Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2025Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025
4-H Summer Camp – More than Fun and Games
Author: Christina A. Martin
Major Program: Camping
Russell county camps over 4 days which offers approximately 60 hours of direct, uninterrupted contact between youth and volunteer leaders and camp class instructors. The interactions offered in a residential camp/group living setting offers opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, to have meaningful conversations with caring adults, to practice generosity, group decision making; they experience new activities that they typically do not have access to at home; and they gain res
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Rescheduled 4-H Camp
Author: Calyn Colston
Major Program: Camping
On May 26. 2024 the West KY storms left West KY 4-H Camp with damage and no power. Our camping group, which consisted of Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Graves, and Hickman counties were scheduled to depart for camp the next day. Due to the damage, our group was first postponed by one day, but eventually the week was cancelled due to losing all the food for our group.. We had 493 disappointed campers and counselors and had to do something to make it up to them! First, each of our counties ho
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4-H Camp Teaches Personal Responsibity and Social Competence
Author: Lee Ann McCuiston
Major Program: Camping
The IssueThe 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 they
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2024 4-H Summer Camp
Author: Ashley Vice
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 s
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First Time Camper
Author: Heather Coleman
Major Program: Camping
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4-H Summer camp 2024
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
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4-H Camp 2024 Makes an Impact
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp is a time for youth to develop life skills while having fun! There’s a lot of learning that happens at camp as well! This year we nicknamed our camping group – Far East Meets Far West due to changes in counties involved. Marshall County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development worked with the Ballard, Fulton, AND Barren, Monroe and Hart County Extension Agents with the goal to provide the perfect setting for campers to “learn by doing.”
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RECORD 4-H CAMP ATTENDANCE
Author: Lloyd Saylor
Major Program: Camping
Butler co. is a small rural county, our youth need involvement with good adults, educational programs, and activities.4-H Camp is one of KY Extension's Signature programs. 2024 was a banner year for Butler Co. 4-H Camping, with 156 campers, teens and adults. 15 more than our previous record. Almost 30 attended on at least a 50% scholarship. We always lose a few leaders who moved, or their children aged out. We recruited additional adults, and trained our teen le
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Summer Camp 2024
Author: Presley Grubb
Major Program: Camping
4-H Summer Camp- Memories That Last a Lifetime Greenup County had 67 youth, teens and adult volunteers attended 4-H Summer Camp at North Central 4-H Camp. 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 i
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Camp 2024
Author: Allison Croslin
Major Program: Camping
Describe the Issue or Situation.On May 26, 2024, West Kentucky 4-H Camp was hit by strong storms that caused power to be out for several days and structures to be damaged. This prohibited the Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Hickman, and Graves camping group to attend camp in May. 4-H Camp is one of the biggest programs that happens in Kentucky 4-H, and many 4-H'ers look forward to it every year.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).All agents in t
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4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games
Author: Mollie Tichenor
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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Records sent at 4-H Camp
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: Camping
According the the American Camp Association young people who attend camp believe that camp helped them to make new friends (96%), helped them feel good about themselves (92%), and do things they were afraid to do at first (74%). 70% of parents who send their kids who camp said that camp helped their child gain self-confidence. In an effort to promote these, and other positive examples of self efficacy to youth in Washington County, the Washington County 4-H has strengthened their commitment
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4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games
Author: Heather Hunter
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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4-H 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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Rescheduled 4-H Camp
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Camping
