The Issue:

Many youth in Christian County have limited opportunities during the summer to engage in structured, educational, and socially enriching experiences that promote personal growth. Without these opportunities, young people may miss out on important developmental milestones, such as learning independence, building friendships, and gaining new life skills. Families in the county have expressed a growing need for youth programming that combines fun with positive youth development.

Educational Program Response 

In response, the Christian County 4-H program hosted its annual 4-H Summer Camp from June 2–5, 2025 at the West Kentucky 4-H Camp in Dawson Springs Kentucky. This four-day, overnight camp experience provided youth with a safe and supportive environment to explore new activities, develop leadership skills, and form lasting friendships.

The camp offered a wide variety of engaging, hands-on activities including:

• Canoeing/kayaking, to build teamwork and physical confidence.
• Archery and Riflery, to develop focus and discipline.
• Crafts, to foster creativity and self-expression.
• Indoor and outdoor cooking, to promote independence and life skills.
• Recreation activities, to encourage cooperation, sportsmanship, and active living.

Through these activities, campers experienced the four essential elements of positive youth development promoted by 4-H: mastery, belonging, independence, and generosity. Adult volunteers and teen leaders facilitated group reflection and guided learning to ensure meaningful experiences. Leaders participated in an orientation session before attending 4-H Camp to ensure that they were properly trained and ready for an eventful week. 

This camp was made possible with partnership of the Christian County Cooperative Extension District Board, support from local community sponsors and dedicated adult and teen volunteers.

Participants and Impact:

The 2025 Christian County 4-H Camp hosted 136 youth campers, ranging in age from 9 to 14. The diverse group included first-time campers as well as returning youth who look forward to camp each year as a highlight of their summer. Campers came from both urban and rural parts of the county and represented a variety of backgrounds and interests.

The camp was supported by 15 adult volunteers, including parents, 4-H alumni, and community leaders, who played a crucial role in supervision, mentoring, and activity instruction. Their involvement helped ensure a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for all participants. There were eight dedicated 4-H Teens, ages 16-17 years old, that volunteered their week to give back to the program and youth in Christian County.

One camper said "My favorite thing was friendships and meeting people from different counties." Another camper said "This feels like home to me now that I have been going for four years!"