Success Story4-H Camp Numbers on the Rise
4-H Camp Numbers on the Rise
Author: Melissa Schenck
Planning Unit: Washington County CES
Major Program: Camping
Plan of Work: Increasing life skills education and leadership excellence for youth and families
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
This summer, Washington County 4-H made history with its most successful 4-H Camp experience to date. A total of 77 campers and leaders attended Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp—shattering the previous record of 63 and marking an inspiring milestone in youth engagement for the county.
This record attendance was made possible through months of planning, enthusiastic community support, and intentional efforts to create inclusive opportunities for all youth. One of the most impactful components was the expansion of the Teen Counselor Program, which allowed older 4-H members to serve as mentors and role models for younger campers. This program not only builds leadership skills, but also strengthens the 4-H community by fostering meaningful, peer-led connections.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and fundraising efforts, over $5,000 was raised to provide partial scholarships to every camper. In addition, two teen counselors received full scholarships, allowing at-risk youth to participate in a transformative leadership opportunity they might not have otherwise had.
One teen counselor shared, “Each year, I’m thankful for 4-H Camp because it’s a place I always know I’m safe and wanted.” This powerful sentiment captures the heart of what 4-H Camp is all about—creating a supportive, welcoming environment where every child can thrive.
As Washington County 4-H continues to grow, the success of this year’s camp is a clear reminder of the impact that committed volunteers, generous donors, and strong youth programming can make in the lives of young people.
Stories by Melissa Schenck

Committed to a Culture of Firearm Safety
According to a 2022 analysis by the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Violence Preventio... Read More

4-H'ers Grow from Camp!
To the untrained eye, 4-H camp is a fun week in the hills of Kentucky. A closer look reveals that ca... Read More
Stories by Washington County CES

Committed to a Culture of Firearm Safety
According to a 2022 analysis by the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Violence Preventio... Read More

Garden Club Realizes Healthy Benefits
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gardening is a great source of physical... Read More
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment