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 county costs to attend camp. Volunteers pulled together with the Agent to recruit campers and the total number of campers for Grant County was more than double the minimum required.   

Summer camp is a special type of community where kids come together to have fun.  Within the camp setting, children develop a sense of independence as they try new adventures away from home.  Summer camps are known for providing a safe environment where children gain self-confidence as they learn new skills.  Camp is also a place where children develop a variety of social skills (e.g., communication, conflict resolution ability).  

In 2021, Grant County took 36 campers, 7 junior counselor volunteers, 4 adult volunteers and the entire Extension staff including the only agent in the county that had never been to camp before.  We went with a purpose to make the first year back from the pandemic hiatus a success.   The year was full of ups and downs but was capped off by a wonderful week of weather and fun at North Central 4H camp.  On a personal note, as the Agent and adult counselor of one of Grant Counties cabins, I left camp very disappointed.  The disappointment came in the form that I was disappointed in myself, that I had fallen into a mystic among my counterparts and had denied myself the experience of 4H camp for nearly 20 years of my career.  Camp Magic got me, and my first trip will not be my last trip.