Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: Camping
July 12-16, 2021 Nelson County 4-H welcomed 122 campers, 22 teens volunteers and 22 adult volunteers to an amazing week of 4-H Summer camp. Camp Magic are those unexplainable, non-tangible things that are memory making, life changing moments. The opportunity for those moments are cultivated from financial and material support from donors, careful planning, training and countless hours from volunteers and staff, however the Magic part is moments where the environment of camp and all that pr
Author: Peggy Jones
Major Program: Camping
2021 4-H Camp COVID 19 pandemic took things from everyone around the country. For KY Youth it took away family, friends, proms, sports, travel, 4-H Camp and it moved other extension programs to Programs on the Go. 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 precedent time is to recognize behavior changes, reinforce preventive st
Author: Samantha Gamblin
Major Program: Camping
The greatest thing we can give youth is to teach them skills that will last for a lifetime, which is why parents have been sending their kids to 4-H summer camps for decades. 4-H was established on the belief that when kids are empowered to follow their passions their skills grow and help them to become true leaders. 4-H camp, kids learn critical life skills like resilience and independence. If we want our kids to be able to bounce back from adversity, stress, challenges and failures, teaching t
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Camping
In 1997, the first 4-H Environmental Overnight Camp was planned and implemented with Mount Sterling Elementary School 4th grade classrooms. From that initial camp, the program has grown over the last twenty-four years to include the three other elementary school 4th grades. All environmental camps paused in fall 2020 and spring 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing schools to implement virtual learning as the mode of formal learning. 4th grade camps were scheduled for fall 2021 w
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Camping
Being a single agent county bound in a world full of the COVID conundrum presented a unique set of challenges. Initial feedback from stakeholders was that camp numbers would fall off dramatically and that we would be hard pressed to meet our minimum numbers required for the program. Through determined work at fundraising and the county District Board agreeing to help cover part of the programming cost for campers, we were able to offer a reduced cost per camper and still cover count
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Camping
4-H is for everyone. However, unfortunately some youth miss out on opportunities because of disabilities that prevent them from participating. 4-H Camp is one of those activities. Camp is often a defining moment in a child's life. The Menifee County 4-H program believes that ALL youth should have the opportunity to experience and learn from that moment.One of the 4-H agents in Menifee County, KY joined the University of Kentucky DEI Certificate Program in January 2021
Author: Joe Maynard
Major Program: Camping
According to data USA, as of 2017, Martin County had a median household income of only $29,000 and a poverty rate of almost 30%. These numbers are well below the Kentucky and national averages of 46,000 and 57,000 respectively. Poverty rates for all of Kentucky are 18% and 11% nationally. All schools in Martin County qualify for the national free lunch program. These statistics alone provide barriers for youth in Martin County to have a great quality of life. When p
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Camping
The presence of life skill development and camp magic was certainly missing in 2020. With Nicholas County having North Central 4-H Camp right in the county, it is a summer tradition attended by many youth and looked forward to by adult volunteers. Attendance has been growing well in the county prior to 2020 with numbers increasing in large increments such as taking 30 more campers in 2019 than 2018. With the opportunity to return to camp July 5th - 8th the Extension Office started marketing camp
Author: Terence Clemons
Major Program: Camping
At the time, a Teen 4-Her made a pledge to herself and others to become a 4-H Summer Camp Staff. In May 2018, Kachine Evans did just that. Kachine has been a participant of Summer Camp as a camper and teen leader, for 10 years. As soon, Kachine became 18 years old, she applied for a position at North Central 4-H Camp and was successful. She contributes her years attending camp, building camp relationships, being a member of Bath County Teen Council and Wildcat Lead
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: Camping
The pandemic has been difficult on everyone, including our young people. Physical distancing resulted in youth losing out on many significant life events and experiences. Remote learning and quarantine robbed 4-Hers of real human connections and had negative impacts on their mental health. One of the experiences taken from 4-Hers during the pandemic was 4-H Camp. The State 4-H Camping Program developed a plan that the Shelby County 4-H Staff was able to implement to conduct 4-H
Author: Lloyd Saylor
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp and camping.Although COVID mitigation operations plans resulted in us taking only 70 4-Hers to summer Camp, we were able to have camp, meet the challenges, and provide the life enhancing experiences that our youth need. 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 usual camp participation ranges from year to year between 90 and
Author: Bernita Cheirs
Major Program: Camping
According to the American Camp Association, “The camp experience is recognized by child development professionals as valuable in helping children mature socially, emotionally, intellectually, morally, and physically. Camp participants learn to problem-solve, make social adjustments to new and different people, learn responsibility, and gain new skills to increase their self-esteem." Summer day camp has so many benefits such as keeping youth unplugged, out of trouble, in a safe l
Author: Sharee Schoonover
Major Program: Camping
Livingston County 4-H along with five other counties attended 4-H camp at the Western Kentucky 4-H Camp in Dawson Springs for a 4-night camping week. Students ranging from 8-14 were able to participate in several traditional camping activities. It was refreshing to be back at camp after a hard COVID-shut down the previous year, and although there were some adjustments to be made everyone had a great time!
