Thinking back to the warm summer days that are filled with many fun activities, time at the lake, and games in the evening. Nelson County 4-Hers traveled to Nancy, Kentucky during the second week of July to Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp. 264 community members experienced the great joy that 4-H camp brings to life! Nelson County planned special activities that took place during the camp days. These activities included making tie-dye t-shirts and the Kentucky Reptile Zoo brought many interesting creatures to visit camp. As a county we brought different classes to offer a wider variety of interest activities for campers including Adventure in Art, Superstar Chef, and a Counselor in Training class.  The evening games were Gold Rush, Go Bananas, Capture the Flag and Wet & Wild Field Games. All these activities allowed campers to explore their interests, be outdoors, and work as a team with other campers.

Through a survey completed at the end of the 4-H camp week many noted their enjoyable experiences and stated that they learned several new skills including problem solving, working together in a group, canoeing, shooting a bow, and many more! For 34 campers it was their first time staying away from home for multiple nights. This is an accomplishment to be away from your parents and learn to take care of yourself for multiple days in a row. 177 of the campers made their own decisions while away from home, which is a required life skill for their future. 87 campers worked out a problem with someone during the camp week and 179 said they interacted with other people that were different from them.

It is important to recognize what opportunities 4-H camp provides to campers. It is a different experience than everyday life at home. 176 campers spent more time outside than they typically do and 187 of them stated they were physically active for at least 1 hour a day each this week. 157 campers mentioned they mastered a new skill such as shooting a rifle, swimming, kayaking and more. The youth can bring these skills home to teach their families, friends, and beyond what they learned at Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp.

The success of camp could not be wrapped up without a big shoutout to the volunteers who make going to 4-H camp possible. In 2023, Nelson County brought 27 adult volunteers and 29 teens. Each of them played a vital role in making the camper’s experience the best it could be! 183 of the 198 total campers stated that they met at least one caring and positive adult during the camp week. What an impact these volunteers had on the youth! Their encouragement and positive attitudes for and towards the campers did not go unnoticed.

2023 4-H summer camp was a great success for Nelson County! Be on the lookout for information regarding the 2024 camp week in the coming weeks.