Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Courtney Brock
Major Program: Camping
2020 – 2021 Success Stories When the COVID-19 global pandemic forced Kentuckians into quarantine, youth and families began spending more time at home, minimizing opportunities for youth to engage in typical extracurricular activities. All Kentucky 4-H Camping programs were also cancelled for the summer. In an effort to keep youth and families engaged and learning, Boyle, Lincoln, and Powell County agents and volunteers created a virtual camping option. Teen and adult volunteers met vi
Author: Sherri Farley
Major Program: Camping
Due to the pandemic and the move to remote learning the University of Kentucky Campbell County Extension 4-H Youth Development program offered multiple virtual day camps over the summer months. Over 160 youth participated ranging in age from 5-14 years old. 4-H projects were highlighted during the day camps such as arts, Home Environment, Woodworking, Baking, and Horticulture. A face mask holder Zoom was also held and will be utilized in several Google Meet classroom settings this fall. Families
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: Camping
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: Alexandria Brasher
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp is an important and big program in Henderson County and the 4-H program wanted to offer that camp experience at home to share with their family. All campers were provided with a healthy fruit slushy recipe, a nature scavenger hunt, a few science activities, and physical activities to accomplish by themselves or with family members. On top of the general activities, campers chose two classes that related to typical camp activities ranging from low ropes leadership type activities,
Author: Samantha Gamblin
Major Program: Camping
During this pandemic the world has turned to technology and social media more than ever. As a society we are communicating about programnning and events differently. The days of individuals receiving information from the newspaper or mailbox, have fallen to the wayside of technology and social media. As a result, the 4-H Agent and4-H Assistant in Bullitt County looked for different ways to promote 4-H summer camp to our community.In the past, 4-H summer camp promotion has happened by mailing a
Author: Misty Wilmoth
Major Program: Camping
With the cancellation of in-person 4-H Camp in the summer of 2020, the LaRue County Extension Office partnered with local 4-H Camp Scholarship donors to provide 4-H Camp Activity Grab and Go Bags to youth who had planned to participate in 4-H Summer Camp. Over 120 bags were distributed in July, during the week the group would have attended 4-H Summer Camp. The bags included a variety of activities from a keychain 4-H craft kit to smores snacks, focusing on topics from health to natural res
Author: Kimberly Ragland
Major Program: Camping
When the COVID-19 global pandemic forced Kentuckians into quarantine, youth and families began spending more time at home, minimizing opportunities for youth to engage in typical extracurricular activities. All Kentucky 4-H Camping programs were also cancelled for the summer. In an effort to keep youth and families engaged and learning, Boyle, Lincoln, and Powell County agents and volunteers created a virtual camping option. Teen and adult volunteers met virtually to plan an online Camp at Home
Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: Camping
Summer is not summer without 4-H Camp. However, for one 4-H member to attend 4-H Camp in the summer of 2021, the cost is $240 plus transportation. In the spring 2021, the Cumberland County Extension District Board and Cumberland County 4-H Council made a commitment to make 4-H Camp affordable for all youth. The Cumberland County Extension District Board voted to provide the maximum allowed contribution towards each 4-H member’s camp fee ($180 per member) and the Cumberland County 4-
Author: Toni Humble
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp has been a growing! Several of the adult leaders of the program now were once campers when they were younger. They have a strong desire to help young people have an enjoyable camping experiences like they had when they were younger. The camping program is important because it allows youth to learn new skills while participating in activities and taking on new challenges while in a group living environment. The youth develop positive values, self-esteem, and respo
Author: Julia Wilson
Major Program: Camping
Edmonson County youth and volunteers were excited to return to 4-H Camp after missing the opportunity last year due to camp closures caused by COVID-19. Initial feedback from stakeholders was that we many not have many attend camp due to restrictions such as mask and limited capacity. Despite these restrictions 34 youth, 2 teens leaders, 4 adults, and 2 agents from Edmonson County were able to attend camp. These numbers were on par with attendance in the previous years.A combination of community