Author: Lee Ann McCuiston
Major Program: Camping
Camp offers a great environment to take positive risk opportunities. Whether it’s the physical risk of riding a horse or climbing a rock wall or the emotional risk of sitting down at a table of strangers and making new friends, CAMP offers those chances. Camp is a human powered, technology-free adventure. Camp offers a top list of skills that youth need including: creativity, problem solving, people management, relationship cultivation – all of these skills are found at camp. Whether
Author: Susan Campbell
Major Program: Camping
After summer camp 2020 was cancelled we were allowed to attend summer camp in 2021 again but at half capacity. Anderson County 4-H, Bourbon County 4-H, and Nicholas County 4-H came together to provide a week long camping experience that helped campers and their teen and adult leaders learn and be a part of the 4 essential elements (Belonging, Independence, Mastery and Generosity) and having total present. Prior to camp, approximately 45 teen and adult leaders went through 24 hours of train
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: Alivia Faris
Major Program: Camping
The previous Lawrence County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences collaborated with the Lawrence County 4-H/ANR Assistant and the Lawrence County 4-H Summer Intern to provide the opportunity for youth to attend 4-H Summer Camp at the end of July 2021. This 4-H Camp experience was slightly different then years past, as safety measures were put into place to help insure the wellness of campers during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a year of uncertainty it was important for 4-H Camp to be
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp 2021 was different! 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 was still the positive youth development it has always been! Kentucky 4-H Camps surveyed parent/guardians asking for their evaluation of camp after their child(ren) were home. The questions ranged from how many years the child(ren) had attended camp to
Author: Bonnie Sigmon
Major Program: Camping
The Laurel County 4-H program has grown tremendously over the last several years to include several school and special interest clubs. In August of 2020, Laurel County’s 4-H agent left extension to pursue a different profession. Rather than suspend 4-H programs until a new agent could be hired, I assumed responsibility for the program in addition to my regular duties as the horticulture agent. This required me to supervise two 4-H assistants and oversee the 4-H prog
Author: Christina A. Martin
Major Program: Camping
The 4-H camping program has been a longtime tradition in the 4-H Youth Development summer programming. According to the Journal of Extension (December 2009), youth that attend 4-H camp generally make improvements in the areas of independent living, self-esteem, leadership, social skills, character development, decision-making, and citizenship (J. Hedrick, et al). Russell County 4-H promoted the program, recruited volunteer leaders, helped develop the schedule, recruited class teacher
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: Camping
4-H summer camp can create more of a lasting impact than one could think. I asked my teen club officers to get up at our banquet this past year and say just a few things about "why they love 4-H". Each one of them (unfortunately only 3 of the 6 were there due to illness) stood up there and talked about how 4-H is a huge part of their life, shared some of their best and funny memories, and talked about how 4-H is family….but they each tied it all back to 4-H summer camp, each tal
Author: Krista Perry
Major Program: Camping
(This success story took place while employed as the Franklin County 4-H Agent) 4-H Summer CampEach summer, the youth in Franklin County get excited about heading to 4-H Summer Camp! This year was different as our community, state, and country continue to live through a pandemic and summer camp was cancelled the year before. Teachers in the county have shared with the Franklin County 4-H program the excitement and benefits they notice with the youth who attend 4-H Camp when they retu
Author: Amanda Clark
Major Program: Camping
Fayette County had their 4-H camp sign up on March 17, 2022 with a lot of success. The weeks prior to camp sign ups, posts were made on social media, and schools, as well as guidance counselors, principals, and family resource coordinators. A sign up genius link was made for campers/CITs/and Junior Counselors, and was posted in several locations on social media and schools. A week before sign up several posts were made on Facebook and Instagram to get everyone excited. Any time a parent called o
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: Camping
Casey County is located in south central Kentucky but is considered an eastern Kentucky County due to its limited resources and the social economic status of most families. As of 2020, the mean household income per capita in Casey County was $29,123. With limited income for our families, extracurricular activities can be difficult to pay for therefore reducing the exposure, opportunities, and development for our youth.The mission of the Kentucky 4-H Camping program is to improve people through i
