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 105.

This year of COVID say a great deal of mitigation, and a super complicated schedule in order to keep youth in cohorts, and thus any potential exposure be greatly reduced. The great news was that although it was more work for staff and adult volunteers, the 4-Hers still received a high quality experiential learning encounter.

Our program is large because our leadership base is large.  While many counties struggle to find leaders we have high rate of repeat leaders.  Many of these grew up in 4-H or their kids have and they are still involved. .Additionally, we get extra youth participants because parents know the adults attending, and have personal relationships with them.  COVID has caused some adjustments. 

Our youth gain new experiences, make new friends, meet people from other counties.  Stepping outside your comfort zone is a cliché, but it really applies to our campers.  Youth leave home, many for the about 35% for the first time, learn group living, how to sweep a floor, make a bed, put up your stuff, be on time, remember to take your swim suit, get up early for a special program etc.  They also take classes on subjects that are new. firearms safety, challenge courses, cooking, games, nature hikes, canoeing, swimming, kayaking, rocketry, and much more.

4-H’s core values include Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and generosity.  Camp teaches all of these and our survey responses document it. These youth leave home, work with a group, learn new skills, and help each other.

Camp teaches, but it also starts.  It starts the child on the adventure that is KY 4-H. This adventure will grow with each new 4-H activity.