4-H Camp has been an integral part of Cooperative Extension Service program for over 100 years. Club members look forward to the fun and adventure of 4-H Camp. Yet, behind all the fun that 4-H Camp offers, children are learning valuable life skills. 4-H Camp can be a very good learning experience for youth as well as for adults. Back in 2008, Trimble County had Thirty eight campers, Thirteen teens, six adults, and one agents attended camp. In July 2018, we hit our record number of 83 campers, 12 teens, 13 adults and one Agent. This was the highest number Trimble County has ever taken to camp.  The numbers for the 2019 camp smashed this previous record, as we took 152 people to Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp July 2019.  Trimble County had 113 campers, 20 Teens, 16 adults, 1 extension summer intern, and 1 extension agent.  2021 was a unique year with the pandemic, we were only allowed to bring 50% bed capacity, but Trimble County still brought 84.76% of our capacity with 58 campers, 11 adults and 1 extension agent.  In 2022, Trimble County took 90 campers, 14 adults and two extension agents.  This is 165% over our minimum camp attendance requirements for our County..

The campers learned a number of valuable lessons and life-long skills while attending camp, such as group living, decision making, responsibility, honesty, conflict resolution, time management, and communication skills. Firearms safety skills were taught during rifle and archery classes. In all, campers had 12 different activities to choose from. Adult and teen volunteers are very important to the 4-H Camp program. During another program held here in Trimble County, one of last year’s campers said, “I don’t have any fond memories at home or on vacations, but I do have good memories of 4-H Camp.”

Trimble County has a dedicated group of volunteers who attend 4-H Camp each year. This year we had one volunteer with more than 15 years experience, another two with more than seven years’ experience, and two who has come completely through the program as camper, teen, and now adults. Teen volunteers are very important in being able to relate to the campers and being role models. The teens also made sure that the campers were on time and participated in all camp functions. 4-H Camp is a great experience for campers, teens, and adults. Each year, teens must apply and interview for their position as Teen Counselor. This process introduces them to the interview and application process, so that when they enter the workforce, the will be more prepared. As a result of 4-H Camp, youth are taking the skills learned at camp and implementing them into their daily life by being able to solve conflicts, making new friends, and being a responsible individual.