Author: Patrick Allen
Major Program: Camping
For eight years now I have worked to increase the Scott County public school's 4th grade attendance to Environmental Education Camp (EE camp). We went from having only three schools attending to having all nine participating in the program. These nine were divided between the Fall and Spring seasonal programs. The program was designed to help youth increase knowledge in several facets of the environment. These areas included; wildlife studies, Micro invertebrates, aquatic life, mammal studie
Author: Samantha Saunders
Major Program: Camping
In 2019, Robertson County surpassed their camping record by taking 59 total people to camp. This was a huge deal for us, and we were very proud of accomplishing such a large number for a county our size. Going into the 2022 camping season, we had the goal of taking 2 girls cabins and 2 boys cabins. This would be about 60 people total, and would be great for us, especially coming off of the 2021 COVID year. I began camp promotion heavily in the school system in January. I put together a Powe
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 343 attend camp (265 campers, 35 teen volunteers, 39 adult volunteers, and 4 staff). 16 instructional classes were offered, covering a wide range
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Camping
For the first time since 2019, 4-H Camp was at full capacity in 2022. Bell County youth were had the opportunity to spend a week at JM Feltner Memorial 4-H Camp in London, KY. Bell County set a personal record for attendance at camp this year. Eighty-one campers, teens, adults and agents represented Bell County. Youth could choose which classes they wished to participate in. Those classes included, but not limited to, fishing, archery, riflery, rock climbing/ziplining, low ropes/high ropes, swim
Author: Sue Ann McCandless
Major Program: Camping
Since canceling camp in 2020 and camping at a reduced capacity in 2021, initial feedback from the 2022 camping registration was slow and lacking in the number of youth committing to attend. The Hardin County 4-H program continues to believe that the camp experience has several positive impacts for youth ages 9-14 including personal growth, eliminating screen time and fostering independence and leadership while creating opportunities for mentorship and positive role modeling from teens and
Author: Cathy Sparks
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp 2022-Post Pandemic The first experience that I had with 4-H Camp was 2021, during the Covid-19 Pandemic time, when masks were still required, even outdoors during activities, and the numbers were limited to half of the normal number attending. My concerns about the livelihood of camp, post-pandemic, were numerous, among those being whether we would ever be able to recruit students to ever return to camp. Trips to the elem
Author: Emilee Bryant
Major Program: Camping
In the 2022 4-H camping season, Powell County 4-H attended JM Feltner Memorial Camp. This year, Powell County had 83 individuals attend camp week. This number (83) includes youth, approved volunteers, as well as extension staff. 83 individuals is a record number for Powell County, as the county camp number has not been this high since 2008, 14 years ago!To break down the total number of 83: 9 approved volunteers, 1 extension staff, and 73 youth ranging from 9 to 17 years old we
Author: Michael Rose
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 with 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 with such opportunities to be mentored and nurtured by caring cabin leaders, class instructors, teen volunteers, and camp staff members in hopes
Author: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: Camping
4-H camp was a successful week for all who attended. For the first time since 2019, a since of normalcy had retuned. The Covid-19 pandemic took a toll on so many aspects of life, including camp. In 2021, Christian County took 56 campers to West Kentucky 4-H camp due to limited capacity. Contrary to this, our camp numbers were at an all-time low in the years leading up to the pandemic as well. Due to many factors, recruiting excited young people to come to camp was consistently difficult. This ha
Author: Kindra Jones
Major Program: Camping
The return to “normal” programming in Grayson County 4-H has shown payoff for 4-H Camp participation. The 4-H agent was fortunate to be allowed into all four county elementary schools and the middle school after school began session in August of 2021. With programming in nearly all fourth grade classes, several third and fifth grade classes, the agent was able to present 4-H Camp and the potential of that program to those students. The camping program was a new presentation to essent
Author: Jeremiah Johnson
Major Program: Camping
