Studies of camping programs have focused primarily on benefits to campers. Campers benefit in many ways that enhance their overall development, such as making new friends, learning new skills, and becoming more independent and responsible (American Camp Association, 2005; Arnold, Bourdeau, & Nagele, 2005; Garst & Bruce, 2003; Marsh, 1999). Similar benefits may pertain to camp counselors, because they also experience the camp environment. However, the added challenges faced by those who have planning, supervision, leadership, and teaching roles suggest that there are additional developmental benefits as well.

Teen 4-H camp counselors play out their role in that interesting place between childhood and adulthood. No longer are they the little ones looking up to their counselor. Instead, as camp counselors, they take on a pseudo-adult role and experience many of the rights and responsibilities of being an adult. Developmental psychologist James Marcia (1987) emphasized the importance of youth "trying on" different roles rather than foreclosing too soon on an identity or career path. Doing so helps encourage the development of broad skills and interests that can be applied in a variety of settings in adult life. It makes sense, then, that the camp counselor experience could have a major impact on teens as they try on, practice, and develop important adult roles.

Boyd County 4-H camping program took a record number of participants to 4-H camp in 2018. Five of the nine lead adult counselors were former 4-H members with multiple leadership roles as club members, teen council members, club officers, first year campers, and counselors in training to now adult 4-H camp counselors. One of these adult camp counselors has asked to become a certified livestock club leader as well. Certainly seems that the work of positive youth development plants the seeds for the future success of the youth with whom we work.

Involvement in a camp counselor program does indeed appear to have a long-term, positive impact on the lives of participants. With regards to personal development, these five adults self-reported that being a camp counselor contributed more to the development of self-confidence and transferable skills than any other activity in their youth,

Former 4-H'ers hold dear for a lifetime their wonderful summer camp experiences and Boyd County campers are no exception.