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 strategies, stay healthy, and stay socially connected.   With a major push from UK campus, agents, and leaders, our 4-H camp was back in 2021 to help with the above recommendations.   

4-H Camp took a different look but our goals were to stay healthy and socially connect in the youth minds.   4-H Camp went to a 50% capacity and the schedule had a great affect.  Campers stayed in pods and programs were change to fit the number kids that were present. 

Positives from the 2021 camping experience were #1 all campers participated in every activity.  Prior to camping in a pandemic, many campers did not get to participate in a 4-H Camp Class that they wanted.  Classes were sign up the first day of camp and many favorite classes would fill up fast.  A 4th year camper stated that it was the first time that she had been in the nature cabin.  In addition, a 3^rd year camper stated that she had never had the opportunity to canoe at 4-H camp.  Camp class instructors like seeing all the different campers from different counties as well. This is a change that I believe needs to be use next year, fewer campers with a better experience.

Planning 2021 4-H Camp had its challenges finding volunteers, transportation, schedules changes, and finding supplies.  With all the struggles of 2021 seeing the campers learn new skills, meet new friends, learning how to be considerate of others, and of course having fun made it worth the week of 4-H Camp.  As a wrap up to COVID 19 Camping year, some of the activities and programs agents would like to use again for next year’s camping program.   Rowan County took 29 campers.

100%     Campers want to return next year.

100%     Campers enjoyed their camp experience.

95%        Campers felt extremely safe at camp during the pandemic