The Early American Heritage Project Club was something we hoped would develop from the Early American Heritage Day camp that was held last year at West KY 4-H Camp.  Not only was the day camp a success, but a club developed from the day camp, and a day camp was planned again for this past spring.  The Day camp was so successful last year, that a success story was written from it.   We had only hoped the success would carry on through the year and it went beyond our expectations.  Along with ANR Agent from Livingston County, Adam Barnes, a club has been developed and has met monthly with youth learning about civics, American History, safe firearm practices as well as building items they can use when they reenact and enter into the county fair.  Youth were each given a subject about the American Revolution to research and give a speech or presentation about it at a following meeting to incorporate public speaking skills.  Youth have enjoyed learning about natural resources during it's overnight camping events, as well as, submerging themselves in the 18th century by participating in Revolutionary War Reenacting.  In fact, at one of the parks the youth camped at, Adam received an email from the park ranger bragging on the youth saying he's never seen any group that has cleaned up so well after themselves and preserved the ground in such a way by covering up their fire pit they used during the event. 

In planning for the Day camp this year, the youth that have been involved with the club, had the opportunity to help volunteers lead the stations and help provide the education for the day.  After we had promoted the day camp for 8th - 12th grade, a school from another county contacted us because they wanted their entire 5th grade class to have the opportunity to be a part of the day.  With planning for over 100 in attendance for this day camp, we knew we could not accommodate for the county and still have a successful day camp.  We talked with our volunteers and youth and decided to add an extra day to the day camp and let our 4-H'ers lead the stations for the 5th grade day camp.  We were ecstatic with the response we received and even had another counties 5th grade class come and be a part of it.  This not only gave our youth another opportunity for our 4-H youth to lead, but provided an opportunity for another 100 youth to come and experience life in the 1700's.  Youth learned how soldiers drilled in the infantry, got to see a cannon fire, learn about the grenadiers, matchmaking, camp life, 18th century cooking, learned the Virginia Reel, 18th century games and enjoyed the day outdoors learning American History and Natural Resource education. 

The teachers that brought their students to the day camp were beyond excited about what their students learned that day and were so happy they received such a well developed hands on education experience.  The camp director, Shane Browning, was extremely excited as well because of the exposure this 2 day camp provided for West KY 4-H Camp.  Over 200 youth were on the camp grounds those 2 days with many youth never being there before.  It was a great way to also show off all the opportunities youth can have if they attend 4-H camp. Because of this program, youth are getting off electronics and enjoying activities outdoors as well as learning important foundations that help shape our great nation.