Whitley County achieved its highest youth participation in 4-H since 2006 this year. The enthusiasm was so high that some girls on the waitlist were willing to sleep in tents and brave the summer heat just to attend the 4-H summer camp. Despite the challenges, the camp offered a diverse selection of 35 classes, with 24 of them led by extension agents, volunteers and teens from the county. These classes covered a wide range of activities such as outdoor survival skills, fishing, basket weaving, cooking, sewing, and more, giving young campers valuable life skills.

The variety of camp classes sparks interests and lets youth try new things every year at camp. By creating classes like this, youth will be interested in coming back year after year to find out what is next. Additionally, the camp included classes that tied into county fair activities, including photography and arts projects. This integration allowed campers to learn skills that could be directly applied to competitions and exhibits at the fair. According to feedback from the camp survey, an impressive 94% of the youth who attended the 4-H camp expressed interest in participating in other 4-H programs in the future. Furthermore, an overwhelming 97% of campers reported making new friends during their time at camp, highlighting the strong sense of community and camaraderie fostered by the program.

Whitley County's record-breaking year not only saw increased participation but also demonstrated the positive impact of 4-H programs in nurturing skills, friendships, and a sense of belonging among young people. The dedication of volunteers and the enthusiasm of campers underscored the success of this year's efforts in creating a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.