Author: Stephen Conrad
Major Program: Camping
The Kentucky 4-H mission statement reads "4-H YD Education creates opportunities and supportive environments for culturally diverse youth and adults to be capable, competent, and caring citizens". The Boone County 4-H Program feels that one of the best ways to achieve this mission is with a strong residential camping program. This June we had 200 attend camp (153 campers, 19 teen volunteers, 22 adult volunteers, and 6 staff). 12 instructional classes were offered, covering a wide range
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp 2021 was a week like none before! With implementation of Covid-19 guidelines including 50% capacity, masking/facial covers, increased disinfecting, scheduling in cohorts, and other adjustments in the middle of pandemic…4-H Camp magic was still felt!After suspending the 4-H Summer Camping Season in 2020, the future for camp was unknown. Once the word was received in early March that the 2021 Camp Mitigation Operation Plan was accepted by the University of Kentucky, the
Author: Kaitlyne Metsker
Major Program: Camping
2020 brought a halt to many beloved long-standing traditions in 4-H. This includes the magic of 4-H camp and the impact made in the lives of youth from all across Kentucky. While 4-H Camp 2021 certainly had it struggles, from planning in the era of COVID restrictions to securing transportation and limited capacity numbers; watching youth form new friendships, strengthen bonds, and learn new skills were worth it. For the 2021 camping season, Christian County had bed space for forty-sev
Author: Lisa Hagman
Major Program: Camping
In Hancock County 4-H, one of the largest programs is the overnight, summer 4-H Camp. Hancock County campers and volunteer leaders attended the 4 day camp along with others from Caldwell, Lyon, Logan, Trigg, and Livingston Counties. Hancock County 4-H had 3 high school leaders and 5 adult volunteers to assist the campers. These volunteers are required to have extensive training and dedicate many, many hours to the youth. A study reported in the Journal of Extension looked at the long
Author: David Embrey
Major Program: Camping
Edmonson County youth and volunteers were excited to return to 4-H Camp after missing the opportunity last year due to camp closures caused by COVID-19. Initial feedback from stakeholders was that we may not have many attend camp due to restrictions such as mask requirements and limited capacity. Despite these restrictions 34 youth, 2 teens leaders, 4 adults, and both agents from Edmonson County attended 4-H camp. These numbers were on par with attendance in the previous years.A combination of c
Author: Ryan Spicer
Major Program: Camping
Character Counts defines a person’s character as “the summation of his or her habits, attitudes and attributes." Good character doesn’t happen automatically. Character education is very important, and good character qualities can be taught. To educate the youth of Breathitt County in character development the agent for 4-H Youth Development offers various programs throughout the program year, and one such program is yearly attendance to J.M. Feltner 4-H Camp. 4
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Camping
Covid 19 pandemic took things from everyone around the country. For KY youth it took away proms, state sports tournaments, vacations, and for extension programs it took away 4-H Camp. On a more serious level the pandemic brought to the forefront the importance of physical, emotional, and mental health of youth in our communities. According to the CDC ways to help or youth cope during this precedent time is to recognize behavior changes, reinforce preventive strategies, stay hea
Author: Cathy Sparks
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp The Covid-19 pandemic took things from everyone around the country. For KY youth it took away proms, state sports tournaments, vacations, and for extension programs it took away 4-H Camp. On a more serious level, the pandemic brought to the forefront the importance of physical, emotional, and mental health of youth in our communities. According to the CDC, ways to help our youth cope during this unprecedented time, is to recognize behavior changes, reinforce
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: Camping
4-H Cloverbud Camp brought a 3 day weekend of joy, success, and much needed opportunities that changed the pace of what we’ve all experienced the last year and a half because of Covid restrictions. Harrison County had 14 campers, 1 Junior Counselor, and 3 Adult Counselors during this extended weekend camp. Of the delegation, 3 of the counselors and 10 of the campers were first time camp attendees. The campers attended 8 class options and all participated fully in the act
Author: Adam Barnes
Major Program: Camping
