Success Story4-H Summer Camp – More than Fun and Games



4-H Summer Camp – More than Fun and Games

Author: Christina A. Martin

Planning Unit: Russell County CES

Major Program: Camping

Plan of Work: Developing Human Capital

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Russell county camps over 4 days which offers approximately 60 hours of direct, uninterrupted contact between youth and volunteer leaders and camp class instructors.  The interactions offered in a residential camp/group living setting offers opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, to have meaningful conversations with caring adults, to practice generosity, group decision making; they experience new activities that they typically do not have access to at home; and they gain responsibility and independence as they keep track of their belongings and manage the camp schedule.

 

Youth can attend 4-H residential summer camp as 9-14 year olds. After age 14, youth can attend camp as counselors-in-training and teen counselors. As teen counselors, youth can learn from adult counselors, lead classes, and provide behind-the-scenes support for the camp week.

 

Russell County 4-H had 75 youth and teenagers and 14 adults attended 4-H Camp. They participated in a variety of learning activities including canoe, kayaking, swimming, archery, rifles, challenge courses, fishing, aerial arts, sports, crafts, and team building. These days at 4-H Camp allow youth to experience the outdoors and learn about various aspects of the 4-H program that may be offered in their county for them to continue pursuing their interests. During these days at camp, youth can explore more about themselves and learn from caring adults.  After 4-H Camp the youth from Russell County indicated the following about their camp experience:

  1. 95% was allowed to make their own choices and were encouraged to share their ideas with others
  2. 94% would recommend 4-H camp to others
  3. 93% said they felt a sense of belonging at 4-H Camp
  4. 90% want to attend 4-H camp again
  5. 87% made new friends at camp
  6. 83% said they could trust their camp leaders
  7. 80% felt that they knew more about themselves since attending camp
  8. 78% of the campers want to be involved in other 4-H activities

 

One of the campers said that “camp makes me feel very at home.” Another camper said that she met another girl and “she believed in me.”  






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