Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2024Jul 1, 2023 - Jun 30, 2024
2023 4-H Camp
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: Camping
The problemCasey 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 2022, the mean household income per capita in Casey County was $42,190. With limited income for our families, extracurricular activities can be difficult to pay for therefore reducing the exposure, opportunities, and development for our youth. With these limitations, it is also difficult to recruit and secure
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4-H Campers
Author: Ashley Duvall
Major Program: Camping
One of the greatest successes of 4-H Camp for Clinton County was providing the opportunity for financially struggling families to receive the funding to send their children to camp. A total of 5 children received full or partial scholarships/donations that granted them the experience that would have otherwise been unattainable. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2021, Clinton County has 22.6% of our population living in poverty and our students are enrolled in a Title 1 school system acco
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A Summer 4 You!
Author: Brian Walker
Major Program: Camping
Kentucky State University 4-H Youth Development hosted five camps for children ages 5 to high school this summer. At the first S.T.E.A.M Camp, students ages 8-11 learned about all things S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). For four days, students were engaged in activities such as bridge design, robotics, 3-D printing, and more. The youth that were able to attend really had a great time this year and look forward in attending this camp in the future. The 4-H Youth Develo
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2023 4-H Camp
Author: Peggy Jones
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp - Making memories and creating opportunities for young people to interact with others while learning life skills in a week long camping experience. This natural world of innovative and educational ways sets Kentucky 4-H camp apart as an activity dedicated to enforcing positive youth development. It is crucial to introduce young minds to an opportunity such as camp to develop life or soft skills among young audiences and allows 4-H to contribute to shaping the next gene
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4-H Offers Every Kid a Place to Shine
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: Camping
4-H Offers Every Kid a Place to Shine.The list of positive youth development items that 4-H offers is extensive. 4-H offers young people the opportunity to grow their independence, develop and master skills in areas they are passionate about, and become supportive leaders to their peers. One young man in the Harrison County 4-H program has mental and physical disabilities surrounding cerebral palsy. He was first introduced to 4-H as a 5th grader when he got to attend overnight 4-H Environmental
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4-H Camp Benefits Youth and Adults
Author: Ashley Vice
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp Benefits Youth and Adults 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. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting offers opportunities for those youth to feel a sens
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2023 Nelson County 4-H Camp
Author: Samantha Gabbard
Major Program: Camping
Thinking back to the warm summer days that are filled with many fun activities, time at the lake, and games in the evening. Nelson County 4-Hers traveled to Nancy, Kentucky during the second week of July to Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp. 264 community members experienced the great joy that 4-H camp brings to life! Nelson County planned special activities that took place during the camp days. These activities included making tie-dye t-shirts and the Kentucky Reptile Zoo brought many interesting creatu
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Another Record Year for Edmonson County at 4-H Camp
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 to attend summer 4-H Camp again after a record breaking year last year. An understaffed office at Edmonson County started advertising early and was completely taken aback with how quickly spots filled up with kids eager to go to camp, even the week of July
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Fayette County 4-H Camp 2023
Author: Genaea Sarantakos
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp was a success!! We had all the fun- fishing, canoeing, swimming, shooting archery and riflery, sallying, playing gaga ball, learning the 4-H pledge, getting messy at messy games, making new friends, celebrating the 4th of July, and SO much more. Fayette County introduced 232 new youth to 4-H Camp magic and programs. We had the highest camp attendance in Fayette County since 2014 and grew our attendance by 37 participants from the 2022 summer season. We successfully brought 278 participa
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4-H Camp Sets Record
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Camping
4-H camp is a program that offers so much in 4 days and 3 nights. Some attendees this may be the first time that they are away from home without a guardian there to help them in their decisions. Campers learn about time management, responsibilities, camp chores, money management and many more. They also learn skills at camp that they may not realize that they had the ability to make accomplish. This program could not happen without teen and adult leaders. This year