On May 26, 2024, the West KY storms left West KY 4-H Camp with damage and no power. Our camping group, which consisted of Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Graves, and Hickman counties, was scheduled to depart for camp the next day. Due to the damage, our group was first postponed by one day, but eventually, the week was canceled due to losing all the food for our group. We had 493 disappointed campers and counselors and had to do something to make it up to them! First, each of our counties ho
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Menifee 4-H Day Camp Week
Author: Mary Lawson
Major Program: Camping
Menifee County 4-H continues to grow in our small community. Menifee County 4-H recently hosted an exciting day camp, where local youth had the opportunity to explore various fields, including cooking, science, agriculture, and robotics. Through hands-on activities, participants learned valuable life skills and developed a deeper appreciation for these subjects. The cooking sessions taught them how to prepare nutritious meals, fostering both independence and healthy habits.In the science wo
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4-H Summer Camp 2024
Author: Sue Ann Loyall
Major Program: Camping
Many youth are having a more difficult time coping with various issues and are feeling more anxious especially in new situations or environments.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
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4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games
Author: Lori Clark
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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4-H Camp
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: Camping
Describe the Issue or Situation.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 positi
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4-H Camp
Author: Joe Maynard
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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4-H Summer Camp Provides Positive, Fun and Educational Experiences for Kenton County Youth
Author: Anna Meyers
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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Meeting a Financial Camp Need
Author: Bernita Cheirs
Major Program: Camping
According to the U.S. Census the median household income in Fulton County is $33,567. 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 financial resources to allow their children to attend 4-H Camp. Even if the cost of 4-H Camp was only $200, many families are finding it more difficult to come up with the extra money to pay camp fees or purchase the necessary items that you need to attend camp.The Fulton Coun
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Adult Leaders Begin the Leadership Journey at 4-H Camp
Author: Kimberly Ragland
Major Program: Camping
Kentucky has one of the largest, most dynamic 4-H summer camping programs in America with more than 12,000 attending in 2024. Each week of camp, youth ages 9-14 participate as campers with adult counselors (AC) 18 and over attending as chaperones. But perhaps the group who benefits the most consists of the 15-18-year-old senior 4-Hers who serve as Junior Counselors (JC). Boyle, Lincoln, and Powell counties have camped together for nearly 20 years and have developed a unique leadership
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4-H Summer Camp: Building Lifelong Skills and Connections
Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: Camping
In a world where youth increasingly find themselves engaged with electronic devices and isolated from peers, the need for meaningful, face-to-face interactions and hands-on experiences has never been more critical. Modern lifestyles often limit the time families and communities spend together, which can hinder the development of social, emotional, and practical life skills. Many young people lack opportunities to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and foster a sense of independe
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Trimble County 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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2024; 4-H Camp in Kentucky hit its record high!
Author: Peggy Jones
Major Program: Camping
2024; 4-H Camp in Kentucky hit its record high!4-H Camp in 2024 hits its record total more than ever before, WHY: Kids love the feeling of growing up and attending something without their parents/guardians , our 4-H camps have a lot to offer, great JC and AC’s take time out of their lives to work with youth at 4-H Camp and 4-H Agents work many-hard-long hours to make it happen. Rowan County youth are making memories and creating opportunities for interacting with others while
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Volunteer Impact
Author: Daniel Bell
Major Program: Camping
Volunteers play an integral role in the county 4-H program by helping youth develop life skills and building positive relationships with adult role models. Volunteers help to expand the reach of the Kentucky 4-H program by leading community and after school clubs. Building relationships with adults who are caring, and that challenge youth's growth is part of the developmental context of the 4-H Thrive Model. This spring a parent of a summer camp participant reached out
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2024 Nelson County 4-H Camp
Author: Samantha Gabbard
Major Program: Camping
On a cold winter day, there’s nothing better to think about than a warm summer day at 4-H Camp. According to a National Parks and Recreation article “Children in Nature” children are devoting minutes outside compared to spending an average of seven hours in front of a screen. On the latest community needs assessment that UK Cooperative Extension hosted a top priority identified for Nelson County was strengthening youth-adult relationships. 4-H camp is an experience like no othe
