4-H camp has always been a successful program for Hopkins County 4-H. Many people have attended as youth, teen,s and then even come back as adults. Camp has always been welcomed in Hopkins County. However, as much as camp is loved, there was fear that the lasting effects of Covid-19 along with record inflation would hinder the number of individuals that camp would impact this summer.

Along with the ongoing pandemic and failing economy, our community was also affected by a devastating EF4 leaving many without homes and transportation. Having camp at all was going to be considered a good year. 

As we began our camp recruiting efforts we started to meet the youth who were affected by the storm. Hearing the stories they shared were truly heartbreaking. From lost toys to lost homes,  one child even physically being sucked into the tornado, we knew we had to do anything we could to give these youth a normal summer. 

While we were brainstorming what we could do, the Kentucky 4-H foundation was doing the same thing. A grant was created on behalf of the foundation that’s focus was to fund events for youth who were affected by the storm. While the foundation was creating this grant, we were applying for funding from the United Way of the Coalfield. Through both of these grants, we were able to send many youth to camp at a free or very reduced cost! 

2022 had some real potential to be a letdown for the youth of Hopkins County. From Covid-19, to record high inflation rates, to the devastating tornado, not a lot was going right for our youth. But, because of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation and the UWC over 200 youth, the third highest attendance for Hopkins County, had at least one worry-free week of their summer vacation at 4-H Camp.