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4-H Camp Benefits Our Youth and Adults
Author: Shelby Cleaver
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. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting offers opportunities for those youth to feel a sense of belonging, to have meaningful conversations wit
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2023 4-H Camp Sets Records for Lyon County
Author: Mary Beth Riley
Major Program: Camping
Henry caught this fish during the fishing class at 4-H Camp Summertime is here and that means 4-H summer camp at West KY 4-H Camp! Lyon County 4-H attended 4-H camp on June 6-9 at West KY 4-H Camp in Dawson Springs, KY. Campers ages 9-14 had the opportunity to master new skills such as riflery, swimming, canoeing, fishing, archery, high ropes, cooking, and agriculture. 4-H campers had the chance to gain independence and confidence due to being away from home for a week. There were plenty of
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4-H camp survey results
Author: Sherri Farley
Major Program: Camping
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. In 2023, Campbell County 4-H experienced the 2nd highest camp attendan
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4-H Camp for EVERYONE
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Camping
Spending a week at 4-H camp is one that many kids dream of getting to experience. In 2023, the opportunity was given to a very special young man to attend 4-H camp with Bracken County. Tyler is very active member of Bracken County 4-H! There isn’t a club or activity he doesn’t try or get involved in. Tyler was born with Downs Syndrome but that never stops him at trying something new or giving his best at it! Tyler’s parents approached me inquiring about camp because all of his
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Keeping 4-H Camp Affordable
Author: Emilee Bryant
Major Program: Camping
According to 2021 Census data, the median household income for Powell County KY is 39,493. The 2023 cost for one youth to attend 4-H Summer Camp is $275, in addition to any transportation and supplies needed for camp week.For the 2023 camping season, Powell County was able to attend camp with 10 adult volunteers, and 73 youth participants. This number remains the highest on record since 2010 for the county - tied with the 2022 camp season.The Powell County 4-H Council has made it the
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4-H Summer Camp
Author: Annette Buckman
Major Program: Camping
July 4-7th, 2023, was the largest camp attendance for Union County. We welcomed 48 campers, 6 teen leaders, and 3 adult leaders. This attendance record was a 38% increase from the previous camping year 2022. 4-H camp provides a place for youth to explore their interest and passion. The mission of Kentucky 4-H camp is to improve people through intentional like-skill development. This goal is enforced and carried out through research-based methods and educational prog
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4-H Camp Benefits Youth and Adults
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp Benefits Youth and AdultsA typical 5-day 4-H Camp session offers upwards of 96 hours of direct, uninterrupted contact between youth and their cabin leaders/counselors. That is 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 are so important to youth. The time we spend with youth in&
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Summer Day Camp Fun
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
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Youth Thrive at 4-H Camp
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Camping
Camp provides an ideal setting for embracing beneficial challenges. This might involve the physical challenge of kayaking or scaling a climbing wall, or the emotional challenge of mingling with unfamiliar faces to make new friendships. Camp promotes an organic, tech-free experience. It encompasses crucial life skills that many young individuals seek, such as creativity, problem-solving, team management, and nurturing relationships. Activities like arts and crafts, rifle, archery, counselor train
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The Adventures of 4-H Camp
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Camping
According to the American Camping Association, “Camp provides children with a community of caring adults who nurture experiential education that results in self-respect and appreciation for human value. All of the outcomes — self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect — build personal competencies.” This has proven to be true within the Kentucky 4-H Camping Program with youth growing in their responsibilities, having a positive adult leader, and b
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4-H Camp - A Place for Youth to Thrive
Author: Lee Ann McCuiston
Major Program: Camping
The problemThe interactions offered in a residential camp/group living setting are so important to youth, especially considering the isolation brought on by social media. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting offers opportunities for those youth to feel a sense of belonging, to have meaningful conversations with caring adults, to practice generosity, group decision-making, they experience new activities they typically do not have access to at home, and th
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4-H Camp
