In the heart of every child lies a spark waiting to ignite—a passion for learning, exploring, and growing. Since the mid-1960s, Kentucky 4-H summer camps have been nurturing this curiosity, fostering skills that extend far beyond crafts and campfires. Rooted in the 4-H Thriving Model developed by Oregon State University professor Mary E. Arnold and Clemson University assistant professor Ryan J. Gagnon, these camps are not just about fun in the sun; they are gateways for personal development and community engagement. 

At the core of 4-H summer camps is the belief that every young person has the potential to thrive. By blending hands-on activities with mentorship and leadership opportunities, these camps create an environment where youth can discover their strengths and cultivate new passions. Whether through environmental classes, STEM challenges, or outdoor adventures, campers are encouraged to explore diverse interests, building confidence and resilience along the way. 

One of the standout benefits of attending a Kentucky 4-H summer camp is its approach to education. Campers engage in experiential learning that emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that are crucial for success in today’s world. By participating in activities aligned with their interests, youth develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the community, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. 

The 4-H model thrives on hands-on learning and mentorship, creating a supportive ecosystem where youth can flourish. Volunteer camp counselors, in many cases former campers themselves, serve as role models, inspiring the next generation through their dedication and passion for service. This mentorship extends beyond the summer months, with many campers continuing their involvement in 4-H clubs and programs throughout the year. 

Kentucky 4-H summer camps provide a unique opportunity for youth to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds. By fostering friendships and teamwork, camps promote empathy and cultural understanding, preparing youth to become responsible global citizens. These friendships often blossom into lifelong connections, enriching both personal and professional networks as campers grow into adulthood. 

The benefits of attending a 4-H summer camp extend far beyond the memories made and the skills learned during a single camp session. They plant seeds of curiosity, nurture the spark of potential, and empower youth to thrive in all aspects of life. As we look to the future, investing in Kentucky 4-H summer camps not only enriches the lives of individual campers but also strengthens our communities. 

Investing is exactly what Knott County 4-H Council and agent has done for the past decade.  The 4-H Council and agent have fostered community support and offered 4-H camp to its youth providing 100% scholarships for the duration of 10 years.  

We have a unique situation in Knott County with a local in-county camp, which is highly regarded, equally equipped, and has a long-standing positive reputation of over 85 years strong. So, to be competitive we had to meet the challenge of offering a free camp of equal value and building community trust in our 4-H programs across the board.  Establishing trust though long-term consistency of delivering positive impactful programming takes years but provided a solid foundation and support base for our camping program.

Locally the camping program requires multi-faceted inputs, meaning not only did it require the agent to build monetary support, a volunteer base and community/family education.  The ACA requires a 1:8 supervision ratio, meaning to offer the opportunity to more youth, the county also has to support in volunteers, teens and adults.   Consistent community education and marketing has also been part of the success over the years.

The summer of 2023 and 2024 were record years for Knott County, which has shown continued positive trends in the program over the past decade in all the mentioned areas needed for a solid programmatic foundation.  That success would not be possible without meeting our local families where they are and bridging the gap financially for our youth. Thankfully, community sponsors and district board support has risen to meet that need.

Our hope is to continue for another decade to support this program with 100% scholarships with steady growth of those foundational pieces making it available for all Knott County’s youth who wish to participate.

Source: Joey Barnard, principal specialist, camping, 4-H Youth Development