4-H Camp is an asset to youth, teens, and adults around the world, but most importantly here in Hopkins County.  During the time at 4-H Camp, youth learn the importance of team building, responsibility, decision making, make new friends and meet caring adults.  According to American Camp Association, “more than 5,000 families from around the country participated.  Results confirmed that camps build skills necessary to prepare campers to assume roles as successful adults. Parents, campers, and camp staff independently reported growth in areas such as self-confidence, independence, making friends, exploring and learning new activities, and spirituality. Indeed, camp provides growth experiences for youth that can benefit them through adulthood.”

               Hopkins County can proudly state that they have exceeded their past camp numbers with having 199 campers (8-14 year olds), 11 councilors in training (15 year olds), 6 teens (16 and 17 year olds), and 17 adults.  This was a large success and helped that the West Kentucky 4-H Camp acquired more bed spaces allowing each county to bring more youth to the best week of their summer.   Hopkins County had the privilege of having 191 youth participate in the survey the final day of camp.  During the week, 98% stated that they met at least one caring and positive adult, 92% made decisions on their own, and 96% were physically active for at least one hour a day this week.  At 4-H Camp, the youth are able to make their own decisions on what activities would best suit them and may challenge them also.  Some learned new things such as how to make cupcakes, how to shoot a bow, build a fire, how to ask for help, and finding the embryo in an egg.  

               Within the Hopkins County 4-H Camping experience, youth were able to enjoy the outdoors, nature, and experience the fun they can have outside.  96% of the youth reported that they were physically active for at least one hour a day during the week.  Physical activity is a large portion for the health of the youth and to learn the best for growing healthy.  The various outdoor activities they were able to participate in swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and gaga ball.  4-H Camp is a place for all to experience a place of belonging and one that campers walk off the bus, asking it to sign up for again.