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
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Camp Recruitment
Author: Samantha Gamblin
Major Program: Camping
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kentucky 4-H Youth Development’s Summer Camp program welcomed a record-breaking 13,600 participants. “Three years ago, we made the tough decision to cancel our summer camp program because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Joey Barnard, 4-H Youth Development extension principal camping specialist. “Setting a new camp attendance record this soon after having to close our camp gates tells us that youth need a
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4-H Colonial Camp
Author: Staci Thrasher
Major Program: Camping
The problemIn the fall of 2023, the Fleming County 4-H program was approached by the fifth-grade teacher team from Flemingsburg Elementary School about what it would take to offer the overnight Colonial Camp experience to their youth. They wanted an opportunity to provide a supplemental educational experience actively utilizing and highlighting classroom curriculum to encourage information retention prior to their end of the year testing window. The educational program responseBy ut
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2023 4-H Camp
Author: Dawna Peters
Major Program: Camping
Leslie County takes pride in promoting 4-H camp to our community. Not only do we strive to promote it to the best of our abilities, but we also spend each year doing multiple fundraisers to sponsor youth in our community. 4-H camp is important to us, because for many of our youth, it is the only opportunity for them to travel somewhere new during their summer break. By attending camp they gain multiple benefits from participating in new activities, experiencing leadership/teamwork, character bui
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4-H Camp
Author: Sue Ann McCandless
Major Program: Camping
Camp numbers have not met expectations within our county in the past, but have been on the rise in the last couple of years.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 adults. We have witnessed first hand a number of youth overcome obstacle
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Summer Camp
Author: Susan Campbell
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
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Christian County Camp-A-Palooza
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Camping
There are times within the realm of an Extension Agents job that we have to learn how to pivot when the time arrives and that is exactly what Christian County 4-H had to do. We were excited, buses rented, bags packed, paperwork finished and almost a good night rest to go to 4-H Camp when the unexpected happened. A storm that affected Dawson Springs, West Kentucky 4-H Camp and many in our county. This storm had the power off at West Kentucky 4-H Camp from Sunday morning to Tuesday night causing 4
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2024 4-H Camp
Author: Ryan Spicer
Major Program: Camping
The problem: 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. The educational program response: 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 prog
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4-H Camp Scholarship
Author: Rebecca Hayes
Major Program: Camping
Carter County 4-H Council hosted 2 door-hanging workshops, and one flower bulb fundraiser, and sent out about 100 sponsorship letters to community businesses. Through these efforts, they raised about $9,000 for 4-H Camp Scholarships.The median Carter County household income is $47,000. 23.9% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Carter County, KY (6.2k out of 25.9k people) live below the poverty line. 23.4% of the children are living in poverty in Carter County. (https://dat
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Camp-A-Palooza
Author: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: Camping
Christian County 4-H was unable to go to camp this year due to storm damage at West Kentucky 4-H Camp. We had to tell all our campers that they were not going to camp, which was heartbreaking. After multiple Zoom calls and lots of planning, we were able to put together “Camp-A-Palooza!”. This project day resulted in 80 kids participating in full day of camp within 5 hours. With various camp classes covering natural resources, cooking, exercising, and art the campers then
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4-H Camp
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
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Livingston County Extension Shines at 4-H Camp 2024: Enriching Experiences and Diverse Learning
Author: Sharee Schoonover
Major Program: Camping
Livingston County made a significant impact at this year's 4-H Camp by bringing together a diverse and dedicated group of participants and volunteers. The county brought 32 enthusiastic campers, 2 teen leaders, and 7 adult volunteers, including the county's FCS Agent Joni Phelps and ANR Agent Adam Barnes. These agents played pivotal roles in enriching the camp experience, with Joni teaching indoor cooking and Adam leading the fishing classes. Additionally, Livingston County provided volu
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Cloverbud Program Engages Younger Students to be a part of Lyon County 4-H
Author: Mary Beth Riley
Major Program: Camping