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4-H summer camp teaches life skills
Author: Elizabeth Easley
Major Program: Camping
The Situation:The Laurel County 4-H Advisory Council has identified 4-H summer camp as a priority issue. 4-H summer camp helps youth develop life-long skills. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a skill is a learned ability. A life skill is an ability that is useful throughout daily life and enhances the quality of life. The Targeting Life Skills Model (Hendricks, 1998) highlights 35 life skills developed in 4-H programs to help youth succeed. At our 4-day summer camp, we focused on hon
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Leslie County 2024 4-H Camp: A Success Story of Growth, Dedication, and Empowerment
Author: Dawna Peters
Major Program: Camping
Leslie County 4-H Camp: A Success Story of Growth, Dedication, and EmpowermentA Growing Tradition of EngagementThis year marked another significant achievement for Leslie County 4-H, with 45 youth attending camp—just shy of our minimum attendance requirement of 50. While we fell short by five, this number represents a continued increase from previous years, showing a clear upward trend in our ability to engage more youth year after year. With a 3-year average of 39.33 campers, we are build
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Archery to Belonging
Author: Samantha Gamblin
Major Program: Camping
Archery to Belonging Activity4-H Camp can provide teens and adults the best environment to nurture the best aspects of summer camp. When we are planning for out camping session we looked at ways to help get the training across more efficient and fun for our teens and adults. One section of our training we looked at what will we be doing this summer? Archery, Swimming, High Ropes, etc. Our leaders worked together to provide important benefits kids will get from their summer camp experience. Thing
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Stuck in the Middle at West Ky 4-H Camp: A Middle School Retreat
Author: Lisa Hagman
Major Program: Camping
Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp is a unique and impactful event designed specifically for middle school youth (6th-8th grade). This event was a success, bringing together young people from 13 counties in Western Kentucky for a weekend of fun, friendship, and growth. With 81 youth participants, 7 teen leaders, and 23 Extension personnel/ adult volunteers in attendance, the program highlighted the importance of social connection, hands-on engagement, and supportive environments for y
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Building Leadership & Lifeskills through 4-H Summer Camp
Author: Julia Wilson
Major Program: Camping
In Hart County, many families face limited access to structured summer programs for their children. Parents are looking for opportunities that give their kids a chance to grow, connect, and learn outside of a classroom. With concerns about screen time, isolation, and mental health on the rise, the need for programs that promote leadership, friendship, and time in nature has never been greater.To help meet that need, the Hart County 4-H Agent worked with agents in her camping group, along w
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2025 4-H Camp Recruitment
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 2023, the median household income per capita in Casey County was $41,689; the median individual income was $23,794. 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 als
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4-H Camp : Positive Experiences That Last A Lifetime
Author: Brooke Hogancamp
Major Program: Camping
A typical 4-day 4-H Camp session offers upwards of 70 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 are so important to youth, especially considering the increasing use of screen time and digital devices and lingering effects of the isolation brought on by the COVID
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4-H Camping and the Impact of a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Author: Bryce Charles
Major Program: Camping
The buses rolled in with a rumble, and before the dust settled, the air was already buzzing with excitement, sunscreen, and the scent of adventure. It was the first day of 4-H Summer Camp, and for 381 wide-eyed participants, it felt like stepping into a world where anything was possible. Water bottles clinked, duffel bags tumbled, and name tags fluttered as new friends were made faster than you could say “bug spray.” Behind every game, craft, canoe paddle, and s’more was a purp
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Success Story: One Night, Three Counties, Countless Memories – CloverQuest Camp 2025 Bracken, Mason, and Robertson Counties Team Up for Youth Adventure
Author: Britney Poe
Major Program: Camping
This summer, youth from Bracken County, Mason County, and Robertson County came together for an unforgettable experience at CloverQuest Camp—a one-night camp that proved big impact can happen in just a short time.Hosted with the goal of introducing young people to the world of 4-H camping, CloverQuest offered a fun-filled schedule packed with hands-on learning, new friendships, and the kind of moments that spark a love for lifelong learning. From the minute campers arrived, the energy was
