Following the devastation of the tornados that wreaked havoc on western Kentucky in December 2021, 4-H Expressive Art Specialist approached UK Community Arts Extension about ways to collaborate that would boost morale for youth in the western region of the state.

CEDIK staff partnered with 4-H to formulate a plan for designing and installing new murals at each of the 4-H Camps across the state, beginning with West Camp in Dawson Springs, Kentucky. A simple and vibrant design was selected and installed on the pool building in the center of Camp as part of a workshop at 4-H Summit in March 2022. The mural depicted a large 4-leaf clover over wide horizontal bands of color, representing a sunset. Over 40 volunteers, both youth and adult, assisted in painting an 18ft wide and 9 ft tall mural that transformed a drab building into a creative focal point and source of pride for the Camp.

The Mural Project continued and expanded in 2023 with the intent to place murals at every 4-H Camp in Kentucky. A new mural was conceived and designed in collaboration with North Central 4-H Camp in Carlisle, Kentucky. Taking place during their Earth Day Volunteer Event in April, 2023, a new mural was painted on a prominent 42 ft long exterior wall on their office building, facing the Dining Hall and campfire areas.

The design for this mural represents “A Day at Camp”, showcasing North Central Camp’s morning flag ceremony, archery, new beekeeping program, and evening campfires. The background spans left to right from sunrise to noon, sunset and nighttime colors and includes an interactive element (a large bee with detailed wings that doubles as a selfie station for campers to engage with). Ten volunteers, including teens and staff from 4-H and UK Community Arts Extension and CEDIK staff, helped to paint the mural over the course of 4 days.

Several adults at Camp said that they remember being a part of painting a previous mural at the Camp decades previously and how special it was to see another mural being added after so many years. Progress and final images from the North Central Camp Mural were shared on Facebook to overwhelming positive feedback and have drummed up enthusiasm across the state for upcoming creative collaborations. Planning is currently underway for the creation of a mural at Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp.