Casey County is located in south central Kentucky but is considered an eastern Kentucky County due to its limited resources and the social economic status of most families. As of 2020, the mean household income per capita in Casey County was $29,123. With limited income for our families, extracurricular activities can be difficult to pay for therefore reducing the exposure, opportunities, and development for our youth.

The mission of the Kentucky 4-H Camping program is to improve people through intentional life skill development through collaboration with local, state, and national partners, research-based methods and programming, service-oriented practices, long-term strategic planning, and play. 

The 2022 4-H Camping year was the first true year the camping program was back to full capacity after the pandemic. Through extensive recruitment in the classrooms (3^rd-5^th grades, middle and high school), 4-H Environmental Education Day Camp for all 4^th grade students held at the Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp, and 4-H Camp-a-Palooza (an overnight camp recruitment event), Casey County had 80 4-H Camp participants including campers, CITs, Teen Leaders, and Adult Leaders. This matched a record (from 2018) for the most Casey County has taken to 4-H Camp. Predicting higher numbers, the Casey County 4-H Camping program solicited donations from community members and businesses, conducted fundraisers, and partnered with the Casey County Board of Education to provide over $6000 in sponsorships and scholarships to 60 campers.

We held the 3^rd 4-H Camp-a-Palooza overnight recruitment event in the spring of 2023. Over 40 youth registered (representing first time and returning campers) along with over 15 teen and adult leaders. Throughout the event youth learn 4-H Camp songs and dances, watch skits, participate in classes, and experience a small aspect of 4-H Camp. Of the 40 youth who participated in the event, 34 are currently registered for the 2023 4-H Camp Week (July 17^th-21^st); 14 of which are first time campers.