4-H camp was a successful week for all who attended. For the first time since 2019, a since of normalcy had retuned. The Covid-19 pandemic took a toll on so many aspects of life, including camp. In 2021, Christian County took 56 campers to West Kentucky 4-H camp due to limited capacity. Contrary to this, our camp numbers were at an all-time low in the years leading up to the pandemic as well. Due to many factors, recruiting excited young people to come to camp was consistently difficult. Th
Author: Patrice Thompson
Major Program: Camping
This summer, the 4-H team conducted 5 summer camps, 3 of which, I participated in. I was responsible for assisting with the planning, managing the groups of participants during camp, and facilitating activities. AgDiscovery was the first of the four camps, we hosted 20 participants from all over the country. AgDiscovery is a unique opportunity for students to explore agricultural sciences and gain knowledge about careers in animal and plant disciplines, wildlife management, veterinary medicine,
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: Trever Cole
Major Program: Camping
With advertising the experience at MCIS MCMS and St. Patrick schools I was able to increase camp numbers in Mason County to 54 kids. This provided an opportunity for kids to have some what of a return to normal after COVID allowing them to socialize with peers in a non-school setting, as well as learn skills and responsibilities that 4-H summer camp teaches. With the help of the R.C. Durr Foundation and several homemaker groups several kids were able to attend camp that with out their dona
Author: Logan Sasser
Major Program: Camping
Camping was a huge success this year, I was able to increase our attendance from last year, bringing in many kids who had never attended camp before! Heading in to spring I was very nervous about attending my first camp but with the help of my camping group, parents, county board, and a wonderful group of kids we were able to have a successful camp. We had multiple students who stepped up naturally into leadership roles, a few who faced staying away from home for the first time, any many who had
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Camping
It takes a village to plan and provide a successful program at 4-H Camp. Magoffin, Menifee, Morgan, and Rowan County are a camping village. With in our village are a group of teens and adults that we could not achieve success with out them. One of the Menifee County volunteers is a grandmother to a camper and a wife of the retire ANR/4-H Agent. She has camped many years and when her granddaughter started to go to camp jumped at the opportunity to attend again. She brings
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Camping
With COVID restrictions lifted, interest in 4H camp returned to near record levels and more volunteers were needed to help in various ways. The Madison County ANR agent attended camp to lead fishing education classes. Fishing poles and supplies were acquired and set up for approximately 45 youth among three different classes. New this year was a special “Polar Fishing” activity early in the morning with about 50 participants! Proper casting techniques, hook baiting, fish removal and
Author: Sarah Redmon
Major Program: Camping
Attending 4-H Camp is a magical experience where youth get to meet new friends, find themselves, and are accepted for just being themselves. It is also a place where they become more independent and learn life skills. This summer the 4-H Youth Development Agent advertised a 3 day, 2 night 4-H Camp experience for youth ages 6-8 years of age to Scott County residence. Cloverbud Camp gives youth who are not quit ready for a week long over night camp, a taste of the fun and magic of 4-H Camp. Throug
Author: Dianna Reed
Major Program: Camping
The Johnson County CEC and Adult 4-H Council determined that Life Skill development and Leadership were Program priorities for the Johnson County 4-H Youth Development Education Program. The 4-H Agent and Council volunteers worked to put together and implement a job application process for those teens wishing to serve as 4-H camp counselors. In May, teens were given job applications to fill out and return to the extension office. Upon returning those applications, teens also scheduleda a job int
Author: Paula Jerrell
Major Program: Camping
Wow! What a year we had for 4-H Camp. We took 54 campers,11 counselors and 1 agent to residential camp. This is Ballard County's second highest number ever. We had three returning counselors who were awesome and eight new counselors plus one 15 year old CIT (counselor in training). They all worked as a team and made Ballard County's week a super one. Our campers lived up to the expectations set for them and the counselors exceeded my expectations of them. One of our cabin groups wo
Author: Julia Reid
Major Program: Camping
This year at Madison County 4-H Camp the camp theme was the old west, and man did we have a rootin' tootin' good time! My favorite part was building relationships within our office team. We were ecstatic to have our 4-H Staff Assistant, Melanie Garland, Family Consumer Science Agent, Jessica Hunley, and our Agriculture and Natural Resources agent, Brandon Sears, stay at 4-H Camp with us all week! Our Horticulture Agent, Amanda Sears, as well as many of our program assistants and support
