4-H Camp has been a historically successful program for Hopkins County 4-H. Many of the volunteers whether a Councilor in Training, Teen or Adult, have attended 4-H Camp as a camper and wanted to give back. Even with the historic numbers, it was a fear that Covid-19 and now inflation would impact Hopkins County 4-H Camp numbers negatively. Along with Covid-19 and inflation, the Hopkins County community was affected by an EF4 tornado that destroyed homes and spirits. 

With all the negatives that have occurred over the past two years, Hopkins County 4-H wanted to be able to provide one week of happiness to the youth. As we began promoting and advertising 4-H Camp, many heartbreaking stories were told from the tornado destroying their homes or destroying many of their items to losing family members to Covid-19. It was difficult to hear when promoting that many families would not be able to afford to have their youth attend 4-H Camp due to having to spend their extra money to replace items they previously owned. A solution to this problem was found, the Kentucky 4-H Foundation had a grant that could help fund their week at 4-H Camp. We also applied for a grant through the United Way of the Coalfield to help meet the needs of Hopkins County families to be able to successfully send their youth to 4-H Camp. 

The help from Kentucky 4-H Foundation and United Way of the Coalfield helped make the 2022 Hopkins County 4-H Camping program successful with having the third highest attendance in the county’s history. In attendance there was 182 Campers, 16 Councilors in Training and Teens, and 23 Adult Volunteers. The 4-H Camping program would not be successful without the volunteers that donate over 100 hours and time off work to make sure that the campers are safe and enjoying their week. Out of the 39 volunteers, 5 were new volunteers showing that those returning year after year believe in the program. The program does not just allow for a safe week, but also an opportunity for youth to gain confidence, encourage responsibility and the ability to have new experiences. 

During the week, many youth suffer homesickness and it makes it more difficult knowing that the parent or guardian is right down the road. One youth was experiencing homesickness on night one and wanted to go home, but after some persuasion and youth being able to communicate with her parents she was ready to stay longer. This then occurred the next night and the same process was followed, but by night three she was changing her mind. She had made new friends, tried new activities and was looking forward even more to the next day. By the end of the week she said, "thank you for helping me stay for the whole week. I'm so happy that I did it and cannot wait for next year."