A Fish Tail In June of this year, I got the opportunity to help with 4-H camp for our county. Sharee Rushing the Livingston County 4-H agent requested my assistance in leading fishing classes at the Western Kentucky 4-H Camp. Over the course of the 4-H camping week, I had the opportunity to teach over three hundred 4-H youth the fundamentals of fishing. While having a great time doing so.Two weeks after we returned from camp Sharee shared a Facebook post that one of the campers’ mothe
Author: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp magic lives on in 2021 2020 brought a halt to many beloved long-standing traditions in 4-H. This includes the magic of 4-H camp and the impact made in the lives of youth from all across Kentucky. While 4-H Camp 2021 certainly had it struggles, from planning in the era of COVID restrictions to securing transportation and limited capacity numbers; watching youth form new friendships, strengthen bonds, and learn new skills were worth it. For the 2021 camping season, Christi
Author: Staci Thrasher
Major Program: Camping
The 4-H Camping program has been instrumental for years in guiding youth and teaching valuable life skills to help improve the quality of life of each of the campers that attends. Youth develop a greater sense of independence and self-esteem as well as learn valuable lessons in building relationships with peers and caring adults. In the last seven years, the Fleming County 4-H Camping program has seen significant growth. Through innovative recruitment and marketing ideas, the Fleming County Camp
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Camping
Bell County 4-Her’s had the opportunity to attend Camp Feltner 4-H camp for the first time in two years. Due to the global pandemic, the Kentucky 4-H camping season was cancelled. A new year brought many changes at 4-H Camp in 2021. All camp sites were limited to 50% capacity, new handwashing stations were installed, social distancing was required along with facemasks. The changes also eliminated many of the well received activities at camp, such as Sally dancing. The changes did, ho
Author: Susan Campbell
Major Program: Camping
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. In 2019, Anderson County 4-H partnered with Bourbon County and Nicholas 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. Anderson County 4-H had a 21% increase in camp attendance, resulting in the l
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: Camping
Research has proven that youth benefit from positive relationships with caring adults. According to the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, youth who have mentors typically have "increased high school graduation rates, lower high school dropout rates, and healthier relationships and lifestyle choices". 4-H Camp provides campers aged 8-15 such opportunities to be mentored and nurtured by caring cabin leaders, class instructors, teen volunteers, and camp staff members in hopes t
Author: Terence Clemons
Major Program: Camping
The uncertainty and precautions of Covid 19 is still a prominent thought and actions of every person in the United States. Due to that fact, Summer Camp 2021 wasn't guaranteed to happen (like in 2020). Through months of discussion and planning from U. K. Legal down to Bath County 4-H Program Camp 2021 happened.The new year brought many changes at 4-H Camp in 2021. All camp sites were limited to 50% capacity, new handwashing stations were installed, social distancing was req
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Major Program: Camping
The effects that Covid-19 has had on our youth will not be known for some time. However, many experts believe that the full impact of the pandemic, social isolation and quarantine will have a profound effect on our youth. It’s more important today than ever that kids have opportunities to play, explore the outdoors and interact with others. According to the Washington Post “This summer, children need to do self-initiated activities that are rewarding for their own sake. T
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp Makes a Comeback in 2021! That should be the headline of every news article reporting on the success of 4-H camp from June to August. According to the American Camp Association, seventy (70%) percent of all camps across the nation did not open in the summer of 2020 due to either government restrictions or by choice as each dealt with a pandemic reaching all corners of the world. Those that did open showed great resiliency and creativity in adapting and flourishing with
Author: Tracie Goodman
Major Program: Camping
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, McCreary 4-H Summer Camp was cancelled in 2020. In 2021, we were able to move forward with 4-H Camp while following Covid-19 guidelines, which included being limited to a 50% camping capacity. We were able to take 25 McCreary 4-H kids to camp, ranging in age from 9-15, along with two teen leaders and two adult leaders. We began advertising camp registration in April, and within two weeks most of our spots were filled. McCreary County had always traditionally camped
