According to 4-H.org, 4-H is America's largest youth development organization-empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.   Skills necessary for youth to become life-long leaders must include intentional life skill development.  

Kentucky 4-H Camping is a non-profit, self-sustaining entity with operating revenues generated from summer camping programs, environmental camping programs, extension sponsored events, camp sponsored events, and non-extension user rentals. Kentucky 4-H Camping owns/leases and operates four camping locations serving 25,000 guests annually. (https://4-h.ca.uky.edu/camp)

Cooperative Extension Services work tirelessly in the area of 4-H to develop youth.  4-H camps are a vital resource for providing youth the opportunity and experience of developing life skills such as becoming independent, managing personal resources,  and trying new things.  

The Magoffin County Cooperative Extension District Board ensured that youth would have equal opportunity to attend by charging only a $25 fee for campers.  The Board provided the additional funding so economic hardship would not hinder them in any way.  This is especially important for Magoffin County, which according to the United States Census has a median household income of $29, 615.00 and a poverty rate of 33.2%.  (census.gov)

The youth of Magoffin County attended JM Feltner Camp in London, Ky from June 20-23, 2023.  A total of 62 campers were present.  These included the following:

• 45 youth ages 9-15:  28 male, 17 female  (44 white, 1 Hispanic)
• 10 youth ages 16-17:  4 male, 6 female  (8 white, 2 Hispanic)
• 4 adult leaders:  2 male, 2 female (4 white)
• 3 extension staff:  3 female (white)

The majority of campers from Magoffin County were first-time attendees.  Of the 55 youth campers, 54 remained at camp for the duration.  The one who left early departed after two days.  Campers reported overwhelmingly that they loved camp and would be returning.  More than half tried new activities while at camp and reported that they enjoyed them.  The other half learned a valuable lesson in that you are not going to be interested in all things but that there is value in trying them so they can make an informed decision.  All campers except 4 had sufficient supplies and managed their resources independently while at camp.  These included clothing, personal care items and spending money.  

Many campers made friends and connections with others from their county as well as the others from different counties.  The impact of these interpersonal skills in action will have life-long benefit. Even students with minor conflicts persevered in resolving them and enjoying their experiences.

Magoffin County youth expressed interest in returning to camp as well as pursuit of new-found interests such as fishing, crochet, high ropes and basketball.

Adult extension staff, adult counselors, junior counselors and a CIT (counselor in training) all expressed interest in returning to camp next year and continuing their leadership roles.  Of the first-time campers, 4 of them shared that next year they would like to become junior counselors and take on a leadership role.