The problem

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 2022, the mean household income per capita in Casey County was $42,190. With limited income for our families, extracurricular activities can be difficult to pay for therefore reducing the exposure, opportunities, and development for our youth. With these limitations, it is also difficult to recruit and secure teen and adult leaders for overnight programs. 

The educational program response

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 4-H Camping Program is the largest of the 4-H programs in Casey County. The program is heavily promoted and advertised with youth consistently asking about it. 

The participants/target audience

To achieve this level of participation, 4-H Camp was a constant topic of discussion during 4-H In-School Clubs (for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades) especially in the spring. The entire 4^th grade attended a spring Environmental Education Camp. The 4-H Camp Leaders hosted a 4-H Camp-a-Palooza to recruit campers as well as provided leading/teaching experience for them. The community also provides scholarship dollars to offset the growing cost of camp to ensure every youth has an equal opportunity to participate.

Other partners (if applicable)

Scholarship funding is provided by several community businesses and organizations including Casey County Farm Bureau, Casey County Soil Conservation, Casey County Bank, locally-owned businesses and individuals. 

Program impact or participant response.

The 2023 4-H Camp Year was a record-breaking year! Through extensive camp promotion and recruitment, Casey County had its highest attendance to date with 111 total participants: 88 Campers, 5 CITs, 3 Teen Leaders, and 15 Adult Leaders. 64% were first-time campers (56 out of 87)! There were also 5 (out of 16) Adult Leaders, 1 (out of 3) Teen Leaders, and 3 (out of 5) CITs who were first-timers.