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Carter County 4‑H Council Raises Over $13,000 to Support Camp Scholarships
Author: Rebecca Hayes
Major Program: Camping
June 2025 — Carter County, KY — The Carter County?4-H?Council is?proud to announce a major fundraising milestone: over $13,000 raised to support 4-H Camp scholarships for local youth. This effort is particularly meaningful given the significant economic challenges faced by the community.Carter County by the NumbersNearly 20% of residents live in poverty (19.2–19.6%) One in four children in Carter County grows up below the poverty line (≈25.2%) These rates exceed
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From Campfire to Community: Shaping Youth Through 4-H Camp
Author: Carissa Miske
Major Program: Camping
Character Counts defines character as “the summation of a person’s habits, attitudes, and attributes.” Developing strong character does not happen by chance, it requires intentional instruction, guidance, and real-life practice. At Owsley County 4-H, we recognize the importance of character education and actively work to instill positive values in youth through year-round programming. One of the most impactful experiences we offer is participation in the annual J.M. Feltner 4-H
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4-H Summer Camp
Author: Bridgett Poteet
Major Program: Camping
On June 10-13, 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 67 youth, 17 teens, 10 adults, and 2 agents that attended camp.Last year, Edmonson County brought 76 campers/teens and 8 adults to camp. Keeping the streak alive, this was the fourth year in a row for Edmonson County to set a camp att
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4-H Cloverbud Camp
Author: Bridgett Poteet
Major Program: Camping
On June 20-22, the 4-H agent, Cloverbuds, and parents from the Edmonson County embarked for the West Kentucky 4-H Camp grounds to meet with 16 other counties for a few days of fun-filled activities, games, and opportunities to learn new skills. As an agent on the planning committee, it was exciting to see the biggest group of campers from Edmonson County but also the biggest group Cloverbud Camp has ever housed before. There were 227 campers/adults that attended Cloverbud Camp.From Edmonso
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4-H Camp 2025
Author: Stefaine Back
Major Program: Camping
From June 3–6, 2025, the JM?Feltner 4-H Camp in London, Kentucky brought together over 350 enthusiastic campers! Magoffin County had 38 youth campers, and three dedicated adult volunteers for an unforgettable experience. With 20% of attendees being first-time campers, the group dove into a variety of activities—casting poles for fishing, tackling high-ropes challenges, competing in lively games, exploring the creative side through arts and crafts, and enjoying classic “Sa
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YEA-REAP 1890 Collaboration
Author: Brian Walker
Major Program: Camping
The 1890 Collaboration is the first of its kind for five other HBCUs institutions. This collaboration exposes youth to workforce careers in agriculture and STEM related fields. This task is not an easy task as it brings all the institutions together to do effective programming throughout the year, and then in the summer, fifteen students from each institution are able to go. This year came with challenges as KYSU was able to send nine out of fifteen students to the camp. This trip might loo
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Grayson County 4-H Camp
Author: Kindra Jones
Major Program: Camping
Grayson County 4-H camp numbers hit their peak again for the 2025 summer session! Beginning in January, when students returned to school from the holiday break, the agent began promoting camp at all elementary schools. By mid-February, allocated spots were full and waiting list began. Nearly 60 of the 106 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 provid
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Creating Opportunity Through 4-H: McCreary County Extension Breaks Records at 4-H Camp
Author: Tracie Goodman
Major Program: Camping
McCreary County is a rural and underserved area in Kentucky. With over 30% of residents living below the poverty line and a median household income of just $26,000, families often face limited access to enrichment opportunities for youth. In response, McCreary County Extension has remained committed to breaking down financial barriers by offering free or low-cost educational programs through 4-H.In 2025, McCreary County Extension secured 22 full scholarships for local youth to attend Lake Cumber
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Super Heroes United for a Successful Marshall County 4-H Camp 2025
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: Camping
Marshall County ended up scheduled twice in same fiscal/reporting year for 4-H Camp. This was second round with what’s known as the East Meets West Camping Group. The 4-HYD Agents from Ballard, Barren, Fulton, Hart, Monroe and Marshall County worked with the new 4-H WKY Camp Director (former 4-H Agent) on a successful four days and three nights of 4-H Camp 2025. The Planning Committee rallied together to create standard counselor orientation videos to provide a united fro
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One Night, Three Counties, Countless Memories – CloverQuest Camp 2025 Bracken, Mason, and Robertson Counties Team Up for Youth Adventure
