To the untrained eye, 4-H camp is a fun week in the hills of Kentucky. A closer look reveals that campers learn, grow, and build upon their experiences at camp. This year's camp is no exception. 

Within this delegation of campers there were seven first-year campers who reported this experience to be their longest stretch of time spent away from their parents. All seven reported being excited but nervous about the experience. Prior to camp, six teens were selected through a county-wide application process to serve as the 2023 Washington County 4-H Camp Counselors and trained in tropics like supervision, homesickness, camper health management and behavior management. Thanks in part to this preparation, homesickness and other common issues that often arise in a camp environment were kept to a minimum. 

One 4-H member named Makaela struggled as she attempted to climb the rock at camp in 2022. As she watched other campers zoom by on the zipline she made it a personal goal of hers that the next time she faced off against the rockwall at camp she'd be strong enough to make it to the top. She worked alongside her family to eat healthier and strength train. This year, she climbed the wall quickly and got to feel the rush of the wind as she ziplined to the bottom!

A camper was experiencing difficulties managing his behavior in the camp environment and found himself often in trouble or struggling to keep up with the instructions involved in the fast-paced schedule. A teen leader recognized the behavior to being similar to his own during his first years of camp. He recalled actions and strategies that were utilized to help him manage his behavior during previous years of 4-H camp and 4-H Club work to assist this camper to have a successful experience at 4-H Camp!

In preparation for camp this year over $4,000 was raised to assist in reducing and camp fees. Partners include Heavenly Treasures, Washington on Wellness Coalition, Bellwood Farms, and multiple individual sponsors.