According to the American Camping Association, camp provides opportunity for youth to discover and explore their interests, values, and talents. 4-H Camp is an exciting experience for youth to make new friends, build self-confidence, gain independence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and step out of their comfort zone.  4-H Camp is also an opportunity for teen and adult volunteers to give back and have a sense of purpose by giving their time and talents to help young people thrive at camp.

The Shelby County 4-H Agents and staff recruited and brought 191 campers to Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp.     Additionally, 25 Teen leaders and 16 Adult leaders were recruited and trained to attend camp.  This was a record for attendance for Shelby County 4-H Camp.  Shelby County camped with Herny County, providing an opportunity to collaborate on camp programming and responsibilities.  Overall,  67% of campers were returning and many of the volunteers, indicating commitment to the 4-H camp experience year after year.

Volunteers serve a vital role at camp, including serving as cabin leaders, teaching classes, organizing activities, preparing snacks, and mentoring the youth and teen leaders they work with.  Shelby and Henry County leaders received training prior to camp to help foster a positive experience for campers. Working alongside County Extension Agents, Extension staff and the Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp Programming Staff, campers had a fun, rewarding time at camp with positive youth development outcomes.

Based on a survey conducted at the end of the camp week:

• 87% said they enjoyed being at camp
• 88% made new friends
• 82% felt that adults at camp cared about them
• 77% felt safe at camp

These numbers reflect a nurturing and inclusive environment where campers feel supported and valued. 

Additionally, campers reported significant growth in key life skills such as willingness to try new things,

ease of making friends, helping others, taking responsibility for actions and understanding how actions impact others. These outcomes highlight how camp fosters empathy, responsibility, and social confidence.  4-H Camp also provided a place for emotional and social development as a majority of campers reported they were able to express their feelings, appreciate other’s viewpoints and felt like an important part of the group.  Skills gained at camp that will benefit campers beyond the campground include better personal hygiene and care, taking care of personal belongings and keeping their environment clean.

Camp is often the first experience with 4-H for young people. 67% of the campers indicated they were interested in being involved in 4-H in other programs, events or clubs after attending 4-H Camp. The experiences, memories and fun at camp encourages youth to continue to grow and make new friends, build self-confidence, gain independence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and step out of their comfort zone. 4-H Camp continues to be a successful program in Shelby County and the continued success at recruiting and increasing participation shows that campers are having a positive experience.