Lyon County 4-H Cloverbud Program has seen remarkable growth this year, successfully engaging over 70 young participants in its activities. Targeting Kindergarten to 3rd grade students, the Cloverbud Program aims to introduce youth to the world of 4-H through hands-on learning experiences, nurturing a passion for agriculture, nutrition, and community involvement from an early age.Research consistently shows that hands-on activities are crucial for young learners. According to the National Associ
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Livingston County Extension Shines at 4-H Camp 2024: Enriching Experiences and Diverse Learning
Author: Joni Phelps
Major Program: Camping
Livingston County made a significant impact at this year's 4-H Camp by bringing together a diverse and dedicated group of participants and volunteers. The county brought 32 enthusiastic campers, 2 teen leaders, and 7 adult volunteers, including the county's FCS Agent Joni Phelps and ANR Agent Adam Barnes. These agents played pivotal roles in enriching the camp experience, with Joni teaching indoor cooking and Adam leading the fishing classes. Additionally, Livingston County provided volu
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4-H Camp Fun For All
Author: Bridgett Poteet
Major Program: Camping
On June 11-14, the agents from the Edmonson County Extension office embarked for the West Kentucky 4-H Camp grounds to meet with 4 other counties for several days of fun-filled activities, games, and opportunities to learn new skills.From Edmonson County there were 78 youth (campers and teens) plus 10 adults (leaders and agents) that attended camp. Last year, Edmonson County brought 64 campers and 7 adults to camp. Keeping the streak alive, this was the third year in a row for Edmons
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4H camp Livingston co Extension shines at 4-H camp
Author: Adam Barnes
Major Program: Camping
Livingston County Extension Shines at 4-H Camp 2024: Enriching Experiences and Diverse LearningLivingston County made a significant impact at this year's 4-H Camp by bringing together a diverse and dedicated group of participants and volunteers. The county brought 32 enthusiastic campers, 2 teen leaders, and 7 adult volunteers, including the county's FCS Agent Joni Phelps and ANR Agent Adam Barnes. These agents played pivotal roles in enriching the camp experience, with Joni teaching ind
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4-H Camp 2024
Author: Trever Cole
Major Program: Camping
With the help of local homemaker clubs and support of 4-H Council I was able to offer scholarships for 17 campers to attend 4-H Camp. With this support and support from Mason County District board, I was able to increase Mason County's bed count for 4-H camp to 91 spots setting a record for Mason County camping numbers a third year in a row. By introducing new campers to 4-H this as also already increased new participation in other programs by youth whom attended camp.
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4-H Camp Magic is Real
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Camping
There really isn’t anything like 4-H Camp Magic! That statement rang true in 2024 for Montgomery County campers! Camp enrollment reached an all-time high of 149. Spaces were filled for both sides of camp (boys and girls) within the first day of the registration window opening on March 1. It takes a team of people to make 4-H camp run and be fun. From the camp staff that works at camp all summer long welcoming each new group week after week of the summer camp session to the volu
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Lee County Goes Camping
Author: Eric Collins
Major Program: Camping
The problemA recent survey of Lee County parents revealed a desire for non-sport extracurricular activities. Responses indicated that not all students are driven by a competitive nature. However, most students have a desire to engage in fun, age-appropriate activities with their same age peers.The educational program responseIn response, we decided to offer an afterschool 4-H club to meet from 3:30 to 4:30 on Monday evenings. Every month the club would focus on a different theme such as STEM or
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Hopkins County 4-H Camp 2024
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Camping
Hopkins County 4-H has always been a successful camping county in Kentucky 4-H. This year was no different. While our numbers were not recorded like they had been in years past, the difference that was made in campers lives were shown. 102 campers along with CIT, teens, and adults had a life-changing experience. Campers learned new skills, how to navigate their week without parents and develop new friendships. CITS learned how to lead and teens and adults taught new skills to campers. Like alway
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Pulaski County 4-H Camp 2024
Author: Abigail Roy
Major Program: Camping
There is an increased need for youth to develop cooperation, communication, leadership, and social skills in an environment where they are able to be independent. Camp creates this environment for these skills to develop.To address this need Pulaski County spent several months preparing and advertising for camp to get as many youth involved as possible. Once at camp, youth were able to participate in classes and activities that allowed them to thrive and gain these skills with positive spark cha
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Growing Leaders at 4-H Camp
Author: Alyssa Cox
Major Program: Camping
