, being a role model, building a leadership team, personal strengths and abilities, dealing with common camp challenges
Author: Verlene Congleton
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
The Jackson County 4-H Council had been brainstorming fundraising ideas to help pay the climbing costs of 4-H Camp for the Jackson County 4-H Campers, while promoting 4-H in a positive affordable way for families. Jackson County is a rural county with the median income for a household being $20, 177 with 30.20% of families below the poverty line. This Spring the Jackson County 4-H Council hosted the 4-H Dinner Show and Silent Auction to help raise money to pay the cost for Jackson County 4
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H Camp has been an integral part of Cooperative Extension Service program for over 100 years. Club members look forward to the fun and adventure of 4-H Camp. Yet, behind all the fun that 4-H Camp offers, children are learning valuable life skills. 4-H Camp can be a very good learning experience for youth as well as for adults. Back in 2008, Trimble County had Thirty eight campers, Thirteen teens, six adults, and one agents attended camp. In July 2018, we hit our record number of 83 campers, 12
Author: Carrie Derossett
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H Camp Successby Carrie DerossettMajor Program: 4-H Youth Development ProgrammingAccording to the U.S. Census the median household income in Logan County is $39,072 and according to Data U.S. the median household income in the city of Russellville is only $29,545. The cost for one 4-Her to attend 4-H Summer Camp is $225 plus the cost of transportation. Many families in Logan County do not have the resources to allow their children to attend 4-H Camp. Even if the cost of 4-H Camp was
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
According to the American Camping Association, camp provides the opportunity for children to discover and explore their interests, values, and talents. 4-H Camp is an exciting opportunity for youth to make new friends, build self-confidence, gain independence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and step out of their comfort zone. Knox County 4-H camping numbers have continued to increase. In 2019, 102 campers and teens attended 4-H camp. While at camp, participants gained knowledge a
Author: Lamar Fowler
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
Every summer, youth from Grant County attend summer camp at North Central 4-H Camp. Our numbers continue to grow as more and more families realize the magic of 4-H Summer Camp. If your child has never been to camp, you may be wondering how to take advantage of this social phenomenon.Why is camp so important? When talking with campers, parents, and camp staff, there are common themes that continually come up when talking about the benefits of summer camp. Summer camp is a
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H Ca4-H Camp provides the opportunity for youth to experience time away from home, meet new people, and learn life skills. The youth attending 4-H Camp participate in activities that focus on teamwork, physical activity, and personal development.4-H Camp is one of the most popular 4-H activities in Casey County, with youth asking about camp all year long. To keep youth and their parents well-informed, 4-H Camp dates are publicized as soon as they are set and Save the Dates are mailed to indivi
Author: Dianna Reed
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
The Johnson County Extension Council identified 4-H Summer Resident Camping as a priority for the 2018-19 Plan of Work. They thought it important to provide learning experiences in the areas of leadership, personal development, wellness, safety and life skill acquisition. Due to economic challenges, volunteers, school systems, civic organizations, local businesses and Extension personnel cooperated to provide 15 and 1/2 camp scholarship requests made in Johnson County alone for a total of $2,717
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
Regardless of their age, all children have four basic needs. In 4-H, we believe that meeting these four basic needs is critical for fostering a successful and meaningful learning environment. We call these basic needs the Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development. They are belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity.4-H camp is an opportunity to have an inclusive 4-H experience that addresses all 4 elements. In June 2019, Nelson County 4-H took 234 campers, 40 teen volunteers a
Author: Erica LaCour-Thompson
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
Level: Long Term: The Hopkinsville Kentucky Boys and Girls Club works to give all young children a chance to learn about the value of being caring, responsible, and productive youth to serve in the Hopkinsville community. Working with the children to implement our Kentucky State University mission to enhancing society, and impacting individuals by providing quality teaching with a foundation in studies & research were able to exemplify our ability to share in public
Author: Michael Rose
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H's mission is to help young people become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. The 4-H Camping program gives youth a chance to develop in all three of these areas. The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service provides multiple opportunities for youth throughout the week to develop skills in all three of these areas. Adair County Cooperative Extension Service provided 80 campers, 17 Teen Leaders, and 10 Adult Leaders the opportunity to attend summer camp.  
