Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryBuilding Leadership & Lifeskills through 4-H Summer Camp



Building Leadership & Lifeskills through 4-H Summer Camp

Author: Julia Wilson

Planning Unit: 4-H Central Operations

Major Program: Camping

Plan of Work: Improve communication skills/financial situations & pratical living skills

Outcome: Initial Outcome

In Hart County, many families face limited access to structured summer programs for their children.  Parents are looking for opportunities that give their kids a chance to grow, connect, and learn outside of a classroom. With concerns about screen time, isolation, and mental health on the rise, the need for programs that promote leadership, friendship, and time in nature has never been greater.
To help meet that need, the Hart County 4-H Agent worked with agents in her camping group, along with the camp staff to organize  their camp week for 2025.  In 2025 Hart County had 57 youth campers, 7 teen leaders, and 7 adult volunteers participate in the camping program. Campers chose educational classes in areas like STEM, natural resources, and health. Teen leaders took on meaningful responsibilities, helping lead activities and serving as positive examples for younger participants. Pre-camp orientation helped ensure that families were ready for the experience—especially important since 35 of the youth were attending camp for the very first time.
For many of those first-time campers, it was their first experience being away from home overnight. They gained confidence, built friendships, and tried things they had never done before. One camper overcame her fear of heights on the zipline, and 90 % said they learned something new.
Parents noticed a change, too. Ten reported that their children seemed less attached to screens after camp, and more engaged in everyday life. Several noted how much they appreciated the digital break their children experienced while away.
The 4-H camp continues to be more than just a summer activity—it’s a place where young people grow in confidence, independence, and connection. For Hart County families, it remains a valued opportunity to support youth development in a meaningful and lasting way.

Official Camp survey results pending.  





Stories by Julia Wilson


Building Life Skills Through LEGO Club

about 22 days ago by Julia Wilson

In Hart County, many youth have limited access to structured enrichment programs that [promote team ... Read More


Building Leadership & Lifeskills through 4-H Summer Camp

about 22 days ago by Julia Wilson

In Hart County, many families face limited access to structured summer programs for their children. ... Read More


Stories by 4-H Central Operations


4-H LIFE First Family Visitations

about 2 days ago by Ryley Butler Modaff

As of 2024, Kentucky had the seventh highest rate of incarceration in the world, with over 89 thousa... Read More


Teen Conference 2025

about 3 days ago by Patrick Allen

Teen Conference 2025Success StoryThe 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of... Read More


Stories by Camping


4-H Camp : Positive Experiences That Last A Lifetime

4-H Camp : Positive Experiences That Last A Lifetime

about 9 days ago by Brooke Hogancamp

A typical 4-day 4-H Camp session offers upwards of 70 hours of direct, uninterrupted contact between... Read More


Stuck in the Middle at West Ky 4-H Camp: A Middle School Retreat

Stuck in the Middle at West Ky 4-H Camp: A Middle School Retreat

about 2 months ago by Lisa Hagman

Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp is a unique and impactful event designed specifically ... Read More