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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 Story4-H Camping program: Giving credit where credit is due



4-H Camping program: Giving credit where credit is due

Author: Renata Farmer

Planning Unit: Knox County CES

Major Program: Camping

Plan of Work: Promoting personal development of the adult and child

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The Knox County 4-H Council and Knox County Extension District Board recognizes the importance of 4-H summer camp. 4-H summer camp helps youth develop skills that can used throughout their 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 specifically focused on skills like independence, teamwork and increasing knowledge.

Extension staff held four camp counselor training courses for our teen counselors and two training courses for our adults ensuring that our 25 volunteers were adequately prepared. Trainings focused on recognizing the characteristics of the youth they work with, recognizing homesickness and bullying, and dealing with issues that arise. Our leaders were also taught how to help campers practice communication, independence, and positive self-esteem during camp.  

Participants:

In total, Knox County had 100 youth and adults attending camp including 73 campers, 19 teen volunteers, 6 adults and 4 Extension staff.

While at camp, youth practiced interpersonal communication by working within their teams in challenges and games, expressing their ideas to others and interacting in the cabins. Youth learned about service by doing kitchen duties like sweeping, cleaning tables and camp clean up. They often gained independence by taking care of their own supplies, money and making their beds. Finally, campers successfully participating in classes like rock climbing, canoeing, archery and more. Many of these activities were led or supervised by Extension volunteers. Our volunteers are vital to making our 4-H camping program successful

 According to an end-of-camp survey:

  1. 90% of campers stated that the camp counselors were kind to them and provided support when needed
  2. 95% of campers stated that their camp counselors encouraged them to share ideas
  3. 96% of campers stated that teen & adult counselors made sure that they had what they needed to successfully complete activites.

When asked why she attends 4-H Camp as a volunteer, adult leader, Brittany Scott, stated "I have wonderful memories of attending 4-H camp as a child. I want to foster that spark in my children and other children"






Stories by Renata Farmer


4-H Camping program: Giving credit where credit is due

yesterday by Renata Farmer

The Knox County 4-H Council and Knox County Extension District Board recognizes the importance of 4-... Read More


4-H Speed Interviews: Leadership & Communication

yesterday by Renata Farmer

Life skills are essential in preparing youth for success in life. Leadership is one of the most impo... Read More


Stories by Knox County CES


4-H Camping program: Giving credit where credit is due

yesterday by Renata Farmer

The Knox County 4-H Council and Knox County Extension District Board recognizes the importance of 4-... Read More


4-H Speed Interviews: Leadership & Communication

yesterday by Renata Farmer

Life skills are essential in preparing youth for success in life. Leadership is one of the most impo... Read More


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about 15 hours ago by Dana Anderson

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about 7 days ago by Carissa Miske

Character Counts defines character as “the summation of a persons habits, attitudes, and attributes.... Read More