With the Estill County 4-H agent position vacant beginning March 1, 2019 and our 4-H camping week scheduled for June 7-10, the UK Cooperative Extension agent for agriculture/natural resources in Estill and staff worked hard to maintain a strong 4-H Camping program despite the absence of a 4-H Youth Development agent. 

The goal of the camp program is to provide a program that is well-rounded, educationally appropriate, and valued by the youth, parents, and community members of Estill County. To help achieve this goal, the staff of the UK Cooperative Extension Estill County office initiated all necessary steps to ensure a successful camp with good attendance. 

Camp promotion began in the fall and application were sent out in January and on social media. Applications were sent directly to previous year campers. Support from the community and the Extension District Board allowed the camp fees to be reduced to $60 per camper. Scholarship donations significantly reduced the cost of camp for most applicants allowing youth to attend camp that otherwise could not afford it. Several previous teen counselors moved into adult counselor roles and were processed through the University’s Client Protection process to be eligible volunteers. Several camp leaders returned and help recruit new leaders. 

The cumulative efforts of camp marketing, recruitment, fundraising, and leadership resulted in the 2019 summer camp having 83 campers, 11 teens, 11 adults and 1 Extension agent for a total of 106 attending camp. Along with agents and leaders from Wolfe and Laurel Counties plus the resident camp staff, we had a rewarding experience at camp. Several positive comments were received from parents, campers, and camp leaders. For exceeding the State 4-H office’s suggested camper numbers for our population, we received a certificate of achievement and congratulations for the efforts to enrich the lives of Estill County youth.