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: Mary Beth Riley
Major Program: Camping
According to America’s Health Rankings only 20.6% of youth in the United States of America are active at least 60 minutes every day. At West Kentucky 4-H Camp youth get to exceed 60 minutes of physical activity a day while they are walking to classes, running at Mega Relay, and swimming in the pool during free recreation time. Lyon County 4-H attended 4-H camp on June 7-10, 2022, at West KY 4-H Camp in Dawson Springs, KY. Campers ages 9-14 had the opportunity to master new skills such as r
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Camping
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 2018, 68 campers, teens and adults attended 4-H camp. While at camp, participants gained know
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: Camping
This year Madison County 4-H was blessed to be able to camp at full capacity. After not camping in 2020 due to COVID, then 1/2 capacity in 2021, we were concerned if we would be able to camp with the numbers we used to have over the years. We knew it was going to be a rebuilding year so we prepared for the worst but worked hard to be able to fill up the camp. Historically, Madison County has been able to camp by ourselves because we can fill it so that was our goal. And the Madison County CES, w
Author: Alyssa Cox
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp is a great opportunity for youth to make new friends, build self-confidence, gain independence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and step out of their comfort zone. According to the American Camping Association, the shared experiences of campers contributes to the critical skills that are associated with social-emotional learning, which decreases the rate of depression, anxiety, and lack of connection. 4-H Camp is also one of our greatest recruitment tools, as it serves as a gateway t
Author: Terence Clemons
Major Program: Camping
4-H Summer Camp delivery method is the most time and labor acquired than any other. Based on that fact, it still provides opportunities for youth & teens to learn independence, gain life skills, become positive & productive members of their community and learn how to make better decisions for their self and others. Summer Camp helps build self-confidence and self-esteem for all attendees. During the dates of July 5th-8th, 2022, Bath County 4-H eclipsed its county record from 2018 (8
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Camping
4-H camp has always been a successful program for Hopkins County 4-H. Many people have attended as youth, teen,s and then even come back as adults. Camp has always been welcomed in Hopkins County. However, as much as camp is loved, there was fear that the lasting effects of Covid-19 along with record inflation would hinder the number of individuals that camp would impact this summer.Along with the ongoing pandemic and failing economy, our community was also affected by a devastating EF4 leaving
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: Camping
Teen Conference 2022 Success Story The 98th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 14-17, 2022. The objectives of Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference are: develop leadership and teamwork skills, improve communication skills, foster civic engagement, expand knowledge and skills related to 4-H core content areas, gain club, county and state 4-H program skills, have fun, create a sense of belonging, expand social skills through networking, develop youth-a
Author: David Embrey
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp gives youth the opportunity to spend time meeting new people and learning life skills by participating in activities that focus on physical activity, teamwork, and personal development.Edmonson County youth and volunteers were excited about 4-H Camp being back to full capacity after being limited last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite these restrictions 34 youth, 2 teen leaders, 4 adults, and both agents from Edmonson County attended 4-H camp last year.With camp costing $260 pe
Author: Paula Tarry
Major Program: Camping
All youth should have equitable opportunities to thrive. Youth living in poverty need opportunities to assess their lives, reclaim hope, dignity, and develop a plan to achieve the lives they want for themselves and for their communities. Belonging and participation in 4-H is important for youth in poverty as they experience heightened social exclusion and are more likely to feel devalued or discounted by society (DeJaeghere, 2019). According to the “Helping Youth Thrive Through An Equ
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp has been a historically successful program for Hopkins County 4-H. Many of the volunteers whether a Councilor in Training, Teen or Adult, have attended 4-H Camp as a camper and wanted to give back. Even with the historic numbers, it was a fear that Covid-19 and now inflation would impact Hopkins County 4-H Camp numbers negatively. Along with Covid-19 and inflation, the Hopkins County community was affected by an EF4 tornado that destroyed homes and spirits. With all the negatives t
