Success StoryThird Record Setting Year in a Row for Edmonson County 4-H Camp



Third Record Setting Year in a Row for Edmonson County 4-H Camp

Author: David Embrey

Planning Unit: Edmonson County CES

Major Program: Camping

Plan of Work: 4-H Youth Development

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

4-H Camp gives youth the opportunity to spend time meeting new people and learning life skills by participating in activities that focus on physical activity, teamwork, and personal development.

Edmonson County youth and volunteers were excited to attend summer 4-H Camp again after another record breaking year last year. Last years camp dates were during 4th of July week, and this year during the second week of June, so technically Edmonson County camped twice in the same fiscal year, but that in no way deterred anyone from attending.

With camp at a cost $300 per camper, a combination of community donations, Ag. Tag Funds, and the county District Board agreeing to help cover part of the programming cost for campers, meant we were able to offer a reduced cost, $150, per camper. Several community partners also offered scholarships for campers. This benefited many families who are still struggling financially due to a variety of factors, and a high percentage of the county population living below the poverty level. 

For the third year in a row, Edmonson County set a record for the number of campers and total individuals taken to camp. 60 campers, eighteen 15-17 year old's (three times more than last year), 7 adult volunteers, one University of Kentucky Agent, and one KSU 4-H Agent housed in the Edmonson County office, attended, for a total number of 87 participants, 17 more than the previous camping session. Several volunteers were new to camp and the number of 15 year old campers was the most we have taken, several of which expressed interest in being teen leaders in the future. 

Campers say that they cannot wait to return again next year. Everyone involved were thrilled with yet another successful 4-H Camp session again in 2024.