Author: Wade Raymer
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
The Kentucky 4-H Camping program is more than just a fun week filled with outdoor activities; it is a series of educational experiences that have a positive impact of the development of the youth who attend. While at camp these youth learned valuable life skills such as responsibility, independence, character building, and the ability to work with others. 4-H Camp does change campers lives, but it also has a big impact on adult volunteers. One Volunteer from Webster County posted on social media
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H Camp is an asset to youth, teens, and adults around the world, but most importantly here in Hopkins County. During the time at 4-H Camp, youth learn the importance of team building, responsibility, decision making, make new friends and meet caring adults. According to American Camp Association, “more than 5,000 families from around the country participated. Results confirmed that camps build skills necessary to pr
Author: Timothy Stillwell
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
The Targeted Life Skills model (Hendricks, 1998) has been an important guide to planning, implementing, and evaluating 4-H youth development programs. This model provides a holistic youth development approach, referred to by multiple researchers (Barkman & Machtmes, 2002; Garton, Miltenberger, & Pruett, 2007; Pittman & Yohalem, 2002; Scales, 1996; Wright & Bersamin, 2004.) 4-H based studies using Targeted Life Skills identified a positive relationship between particip
Author: Catherine Webster
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
The primary goal of the Kentucky 4-H Clover Bud program is to promote children’s healthy development – mentally, physically, socially and emotionally. Simpson County has had a 4-H Clover Bud Club for fifteen years. Parents attend club meetings with the Clover Buds, where members get an excellent hands-on introduction to what 4-H offers youth. Leaders plan the monthly club programs around a different 4-H program each month. At the end of each school year, Clove
Author: Misty Wilmoth
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H Camp is a long standing tradition in LaRue County. Many campers, teens and even adult leaders have been attending 4-H Camp for several years and consider it to be an essential part of their summer. 4-H Camp offers youth the opportunity to live in a cabin group setting while attending classes to try new activities and challenges. While at camp, campers learn new skills and work to respect others who may be different from them. Many friendships are developed at 4-H Camp
Author: Laura Maggard
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
The median household income in Lawrence County is $32,703 according to census.gov. After a family gets all the bills paid and the other essentials, there is not a lot leftover for extras such as vacations, going to the movies, or other extracurricular activities like 4-H Camp. 4-H camp provides children the opportunity to do things that they normally wouldn’t be able to do such as shooting sports, swimming, canoeing, and rock climbing. 4-H camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to be in
Author: Lawrence Caudle
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
Summer is the time where all of the scholastic worries come to an end for the majority of school age youth. To a number of kids, summer represents freedom, fun, and exploration. To a number of parents, it means enrolling their child in a summer program so that the child may experience making new relationships, experience new things, and build skills not yet honed, and this is what Jefferson County 4-H Camp aims to do. This year, Jefferson County 4-H took 322 adults, teen leaders and campers to L
Author: Paula Tarry
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
According to the KY 4-H Camp website, “the mission of Kentucky 4-H Camping is to improve people through intentional life skill development. This will happen through collaboration with local, state, and national partners, research-based methods and programming, service-oriented practices, long-term strategic planning, and play.” 4-H Camp provides an opportunity for 4-H'ers and leaders to make lifelong memoriesAn email to the Barren County 4-H Youth Development Agent from KY State
Author: William Adkins
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H Camp gives youth across the nation an opportunity to experience what it is like when parents are not around for a few days. Life skills are imperative for everyone. The sooner youth can be involved in activities and programs that help develop these skills, the more prepared they will be in the future. According to national research conducted by the American Camp Association, campers show significant growth in self-esteem, peer relationships, independence, adventure and exploratio