A typical 4-day 4-H Camp session offers upwards of 80 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, 160 days of the year. The interactions offered in a residential camp/group living setting is so important to youth. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting offers opportunities for those youth to feel a sense of belonging, to have meaningful conversatio
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Camp 2024
Author: Stefaine Back
Major Program: Camping
Many youth lack the opportunity or experience of attending an overnight camp without their parents and guardians. They need experiences that will allow them to acquire and practice life skills that will serve them the rest of their lives.Youth are provided the opportunity to go to camp where they can become more independent, care for themselves, explore new activities and a wide range of other life skills.Youth ages 9-18 from Magoffin County, Kentucky attended this year's camp Ju
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4-H Camp
Author: Tracie Goodman
Major Program: Camping
McCreary County is a rural and underserved area in Kentucky; there are many families in the county below the poverty line. Each year, McCreary County Extension seeks to provide free or low-cost educational programs for 4-H youth. This year, McCreary County Extension secured 11 scholarships for 4-H aged youth to attend 4-H camp at no cost. 4-H camp is open to all Kentucky youth between the ages of 9 and 14 and provides opportunities for personal growth, gaining independence, fostering friendship
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Webster County 4-H Breaks Camping Record
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
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4-H Camp 2024
Author: Carissa Miske
Major Program: Camping
Character Counts defines a person’s character as “the summation of their 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 Owsley 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-H Camp provides you
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Third Record Setting Year in a Row for Edmonson County 4-H Camp
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 to attend summer 4-H Camp again after another record breaking year last year. Last years camp dates were during 4th of July week, and this year during the second week of June, so technically Edmonson County camped twice in the same fiscal year, but that in
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Grayson County 4-H Camp Growing in Numbers
Author: Kindra Jones
Major Program: Camping
Since returning to full capacity camping in 2022, Grayson County 4-H has experienced significant growth in numbers jumping from 53 campers in 2022 to 86 campers in 2023 to an incredible 108 campers for this 2024 summer! Nearly 60 of the current campers are first time attendees. The agent is able to provide monthly programming to all fourth-grade classes in the county, as well as many of the third and fifth grades, which provide a large part of the target camp age group. Those that are not visite
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RECORD YEAR at 4-H Camp
Author: David Gabbard
Major Program: Camping
In July the Owen County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development led 89 Owen County youth and 11 adult volunteers to Carlisle KY, to North Central 4-H Camping Center for a week of 4-H Camp with Kenton and Grant Counties. This was the highest attendance for Owen County since 2022, Owen County Campers received numerous camp awards.There were 30+ first time campers/volunteers that attended from Owen County this camping season. Many of them said it was better than they expected and plan to come bac
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Growing on the Inside by Being Outside - Kentucky 4-H Environmental Education Camp
Author: Joseph Barnard
Major Program: Camping
The Kentucky 4-H Environmental Education Camp (EE CAMP) Program aims to provide elementary students with an opportunity to learn about Kentucky’s natural resources in an out of school setting. The program is designed for 4th and 5th grade classrooms with tailored lesson plans that supplement Next Generation Science Standards. Class instructors provide meaningful, hands-on programs to educate youth in environmental sciences along with cross-cutting concepts to bolster their in-c
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4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games
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. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting offers opportunities for those youth to feel a sense of belonging, to have meaningful conve
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Taylor County Community Comes Together for 4-H Camp
Author: Kimberly Thomas
Major Program: Camping
2024 was the 2nd highest county camp attendance since 2010 for Taylor County 4-H. 96 Taylor County 4-H members and volunteers had a great four-day camp filled with learning, recreation, friendship, and a whole lot of fun. Over half of our campers were returners to 4-H camp and forty-three of our campers were their first time experiencing 4-H camp. This experience who have not been possible with support from the Taylor County, Kentucky community.In 2023 Taylor County only had one Teen Leader or C
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4-H Summer Camp Making Memories
Author: Annette Buckman
Major Program: Camping
