Since canceling camp in 2020 and camping at a reduced capacity in 2021, initial feedback from the 2022 camping registration was slow and lacking in the number of youth committing to attend.  The Hardin County 4-H program continues to believe that the camp experience has several positive impacts for youth ages 9-14 including personal growth, eliminating screen time and fostering independence and leadership while creating opportunities for mentorship and positive role modeling from teens and adults.

In response to initial low numbers, Extension staff implemented a number of efforts to increase awareness of the camping program and available scholarships to offset the cost for lower-income families.  Various forms of media were used to market camp including multiple articles that were featured in the local newspaper, the local broadcast network recorded and aired a television programming highlighting camp including two former campers alongside the 4-H agent and the agent had a radio interview with one of the more popular local radio stations during the morning show.  The 4-H agent enlisted the help of staff and volunteers to put on the first ever 4-H Summer Camp Block Party in the county to kick off the beginning of summer break and start a 10-day countdown to the registration deadline.  The block party included activities and games that campers might experience at camp in a scaled down version including, outdoor games, relay races, crafts, chow wagon and a campfire to roast smores.  More than 50 youth along with 30 adults/parents attended the event, only 30% of those polled had previously registered to attend camp.  The event was made possible with the help of eight adult volunteers and seven teen volunteers, six of whom agreed to attend camp as teen counselors or CITs.  

Since the camp promotions, camp registrations have increased more than 200% and the council has utilized about 90% of the funds set aside to help with camp cost for 2022.  Participants and parents expressed enjoying the block party event.  One parent called in the day following the event saying, “I had been trying to talk my daughter into going to 4-H Camp because I loved camp as a child.  She refused.  When I saw the Summer Camp Block Party flyer, I convinced her to try that because it was just a couple of hours one evening.  She came to the block party last night and had a blast.  She absolutely loved it and is now excited about attending camp with some of the new friends she just met.”  Many other parents and youth expressed how much they enjoyed the event and that they want to see the event return for 2023.