4-H Camp is a time for youth to develop life skills while having fun!   There’s a lot of learning that happens at camp as well!  This year we nicknamed our camping group – Far East Meets Far West due to changes in counties involved.  Marshall County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development worked with the Ballard, Fulton, AND Barren, Monroe and Hart County Extension Agents with the goal to provide the perfect setting for campers to “learn by doing.”  The program offered the campers a variety of classes (e.g., cooking, arts & crafts, shooting sports, nature, etc), recreation, and team competitions while under the safe supervision of trained teen and adult volunteers.

In addition to the formal Kentucky 4-H Camp evaluation sent to families after camp, Marshall County Camp Counselors conducted camper interviews in their cabins. Out of the campers interviewed, Marshall County campers developed/learned more SEL (Social, Emotional, Life) skills including…

• To be yourself.
• Always be nice to people.
• How to socialize.
• Being kind and respectful is a great thing!
• To not be afraid.
• Responsibility
• Not to bully.
• Don’t overdo things.
• Spend time with friends.
• Dyslexia is common. – This is tied to one of the male campers who is dyslexic and he felt accepted more at 4-H Camp than in other environments.

They also learned and/or liked:

• Teamwork
• Anxiety coping skills
• How to make butter.
• How to make a bagel pizza.
• How to swim and/or new swimming techniques.
• How to paddle and boat safety.
• More fishing techniques.
• How to shoot an arrow.
• Liked being outside.
• Hanging out with friends.
• Meeting new people. 

It is important to note several of Marshall County’s campers in 2024 came from varied backgrounds.  Some of the campers had lost a parent/guardian in the last couple of years or so; had parents who were in & out of jail and/or rehab for drugs; and/or had been in the foster care system.  These youth had challenges from home that came with them to camp.  The counselors and staff worked tirelessly with these campers to ensure they and their fellow campers had a positive camp experience. We wanted the kids to have a chance to be kids!

 Proof of success was several did not want to go home even when got back and already asking about signing up for 2024!