McCreary County is a rural and underserved area in Kentucky. With over 30% of residents living below the poverty line and a median household income of just $26,000, families often face limited access to enrichment opportunities for youth. In response, McCreary County Extension has remained committed to breaking down financial barriers by offering free or low-cost educational programs through 4-H.

In 2025, McCreary County Extension secured 22 full scholarships for local youth to attend Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp—ensuring that cost was not an obstacle to participation. This milestone represents the highest number of scholarships awarded in county history, thanks to sustained fundraising efforts that have tripled the local scholarship fund over the past three years.

McCreary County joined LaRue, Russell, and Marion counties for a week of 4-H camping, with over 350 total campers in attendance. McCreary County alone sent 49 youth campers, along with 2 teen leaders and 5 dedicated adult volunteers—the county’s highest camp participation since 2001.

Campers, aged 9 to 14, engaged in a variety of hands-on learning and recreational activities including swimming, canoeing, shooting sports, challenge courses, STEM, and outdoor living education. County agents and volunteers led skill-based classes in sports, STEM, cooking, and leathercraft, fostering personal growth, independence, environmental awareness, and teamwork.

Youth development remains a cornerstone of the program:

• 36% of McCreary’s campers were first-time attendees
• 64% were returning campers
• 1 camper advanced to teen leader, while another attended as a teen leader in their first year
• 1 teen transitioned to Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
• 1 former teen leader became an adult volunteer, and is now also serving in neighboring Pulaski County
• 1 male adult leader entered his 11th consecutive year in attendance with us, and 1 female adult leader entered her 9th consecutive year. Both have attended since they were 4-H age.  

These leadership pipelines are a testament to the long-term impact of the program. Over the past five years, McCreary County 4-H has developed a strong track record of nurturing young leaders through a progression of camper, teen leader, CIT, and adult volunteer roles.

The McCreary County 4-H Camping Program continues to expand youth horizons beyond county lines, empowering participants to explore new interests, build lifelong skills, and inspire the next generation of local leaders.