Kentucky 4-H Camping aims to provide a secure environment for hands-on learning experiences, benefiting both Kentucky residents and individuals from other regions. The primary goal of Kentucky 4-H Camping is to foster personal growth through deliberate development of essential life skills. This objective will be achieved by:Collaborating with local, state, and national associatesImplementing research-supported techniques and programmingAdhering to service-oriented approachesEngaging in long-rang
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Camp-Palooza
Author: Calyn Colston
Major Program: Camping
On May 26, 2024 severe storms came through Western KY leaving major damage to West KY 4-H Camp. Due to losing power to camp and all of the food spoiling, our camping week was postponed. We had a lot of disappointed campers, so to make it up to them, all counties in the Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Graves, and Hickman camping group decided to do something fun the week camp was supposed to be so our campers still had the chance to experience camp magic that week. Calloway and Graves counties par
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4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games
Author: Toni Humble
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. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting offers opportunities for those youth to feel a
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Summer Camp Block Party
Author: Sue Ann McCandless
Major Program: Camping
In years past, camp numbers in Hardin County were not meeting state expectations. 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 adults. Initial feedback when the camping dates were released was that many regular campers and adults
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2024 4-H Camp
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Camping
One of the longest running traditions with Kentucky 4-H is its camping program. Kentucky 4-H offers several overnight camping experiences for youth spread across four campsites. Many youth, and their families, are searching for interactive learning opportunities during the summer months, and 4-H Camp provides to those needs and wants. While at camp, youth participate in various classes which include fishing, swimming, riflery, archery, canoeing, paddle boating, zip lines, nature classes and a mu
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Record Year for 4-H Camping
Author: Lisa Jones
Major Program: Camping
Whitley County achieved its highest youth participation in 4-H since 2006 this year. The enthusiasm was so high that some girls on the waitlist were willing to sleep in tents and brave the summer heat just to attend the 4-H summer camp. Despite the challenges, the camp offered a diverse selection of 35 classes, with 24 of them led by extension agents, volunteers and teens from the county. These classes covered a wide range of activities such as outdoor survival skills, fishing, basket weaving, c
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Under the Big Top camp
Author: Kelly Woods
Major Program: Camping
The problem:The Oldham County 4-H Camping Program has a unique set of opportunities, this year the camp filled up in 16 days. All camp applications were delivered on the same day across the county, the efforts resulted in 309 campers, thirty-three teen leaders and forty-eight adult leaders, two program assistants and one agent leading to the second highest camp attendance. The problem Oldham County struggles with is securing the funds to cover the cost of additional classes, scholarships, golf c
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Boone County 4-H Summer Camp
Author: Rusty Wolf
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 are so important to youth. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting offers opportunities for those youth to feel a sense of belonging, to have meaningful conv
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4-H Camp
Author: Alexandria Brasher
Major Program: Camping
A 4-day 4-H Camp session offers upwards of 72 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, 144 days of the year. The interactions offered in a residential camp/group living setting is so important to youth. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting offers opportunities for those youth to feel a sense of belonging, to have meaningful conversations
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4-H Camp: A transformative experiences for both youth and volunteers
Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp provides transformative experiences for both youth and volunteers, fostering personal growth, skill development, and community building. For youth, the camp environment offers a unique opportunity to explore new activities, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships. Through hands-on learning and team-based challenges, campers gain confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. Activities such as archery, canoeing, and science workshops not only teach practical ski
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4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games
Author: Tyrone Gentry
Major Program: Camping
A typical 5-day 4-H Camp session offers 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 meaningful to youth. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting provides opportunities for those youth to feel a sense of belonging, to have mean
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Growing on the Inside by Being Outside – Kentucky 4-H Environmental Education Camp
Author: Eric Comley
Major Program: Camping