Author: Samantha Saunders
Major Program: Camping
This summer, youth from Bracken County, Mason County, and Robertson County came together for an unforgettable experience at CloverQuest Camp—a one-night camp that proved big impact can happen in just a short time.Hosted with the goal of introducing young people to the world of 4-H camping, CloverQuest offered a fun-filled schedule packed with hands-on learning, new friendships, and the kind of moments that spark a love for lifelong learning. From the minute campers arrived, the energy was
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4-H Camping program: Giving credit where credit is due
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Camping
The Knox County 4-H Council and Knox County Extension District Board recognizes the importance of 4-H summer camp. 4-H summer camp helps youth develop skills that can used throughout their life. The Targeting Life Skills Model (Hendricks, 1998) highlights 35 life skills developed in 4-H programs to help youth succeed. At our 4-day summer camp, we specifically focused on skills like independence, teamwork and increasing knowledge.Extension staff held four camp counselor training courses for our t
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Transforming Youth through 4-H Camp 2025
Author: Genaea Sarantakos
Major Program: Camping
Youth in Hopkins County, Kentucky face significant challenges that can hinder their emotional, academic, and social development. Nearly 30% of children in the area live in poverty, with many lacking access to safe, structured enrichment programs. Educational achievement is also a concern—only 47% of elementary, 36% of middle, and 44% of high school students meet reading proficiency. Additionally, local youth experience the compounding effects of trauma, mental health struggles, economic in
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4-H Camp
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Camping
The mission of Kentucky 4-H Camping is to enhance personal growth through intentional life skills development. This is achieved through collaboration with local, state, and national partners, utilizing research-based methods, educational programming, service-oriented practices, long-term strategic planning, and engagement with the participants' interests or "sparks."The 4-H overnight camping program provides youth with a structured environment to learn independence, acquire life sk
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4-H Camp and Positive Youth Development
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: Camping
According to the American Camping Association, camp provides opportunity for youth to discover and explore their interests, values, and talents. 4-H Camp is an exciting experience for youth to make new friends, build self-confidence, gain independence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and step out of their comfort zone. 4-H Camp is also an opportunity for teen and adult volunteers to give back and have a sense of purpose by giving their time and talents to help young people thrive at cam
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4-H camp 2025
Author: Amanda Clark
Major Program: Camping
Describe the Issue or Situation.In recent years, youth across Fayette County have faced increasing challenges in social development, self-confidence, and skill-building opportunities due to limited access to structured, immersive programs. Many families expressed concern over a lack of affordable, enriching summer experiences that promote personal growth, leadership, and positive peer interactions for their children. The need for a transformative, educational camp experience was more urgent than
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4-H Summer Camp
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: Camping
In 2025, Clark County took 264 people to camp. This number includes 24 adults, 21 teens and 219 campers! The combined fundraising efforts of the Extension Agents for 4-H Youth Development, local school Family Resource Coordinators, and generous donations from our community allowed 51 youth to attend camp through scholarships. Many of the youth who received scholarships would not have been able to attend 4-H Summer Camp without the financial assistance. During the week of 4-H Camp, youth par
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4-H Camp Numbers on the Rise
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: Camping
This summer, Washington County 4-H made history with its most successful 4-H Camp experience to date. A total of 77 campers and leaders attended Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp—shattering the previous record of 63 and marking an inspiring milestone in youth engagement for the county.This record attendance was made possible through months of planning, enthusiastic community support, and intentional efforts to create inclusive opportunities for all youth. One of the most impactful components was th
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Learning, growing and developing at 4-H Camp
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Camping
According to the American Camp Association, camp is a continuation of the social skill development that begins at birth and spans the life cycle. Furthermore Kentucky 4-H promotes 4-H camp as a place for youth to explore their interests and passions surrounded by Kentucky’s natural resources. Plus, they meet caring adults and teen volunteers who are committed to their success, ensuring each youth feels safe and helping them feel that they belong. 4-H Camp is part of
