Under the direction of 4-H Agents, Mason Malin (Grant County), Bryce Charles (Owen County), Lydia Gosney (Pendleton County), Diane Kelley (Kenton County), Anna Myers (Kenton County), Lori Clark (Kenton County), and 4-H Camp Staff 376 youth, teens, and adults experienced the magic of the Kentucky 4-H Camping Program from June 9^th-June 13^th at North Central 4-H Camp located in Carlisle, Kentucky.  

Over this 5 day period, campers, teens, and adults all experienced upwards of 96 hours of direct, uninterrupted contact between the people in their cabins, 4-H Agents, County Support Staff, and North Central 4-H Camp Staff. The interactions offered in a residential camp/group living setting are so important to youth. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting offers opportunities for those youth to feel a sense of belonging, to have meaningful conversations with caring adults, to practice generosity, group decision-making, experience new activities they typically do not have access to at home, and they gain independence by taking on the responsibility in keeping track of their belongings and keeping to the camp schedule.

Youth are eligible to attend residential summer camp as a participant for a span of 6 years, beginning at age 9.  15-year-olds can return as a junior counselor-in-training (JCIT), with opportunities to observe adult cabin leaders/counselors, attend leadership workshops, and assist with leading some camp classes. Junior Counselors are youth ages 16-17 years old. Adult Counselors are adults 18+ years old who have completed the Volunteer Background Check Process During the 2025 Camp Session 376 individuals participated in the Grant, Owen, Pendleton, Kenton Camp Session Camp at North Central 4-H Camp. The breakdown of attendance includes: 281 youth, 52 teens (15-17) 32 adult volunteers, and 11 extension staff members.  To breakdown attendance even further, of the 376 individuals: 222 were female, 154 were male, 364 were white, and 11 were black.

Throughout the week at 4-H Camp, participants learn many valuable life skills, including responsibility, how to interact with others living in the same space, personal hygiene, dealing with various emotions, keeping track of belongings, and various soft skills.  A post-camp survey was conducted with our parents these are some of the comments that were received. “This was her first time away from home and she had a blast and can’t wait until next year”, “because of camp she actually wants to go outside and play games, and not be on her electronic devices”, “my son showed more empathy after being at camp. He was made more aware of differences between himself and others and how we must be understanding with others”, “this was the first time he was ever on an independent trip like this. He did great and can’t wait for next year. He’s teaching his little brother swim tips he learned, and more”, “my daughter is a very shy and timid person. She bloomed while at camp. She stepped out of her comfort zone and became a social butterfly”, and “Several times after returning home he would come to me asking what other opportunities 4-H offers, what shooting sports categories there were, etc.  I expect my son will continue with 4-H through his high school years as a leader”.

The magic of 4-H Camp extends far beyond the 5 days our 4-Hers are within the gates, it pours over into their daily lives and helps build them into strong individuals who will go on to achieve great things.