The 4-H camping program has been a longtime tradition in the 4-H Youth Development summer programming.  According to the Journal of Extension (December 2009), youth that attend 4-H camp generally make improvements in the areas of independent living, self-esteem, leadership, social skills, character development, decision-making, and citizenship (J. Hedrick, et al).  Russell County 4-H promoted the program, recruited volunteer leaders, helped develop the schedule, recruited class teachers, and took 41 youth, teenagers, and adult volunteers to camp under COVID restrictions.  The youth attended classes in archery, rifle, swimming, fishing, canoeing, crafts, nature, recreation, challenge courses, arts, and sciences.  During this time, they learned new skills and developed cooperation skills and friendships with youth from across the state.  The program was evaluated by a questionnaire given on the last evening of camp.  

One hundred percent (100%) of the youth indicated that they experienced the following at camp:   met at least one caring adult, managed their own money, made self-directed decisions, made at least one new friend, interacted with people different from them, and were more physically active.  Some of the other positive impacts of 4-H Camp are as follows:

1. 90% spent more time outside this week
2. 77% accomplished something that they didn’t think they could do
3. 73% mastered a new skill while at camp
4. 47% worked out a problem with someone while at camp

For 27% of the campers, it was their first time spending multiple nights away from home.  All of the campers remained at camp for the entire week.  Additionally, 94% of the campers indicated that they would like to attend 4-H Camp next year!