Working in a rural two-agent county presents a unique set of challenges. Sometimes those challenges come from unexpected places. Being forced out of a core 4-H camping group that Edmonson County had been part of for many years was an unexpected slap in the face. Kids were upset, as were parents and volunteers. As dutiful Extension Agents, we accepted the decision and moved ahead with joining a different, new camping group and dealing with changing to a different camping week. 

  Initial feedback from stakeholders was that camp numbers would fall off dramatically and that we would be hard pressed to meet our minimum numbers required for the program. While the new camping group of counties came together nicely, concern for number of campers for Edmonson County remained high. Through determined work at fundraising and the county District Board agreeing to help cover part of the programming cost for campers, we were able to offer a reduced cost per camper and still cover county costs to attend camp. Volunteers pulled together with Agents to recruit campers and the total number of campers for Edmonson County was above the minimum required. Survey results for The Edmonson County campers showed that 9 individuals learned to swim for the first time, 6 canoed for the first time, 90% developed a new skill, 86% want to become more involved in 4-H, and 97% say that they will attend 4-H Camp again next year.

  Agents and volunteers alike were thrilled with success of 4-H Camp for 2018. In spite of the difficulties presented by the change of camping groups, we were able to overcome them to have a very successful camp week. Recently one of the camper's mothers commented on how much her daughter enjoyed Edmonson County's camp week.