The best gift we can give our youth is to empower them with skills that will last for a lifetime, which is why parents have been sending their kids to 4-H summer camps for decades.  4-H is grounded in a deliberate, research-backed development and delivery model, which means at 4-H camp, kids learn critical life skills like resilience and independence. If we want our kids to be able to bounce back from adversity, stress, challenges, and failures, teaching them resilience is key. Kentucky 4-H believes that all youth should have opportunities for positive youth development in our four guiding concepts: mastery, belonging, independence, and generosity.  The expressive arts program fosters mastery by teaching youth the basic principles of art, belonging by giving them the opportunity to work with others, independence by allowing them to use their skills to create their own works of art, and generosity by identifying ways they can use their art to make a difference.   

    One hundred ninety-four   Ohio (33), Henderson (77) , Breckinridge (24), and Webster County (60) 4-H Campers completed art projects in their 4-H Camp Expressive Arts class (11classes) at the West Kentucky 4-H Camp. 4-H Campers explored and experimented with various materials to make new art, develop their creative skills and talents, become confident expressing themselves through various art forms, gain an understanding of various technique to complete their project, and master the basics of making great art – its elements and principles. Thirty-three adult volunteer leaders and 6 extension staff assisted the youth.   

     Campers displayed their artworks in their cabin for others to appreciate. Having experiences outside their comfort zones help young people become more resilient, more independent, and better able to plan and reach their long-term goals.  

      The 4-H Expressive arts project provide students with critical ways of thinking and communicating that provoke creativity, imagination, and possibility. In today's world, tools such as creativity, collaboration and imagination provide us with solutions to our most pressing problems, such as global warming and overpopulation.  The 4-H Expressive arts project awaken youth’s imagination and creativity to help them discover who they are and how to engage their senses. They also bring a sense of calm to the body and positively impact mindset, interpretation of surroundings and emotional state.