A study reported in the Journal of Extension looked at the long-term impact of being a counselor at a 4-H residential camp. Alumni counselors were asked about their experience and how it related to personal development, the development of skill for working with children and groups, and life skill development. These included: how to handle emergency situations, how to plan an educational activity, how to teach others, how to deal with difficult children, how to be a role model for others, how to lead groups, how to facilitate groups of children, and how to encourage and support others (Journal of Extension, December 2006: Looking Back, the Impact of the 4-H Camp Counselor Experience on Youth Development: A Survey of Counselor Alumni.) 

For Webster County 4-H, one of the largest programs is the overnight, summer 4-H Camp taking a total of 125 youth, teens and adults. Webster County campers and volunteer leaders attended the 4 day camp along with others from Henderson, and Ohio Counties. Webster County 4-H had 11high school leaders and 8 adult volunteers to assist the campers. These volunteers are required to have extensive training and dedicate several, hours to the youth.  

Serving as a 4-H Camp Counselor provides these leaders the opportunity to make an impact on the youth in their care while at the same time making a significant impact on themselves. It is a very rewarding and experience with a lasting impact.