The Kentucky 4-H Environmental Education Camp (EE CAMP) Program aims to provide elementary students with an opportunity to learn about Kentucky’s natural resources in an out of school setting. The program is designed for 4th and 5th grade classrooms with tailored lesson plans that supplement Next Generation Science Standards. Class instructors provide meaningful, hands-on programs to educate youth in environmental sciences along with cross-cutting concepts t
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4-H Cloverbud Camp
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Camping
The Cloverbud 4-H Camp experience is a unique youth development program designed for youth 6-8 years old to experience 4-H Camp. The two-night residential camp is designed to allow younger youth to spend a night away from home and experience what 4-H Camp offers while sharing the experience with approved adults or parents. The camp focuses on engaging in cooperative, non-competitive learning experiences. 4-H Cloverbud members participate in learning activities that promote self-confidence,
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4-H Camp
Author: Catherine Weaver
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 a full capacity return from covid, Jessamine County had 376 total people attend camp, the highest number on record. Of those, 129 youth were first time campers, which is a much larger number than previous years. Jessamine County had 155 youth return to camp which is an increase
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4-H Camping program
Author: Kelly Smith
Major Program: Camping
4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games 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. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting offers opportunities for those youth to fee
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4-H Summer Camp Decade of Growth
Author: Dora Centers
Major Program: Camping
In the heart of every child lies a spark waiting to ignite—a passion for learning, exploring, and growing. Since the mid-1960s, Kentucky 4-H summer camps have been nurturing this curiosity, fostering skills that extend far beyond crafts and campfires. Rooted in the 4-H Thriving Model developed by Oregon State University professor Mary E. Arnold and Clemson University assistant professor Ryan J. Gagnon, these camps are not just about fun in the sun; they are gateways for personal deve
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4-H Camp Offers Opportunities for Growth
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: Camping
The vision of Kentucky 4-H Camping is to serve the citizens of Kentucky and beyond by providing a safe environment for experiential learning opportunities. 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. One particula
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4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Camping
4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games 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. The time we spend with youth in the camp settin
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Cloverbud Camp
Author: Shelby Cleaver
Major Program: Camping
2024 Cloverbud Camp was another success for our Nicholas County kiddos. These kids learned life skills, teamwork and how to communicate. They learned to clean up after theirselves in the cabins and during meals, learned to make their beds and keep up with their belongings. They also learned the value of new friendships from other counties and getting to know people and be friends with those who they aren’t around all the time. These kids got the chance to experience staying away from home
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4-H Camp
Author: Paula Jerrell
Major Program: Camping
The problemYouth need more positive opportunities for experiences to keep them busy, especially in the summer.The educational program response4-H Camp offers classes to build many soft skills as well as skills for fishing, archery, riflery, cooking, sports, engineering and much more.The participants/target audience4-Hers age 9 (or going in 4th grade) up to 14 are camper age. Older teens and adults serve in 4-H Camp Counselor leadership roles.Other partners (if applicable)In 2023 we set our new r
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Former campers become today's adult camp leaders
Author: Christina Hogue
Major Program: Camping
Former campers become today’s adult camp leadersAs a new agent, 4-H Summer Camp 2023 caused great anxiety. Having never experienced camp as a 4-H’er, I had no idea what to expect. Camp went very well, and during camp, I saw 2 teens step us in great leadership roles. These teens were very active in 4-H so I had developed a very good relationship with them. One teen, stepped up in an amazing way and lead his cabin throughout camp. As soon as the bus rolled
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4-H Camp
Author: Bernita Cheirs
Major Program: Camping
According to the U.S. Census (2022) the median household income in Fulton County is $33,449. The cost for one 4-Her to attend 4-H Summer Camp is $300 plus the cost of transportation. Many families in Fulton County do not have the resources to allow their children to attend 4-H Camp. Even if the cost of 4-H Camp was only $200, many families would find it difficult to come up with the extra money. It isn’t that 4-H Camp is too expensive. It costs less than many other camps, but the resources
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- Lexington, KY 40546-0091
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