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4-H Camp Continues to Grow
Author: Toni Humble
Major Program: Camping
A typical 4-day 4-H Camp session offers upwards of 76 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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Hooked on Nature 4-H Day Camp
Author: Cathy Sparks
Major Program: Camping
Describe the Issue or Situation.Many children in Magoffin County cannot afford to attend a week of 4-H camp or are too young to attend. The decision was made to offer a 4-H Day camp to allow those students an opportunity to attend an educational and fun day camp.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).We partnered with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Kentucky Reptile Museum, and the Kentucky Ag Bus to provide programming for the day camp. Children were giv
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Grant, Owen, Pendleton, and Kenton County 2025 4-H Camp: Beginning to Shape Tomorrow's Leaders
Author: Mason Malin
Major Program: Camping
Under the direction of 4-H Agents, Mason Malin (Grant County), Bryce Charles (Owen County), Lydia Gosney (Pendleton County), Diane Kelley (Kenton County), Anna Myers (Kenton County), Lori Clark (Kenton County), and 4-H Camp Staff 376 youth, teens, and adults experienced the magic of the Kentucky 4-H Camping Program from June 9th-June 13th at North Central 4-H Camp located in Carlisle, Kentucky. Over this 5 day period, campers, teens, and adults all experienced upwards of 96 hours of direct
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4H Camp 2025
Author: Trever Cole
Major Program: Camping
Describe the Issue or Situation.This summer 87 youth from across Mason county took part in the 4H camping program during the week of June 23-27 setting another year of record attendance for Mason County. Efforts working with the Mason County Extension District board, Mason county 4H council, the RC Durr foundation, and local homemaker clubs allowed for the cost of camp to become reduced and more available to a wider range of families. Many of these groups also helped to sponsor full scholarships
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4H 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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Rockcastle County Volunteers Shine at 4-H Camp
Author: Alyssa Cox
Major Program: Camping
Rockcastle County 4-H is proud to highlight the outstanding efforts of its dedicated volunteers who helped make this year’s 4-H Camp a memorable success. With one teen counselor and six adult counselors, our team came fully prepared and played a crucial role in ensuring that camp ran smoothly from start to finish.Each counselor brought their own unique strengths to the table, contributing to the safe, engaging, and fun environment that 4-H Camp is known for. From organizing activities and
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Fourth 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 a third record breaking year last year. Last years camp dates were the same week as this year, during the second week of June.With camp at a cost $325 per camper, a combination of generous community donations, Ag. Tag
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One Night, Three Counties, Countless Memories – CloverQuest Camp 2025
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Camping
This summer, youth from Bracken County, Mason County, and Robertson County came together for an unforgettable experience at CloverQuest Camp—a one-night camp that proved big impact can happen in just a short time.Hosted with the goal of introducing young people to the world of 4-H camping, CloverQuest offered a fun-filled schedule packed with hands-on learning, new friendships, and the kind of moments that spark a love for lifelong learning. From the minute campers arrived, the energy was
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4-H Camp 2025
Author: Allison Keeton
Major Program: Camping
Describe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.
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4-H Camp 2025, Making Lasting Memories
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Camping
From June 10-13, 2025, agents, campers, teen leaders and adult volunteeers from the Bell County Extension Office attended the JM Feltner Kentucky 4-H Camp in London, KY, collaborating with participants from three additional counties for several days dedicated to educational activities, personal development, and engagement. This year, Bell County demonstrated substantial participation, with a total of 59 youth, 6 teens, 10 adults, 1 program assistant and 1 agent present. Bell County’s
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Camper to Full-Time Counselor: A Progressive Camping Experience
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Camping
Nicolas (Nick) Mullins began his journey with Bell County 4-H at the age of nine, when he first participated in camping activities that sparked his lifelong passion for youth development and outdoor experiences. His initial excitement laid the groundwork for a series of increasingly responsible roles within the organization, including counselor in training, teen leader, and ultimately, adult volunteer. Over the span of 14 years immersed in the 4-H camping program, he cultivated a profound apprec
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