Livingston County Extension Shines at 4-H Camp 2024: Enriching Experiences and Diverse Learning

Livingston County made a significant impact at this year's 4-H Camp by bringing together a diverse and dedicated group of participants and volunteers. The county brought 32 enthusiastic campers, 2 teen leaders, and 7 adult volunteers, including the county's FCS Agent Joni Phelps and ANR Agent Adam Barnes. These agents played pivotal roles in enriching the camp experience, with Joni teaching indoor cooking and Adam leading the fishing classes. Additionally, Livingston County provided volunteers who led outdoor cooking sessions and a unique Content Creation class, where students had the opportunity to make their own videos, fostering creativity and technical skills.

The overall camp was a melting pot of diversity and learning, with a total of 274 campers and teens, and 37 adult volunteers from five counties; Caldwell, Hancock, Livingston, Lyon, and Trigg. Campers included 107 White males, 10 Black males, 2 Asian/Pacific Islander males, 146 White females, 7 Black females, 1 Asian/Pacific Islander female, and 1 female identifying as Other. The teens also represented a broad spectrum of backgrounds, including 15 White males, 1 Black male, 1 Asian/Pacific Islander male, 15 White females, 7 Black females, 1 American Indian/Alaskan Native female, and 1 Asian/Pacific Islander female. The adult volunteers comprised 13 White males, 1 Black male, 1 Asian/Pacific Islander male, 18 White females, and 2 Black females, demonstrating a wide range of cultural and ethnic representation.

Livingston County's involvement was instrumental in the camp's success. The specialized classes offered by Joni Phelps and Adam Barnes were highly popular, with campers eagerly participating in indoor cooking and fishing activities. The Content Creation class was a standout, providing a platform for students to express their creativity through video making. This not only enhanced their technical skills but also boosted their confidence. The camp experience, enriched by the diverse participation and the dedicated efforts of volunteers and agents, left a lasting positive impact on all attendees, highlighting the importance of community involvement and the power of learning through hands-on activities.