Leslie County 4-H Camp: A Success Story of Growth, Dedication, and Empowerment

A Growing Tradition of Engagement

This year marked another significant achievement for Leslie County 4-H, with 45 youth attending camp—just shy of our minimum attendance requirement of 50. While we fell short by five, this number represents a continued increase from previous years, showing a clear upward trend in our ability to engage more youth year after year. With a 3-year average of 39.33 campers, we are building a strong foundation for even greater success in the future.

In Leslie County, where 34.6% of the population lives below the poverty line, providing youth with the opportunity to attend 4-H camp is a vital endeavor. Many families in our community face financial challenges that make it difficult to cover the cost of sending their children to camp. However, our relentless fundraising efforts ensured that camp was accessible to every child, regardless of their financial background. These efforts helped offset costs for families and allowed us to sponsor youth in need, ensuring no one was left behind.

Empowering Youth Through 4-H Camp

4-H camp is much more than a fun summer getaway; it’s an opportunity for youth to learn valuable life skills, build self-esteem, and develop a sense of independence. For many of our campers, it’s their first time away from home—a unique chance for them to develop responsibility, decision-making skills, and resilience. The benefits extend beyond individual growth; the camp environment fosters teamwork, leadership, and character-building, all while strengthening relationships among peers, camp staff, and volunteers.

Our youth are learning the value of community through team-building exercises, leadership opportunities, and simply helping one another. These experiences form the foundation for lasting relationships that continue long after the camp ends. We’ve seen that youth who attend 4-H camp are more likely to stay involved in 4-H activities and return to camp year after year. Additionally, many of our campers go on to participate in other 4-H events, such as Teen Conference, Issues Conference Summit, and NRESci, solidifying their commitment to personal growth and leadership.

Building a Stronger Community: Volunteers and Role Models

Perhaps the most inspiring success of all is the increasing involvement of volunteers within our 4-H community. This year, we welcomed two new parent volunteers who were so impressed with the experience that they eagerly jumped in to assist in every way possible. Their involvement, along with the returning parent volunteers, serves as a testament to the camp’s positive influence on both youth and adults alike.

A Successful Camp Experience for All

This year, 39 youth—including campers and teen leaders—attended JM Feltner 4-H Camp, accompanied by 1 Extension 4-H Agent, 1 staff assistant, and 4 dedicated adult volunteers. Despite the challenges faced by many families, we ensured that every participant had the opportunity to benefit from this life-changing experience. The 2024 camp experience left an indelible mark on our youth, from team-building activities to making new friendships that will last a lifetime.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Leslie County 4-H

As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with excitement about the future of Leslie County 4-H. With our community’s continued support, our commitment to fundraising, and the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, we are confident that we will not only meet our attendance goals but exceed them. Our mission is clear: to provide every child with the opportunity to attend 4-H camp, empowering them to grow, lead, and create lasting memories that will stay with them for years to come.