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: Camping
As Covid 19 remains a part of the new normal and has forever changed the planning of a large group gather, but if felt refreshing to have a traditional 4-H Camping program. The planning for the 2022 camping group understood the importance of giving our local youth a positive experience, due to past emotional and social health disconnect. The groups’ goal was to exceed expectation numbers set by the state camping program. All agent worked on a promotional plan to implement
Author: Wade Raymer
Major Program: Camping
A study reported in the Journal of Extension looked at the long-term impact of being a counselor at a 4-H residential camp. Alumni counselors were asked about their experience and how it related to personal development, the development of skill for working with children and groups, and life skill development. These included: how to handle emergency situations, how to plan an educational activity, how to teach others, how to deal with difficult children, how to be a role model for others, how to
Author: Catherine Weaver
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp 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 a full capacity return from covid, Jessamine County had 358 total people attend camp, the second highest number on record. Of those, 2016 youth were first time campers, which is a much larger number than previous years. This year, Jessamine County 4-H partnered wit
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp4-H Camp provides an opportunity for youth to develop essential life skills that help them build character, develop a sense of independence, and become responsible individuals. There are many life lessons to be learned at camp from learning to respect others, money management, and responsibility for oneself. According to the American Camping Association, child development professionals recognize camping experiences as a valuable tool in helping children mature socially, emotionally, inte
Author: Anna Meador
Major Program: Camping
With the primary goal of the Kentucky 4-H Cloverbud program being to promote children’s healthy development – mentally, physically, socially and emotionally, the West KY 4-H Cloverbud Family camp and its team of agent coordinators worked hard to provide an excellent opportunity for children ages 5-8 and their families to learn about the world around them, develop positive attitudes about learning new things by hands-on involvement, develop a deeper r
Author: Presley Grubb
Major Program: Camping
When promoting camp to our local community, the Extension Staff and myself, do our best to promote the opportunity of camp to all youth within our community. For some youth, 4-H camp is the first experience the have with their local 4-H. The purpose of the 4-H camping program is to improve people through intentional life skill development. There have been several comments that I have heard from our campers this year about all the new things they have tried and the skills they have learned.
Author: Catherine Webster
Major Program: Camping
With the primary goal of the Kentucky 4-H Clover Bud program being to promote children’s healthy development – mentally, physically, socially and emotionally, the West KY 4-H Clover Bud Family camp and its team of agent coordinators worked hard to provide an excellent opportunity for children ages 5-8 and their families to learn about the world around them, develop positive attitudes about learning new things by hands-on involvement, develop a deeper relationship with a caring adult
Author: Joseph Barnard
Major Program: Camping
A typical 5-day 4-H Camp session offers upwards of 96 hours of direct, uninterrupted contact between youth and their cabin leaders/counselors. That’s the equivalent of a family sitting down at the dinner table for 30-minutes, 192 days of the year. The interactions offered in a residential camp/group living setting is so important to youth, especially considering the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting offers opportunit
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. 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 for camp scholarships. The local District Board subsidize
Author: Julie Brown
Major Program: Camping
With the primary goal of the Kentucky 4-H Clover Bud program being to promote children’s healthy development – mentally, physically, socially and emotionally, the West KY 4-H Clover Bud Family camp and its team of agent coordinators worked hard to provide an excellent opportunity for children ages 5-8 and their families to learn about the world around them, develop positive attitudes about learning new things by hands-on involvement, develop a deeper relationship with a caring adult
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 2022, the cost is $260 plus transportation. In spring of 2022, the Cumberland County Extension District Board 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 ($195 per member). The funding decision was made in response to obstacles th
