For the second year in a row, Grayson County 4-H has had a significant increase in camper participation increasing from 65 beds filled in 2022 to 101 filled for the summer 2023 camping program. This included 82 campers, 8 CITS/teens, 10 adult leaders, and 1 agent. This is the highest participation count the county has ever had; and the count is expected to increase next year as there were kids on the waiting list, as well as many that called after the spots were filled. Three youth did make it off the waiting list as a few registered dropped out for various reasons prior to camp.

Important factors that have led to the increase:

1. EDB budgets for the 75% educational programming cost of the camper fee. This allows the agent to advertise a significantly reduced cost to the camper. For 2023, the cost was $75 per camper. The EDB additionally budgets for the bus expense, which the bus need increased with the increased participation.
2. 2022 campers received a priority registration window before information began being distributed to the schools.
3. The 4-H Agent has programming with all four elementary schools, hitting all fourth graders, fifth grade in three schools, and third grade in one school (approximately 560 youth). Upon returning to school programs in January after the holiday break, information began being distributed. Camper spots were full by mid-March, before additional information could reach the classes/grades the agent had not visited.

Of the participation for the county, 59 of the 82 campers were first timers, with camp being the first overnight away from home event. Following up with the campers with a survey, all campers felt safe at camp, all campers indicated they felt the cabin and county leaders cared about them, and all learned something new at camp. All campers plan to attend camp in 2024, several hoping to have a friend with them.