4-H Camp

4-H Camp provides an opportunity for youth to develop essential life skills that help them build character, develop a sense of independence, and become responsible individuals. There are many life lessons to be learned at camp from learning to respect others, money management, and responsibility for oneself. According to the American Camping Association, child development professionals recognize camping experiences as a valuable tool in helping children mature socially, emotionally, intellectually, morally and physically. Michael Popkin, Ph.D., family therapist and founder of Active Parenting states that, “The building blocks of self-esteem are belonging, learning, and contributing. Camps offer unique opportunities for children to succeed in these three vital areas and even beyond home and school.” 

During the Covid Epidemic people were afraid to send their kids to camp for fear of the unknown.  Now that the threat of Covid has diminished, families were looking for things for their kids to do.  4-H Camp is the perfect opportunity for them to explore the outdoors, make new friends and experience some good summer fun. Our numbers were up considerably from 2021.   There were 79 campers, teen and adult volunteers that attended.  This is an increase of 46% increase over the previous year, which was capped and half capacity. 

2022 proved to be a slightly different year demographically.   Of the 79 that attended, there were 7 African American campers and 6 Asian campers.  This was a 100% increase in attendance among Asian campers.  One of the campers was a 14 year old from China who had lived in the US for less than a month.  He knew very little English but that didn’t stop him from having the time of his life and falling in love with camp.  He adapted to camp life exceedingly well and several noticed that his English even improved while he was at camp.  He plans on attending school in the county this fall and he is much better prepared because of the life experiences and people he met at 4-H Camp.   He plans to come back next year and is even interested in being a teen leader.