The Situation:

The Laurel County 4-H Advisory Council has identified 4-H summer camp as a priority issue. 4-H summer camp helps youth develop life-long skills. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a skill is a learned ability. A life skill is an ability that is useful throughout daily life and enhances the quality of life. The Targeting Life Skills Model (Hendricks, 1998) highlights 35 life skills developed in 4-H programs to help youth succeed. At our 4-day summer camp, we focused on honing three life skills –  communication, independence, and self-esteem through hands-on experiences and practical skill development.

However, the cost of summer camp can be a barrier for many Laurel County families. According to Kentucky by the Numbers, one-quarter of youth in Laurel County live in poverty. With the cost of summer camp rising to $300 per camper, we made it a priority to find ways to bring the cost of camp down for all Laurel County campers.

Response and Partners:

Extension staff held two in-person camp counselor training courses in addition to utilizing the Kentucky 4-H Camp Volunteer Training Guide as self-study training for 19 counselors. During training, emphasis was placed on how to help campers practice communication, independence, and positive self-esteem during camp. Extension staff developed and held two renditions of a required orientation for campers and their families. An intensive marketing campaign was launched to recruit camp counselors as well as campers. We held four camp interest and sign-up evenings. Yard signs were created and placed throughout the county. Camp flyers were developed and sent to all elementary and middle schools, churches, low-income housing complexes, and at ball games. Newsletter articles, newspaper articles, and social media posts were used to help generate an exciting buzz about 4-H summer camp.

The Laurel County Cooperative Extension District Board paid $25,000 towards educational programming costs for summer camp. We obtained partnerships and sponsors from local businesses such as Flower’s Bakery, Bimbo’s Bakery, Laurel Grocery Company, Farm Bureau, Rotary, Common Spirit, and 13 additional donors. Through these efforts, individual camp costs were cut in half from $300 to $150. Additionally, the Laurel County 4-H Council granted 33 individuals with camp scholarships reducing their camp costs to $0.

Participants:

4-H summer camp targets youth ages 9-15. In total 95 campers, 19 counselors, and three extension staff attended summer camp at J. M. Feltner from Laurel County

Outcomes: 

During camp, youth practice interpersonal communication within their teams, classes, and cabins. For example, youth develop confidence in expressing their ideas to others, active listening, and considering different perspectives through group discussions. By making their own decisions, managing their personal needs, taking on leadership roles, and participating in activities with minimal adult guidance, campers experienced independence in a real-world situation. Campers also worked on building positive self-esteem through hands-on activities in passion areas such as archery, canoeing, lego builds, cooking, and survival skills.

According to an end-of-camp survey:

1. 93% of campers feel comfortable expressing their opinions to others.
2. 100% of campers practiced managing their camp schedule and drinking enough water.
3. 85% of campers expressed an increased awareness of the importance of positive self-esteem.