Author: Rebecca Hayes
Major Program: Camping
Many 4-Hers went to 4-H Summer camp and learned something new/tried something for the first time. One 4-Her came up to Rebecca Hayes and talked about her time in the High Ropes class. She has taken high ropes just about every year she has gone to camp (about 5 years). Every year she would climb the rock wall and each year get closer to the top but she never made it to the top platform to go down the zip line. This year, she made it to the top and finally got to zip down the line. She was so ecst
Author: Tyrone Gentry
Major Program: Camping
Extension programs required a major paradigm shift in the 2021 program year to reach the needs of our youngest clientele. The health guidelines ran the gamut of almost complete isolation in the early days to various levels of social distancing and mask-wearing requirements near the end. As health is a major curriculum focus of 4-H youth programs and the fear of putting our youth in potentially dangerous situations, 4-H modified our long-held camping protocols to allow successful over
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: Camping
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: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Camping
-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 prepare campers to assume roles as successful adults. Pare
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Camping
The primary goal of the 4-H Cloverbuds program is to promote children's healthy development-mentally, physically, socially and emotionally. The program allows for and encourages creativity and learning through play. The 4-H Cloverbuds program is developmentally age-appropriate. Thus, it is fun, leader-directed, group-centered and has a wide range of activities (crafts, health, science and more). In Knox County, the 4-H Cloverbud summer program began in 2013 in an effort to reach younge
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Camping
After a year of no camp we were excited to again return to camp. Calloway County was able to fill all beds that were allotted to us and an additional cabin. We had a good amount of new campers and counselors in our group this year which will greatly aid in future camping programs.
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Camping
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 prepare campers to assume roles as successful adults. Par
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: Camping
Covid-19 brought a difficult and unsettling change for everyone around the country. For KY youth it took away proms, state sports tournaments, vacations, and for extension programs it took away 4-H Camp. On a more serious level the pandemic brought to the forefront the importance of physical, emotional, and mental health of youth in our communities. According to the CDC ways to help or youth cope during this precedent time is to recognize behavior changes, reinforce preventive
Author: Bernita Cheirs
Major Program: Camping
The mission of Kentucky 4-H Camping is to improve people through intentional life skill development. In 2020, 4-H Camp was cancelled which disappointed many youth and volunteers. This year, with the opportunity to take campers to camp at half capacity, excitement filled in my county. When enrollment was opened, all available spaces were filled within two weeks (that has never happened before). Parents wanting their youth to get back to normal activities and youth wanting to be with friends and r
Author: Laken Campbell
Major Program: Camping
Summertime can be an exciting time of the year. However, it can be a very expensive time for parents. In Lee County, Kentucky the median family income is $21,185.00 per household. For a family to pay $245.00 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 District Board paid $153.75 per camper and the 4-H Council paid for the volunteers and teen leaders.
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: Camping
Youth who attend 4-H Camp acquire vital leadership skills, learn responsibility, and gain social interaction skills as well as gaining an understanding of nature and our environment. During the Covid 19 Pandemic, camp capacity was limited to 50% but provided a vital outlet for youth to develop life skills and just have fun and experience social interaction after long periods of virtual school and limited group gatherings. The community supports the program monetarily by providing donations
Author: Jeremiah Johnson
Major Program: Camping
2020 brought a halt to many beloved long-standing traditions in 4-H. This includes the magic of 4-H camp and the impact made in the lives of youth from all across Kentucky. While 4-H Camp 2021 certainly had it struggles, from planning in the era of COVID restrictions to securing transportation and limited capacity numbers; watching youth form new friendships, strengthen bonds, and learn new skills were worth it. For the 2021 camping season, Christian County had bed space for forty-seven cam