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
Cloverbud Camp is a chance for youth ages 5-8 to have an opportunity to experience 4-H Camp but in a more secure setting than traditional 4-H Camp. Cloverbuds are afforded the same experiences as campers, but at Cloverbud Camp parents or guardians are required to attend with campers. This is a win/win situation because it allows the child the security of knowing that mom, dad or even their grandparent is close by and it also provides an opportunity for very special bonding time between campers a
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
The Caldwell County 4-H Council strives to make youth programs and events affordable to all youth of the county. The Fundraising Committee is continually trying to come up with creative ways to supplement the cost for youth to participate in 4-H activities, including 4-H Camp. In the spring of 2018 the committee began to design a Farm Appreciation Calendar with the proceeds going to help offset the overall cost of 4-H Camp per camper. Farmers in the county sponsored a page and
Author: Krista Perry
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
During the summer in Franklin County, youth get excited about heading to 4-H Summer Camp! Teachers in the county have shared with the Franklin County 4-H program the excitement and benefits they notice with the youth who attended 4-H Camp when they return to school in August. Each summer, the Franklin County 4-H Program offers a week long Summer Camp for youth to learn new skills, experience new activities, and develop social skills. The Kentucky 4-H Camp objectives for 4-H cam
Author: Catherine Weaver
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H Camp has a long standing tradition of teaching youth the 4 elements of the circle of courage in a concentrated week. Belonging, Independence, Mastery, and Generosity are seen in every activity at camp. This year, Jessamine County 4-H partnered with Mercer County 4-H to provide a week long camping experience that helped campers and counselors alike learn and be a part of the 4 elements, having one of, if not the largest camping session in the state with 496 people total present. Prior t
Author: Jacob Brandenburg
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
Summertime can be an exciting time of the year. However, it can be a very expensive time for parents. With the Lee County Kentucky median family income being $21,185.00 per household, for a family to pay $225.00 per camper to participate in 4-H camp in many cases is not going to be affordable for many families. The Lee County Extension District Board and 4-H Council took this into consideration. The Distract Board & 4H Council paid $175 per camper and the 4-H Council paid outline cost and ex
Author: Lloyd Saylor
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H Camp4-H Camp has been referred to by Dr. Jimmy Henning and Dean Nancy Cox as KY 4-H’s “Signature “ program.And for Butler County, it is. The KY State 4-H Office says that a county our size should take a minimum of 25 camp participants. That a county our size, doing an excellent job should have a goal of 40 participants. Our camp participation was 93 and ranges from year to year between 90 and 105.Our program is large because our leadership b
Author: Lacy May
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H Camp provides the opportunity for youth to experience time away from home, meet new people, and learn life skills. The youth attending 4-H Camp participate in activities that focus on teamwork, physical activity, and personal development.In Magoffin County, due to a low household income, all students qualify for free or reduce lunch. This can make it extremely difficult for families to pay for their children to attend 4-H Camp. As the Magoffin County 4-H program grows, so does the attendance
Author: Ola Donahue
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
4-H Camp more than just a good time. At summer residential camp, when children make new friends, explore the world around them, and learn that "I can" is much more powerful than "I can't", magic happens. In an environment created just for them, children learn real life skills, develop self-esteem, and gain a sense of independence and community. Whether children are playing, exploring nature, conquering new heights, or becoming part of a camp family, they are creating memo
Author: Valerie Stewart
Major Program: Summer Residential Camps
With nearly 25% of Powell County's total population in poverty according to the 2018 U.S. Census, the cost of youth events and activities is a huge consideration to participation especially 4-H camp. The Powell County 4-H Council decided to expand efforts to raise additional 4-H Camp Sponsorships for 2019 through personal asks, fundraising efforts, grants, etc. Members made personal contacts to new and previous 4-H camp sponsors; wrote camp sponsorships into grants utilitzed by t
