Success StorySummer Day Camp Fun



Summer Day Camp Fun

Author: Bernita Cheirs

Planning Unit: Fulton County CES

Major Program: Camping

Plan of Work: Enhancing Personal Development through Life Skills

Outcome: Initial Outcome

According to the American Camp Association, “The camp experience is recognized by child development professionals as valuable in helping children mature socially, emotionally, intellectually, morally, and physically. Camp participants learn to problem-solve, make social adjustments to new and different people, learn responsibility, and gain new skills to increase their self-esteem."  Summer day camp has so many benefits such as keeping youth unplugged, out of trouble, in a safe learning environment, as well as meeting and connecting with positive role models.

This summer, Fulton County Extension Service hosted two summer day camps for youth ages 6-12 in Hickman and in Fulton. Camp was held for three days with attendance averaging around ten kids. Partnerships included, the two Housing Authorities, the two Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Fulton County Schools and Fulton Independent Schools, and youth volunteers.

Programming consisted of volunteers and presenters to show and teach youth different activities. Fulton’s day camp was held at the City Park, while Hickman’s Day Camp used the Housing Authority of Hickman’s Outreach Community Center. In Fulton, lessons included social and emotional activities, art, physical activity, animal science and more. While in Hickman, lessons included art, animal science, nutrition and physical activities games, a tour of our local bank and tower building. 

Sponsors provided breakfast packaged breakfast bars, fruit and juice for each child at day camp because in previous years it was noticeable campers were coming to camp hungry. In Fulton, water stations were provided to keep each child hydrated and lunch was provided by the Carr Elementary’s Cafeteria staff using USDA’s summer feeding program. In Hickman, a packaged snack was provided before they left camp. 

After taking a poll with a show of hands for each of the camps, we asked all the kids who would come back next summer? With a show of hands all of them raised their hands.  We asked the kids, did they feel safe coming to day camp each day? With a show of hands, they all raised their hands. We also asked them, what program did they enjoy the most? Most of the Fulton kids said doing art and playing on the water slide the last day. In Hickman, the kids said doing yoga and building towers with friends. Overall, it was a great two weeks of programming with youth; giving them an opportunity to experience fun, hands on activities, and making a connection with an adult.






Stories by Bernita Cheirs


4-H Camp

about 4 months ago by Bernita Cheirs

According to the U.S. Census (2022) the median household income in Fulton County is $33,449. The cos... Read More


Tri County Homeschool Club

about 4 months ago by Bernita Cheirs

According to the National Home Education Research Institute, about 3.1 million homeschooled students... Read More


Stories by Fulton County CES


Spring Into Green: Pride of Kentucky

Spring Into Green: Pride of Kentucky

about 4 months ago by Anna Morgan

Spring into Green: Pride of Kentucky was hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Science age... Read More


Best Start Family Event

Best Start Family Event

about 4 months ago by Anna Morgan

The mission of the Governors Office of Early Childhood is to provide leadership and direction for th... Read More


Stories by Camping


4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games

4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games

about 4 months ago by Cathy Fellows

4-HSummer Camp is More Than Fun and GamesA typical 5-day 4-H Camp session offers upwards of96 hourso... Read More


4-H Camp

4-H Camp

about 4 months ago by Alexandria Brasher

A 4-day 4-H Camp session offers upwards of 72 hours of direct, uninterrupted contact between youth a... Read More