The median household income in Lawrence County is $32,703 according to census.gov. After a family gets all the bills paid and the other essentials, there is not a lot leftover for extras such as vacations, going to the movies, or other extracurricular activities like 4-H Camp. 4-H camp provides children the opportunity to do things that they normally wouldn’t be able to do such as shooting sports, swimming, canoeing, and rock climbing. 4-H camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to be in the great outdoors and learn and grow with their friends.

Community partners and individuals in Lawrence County have donated money for 4-H Camp scholarships for many years. Families that are on a limited income have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship so their child can attend camp and only pay a minimal fee. In previous years, there have been instances where not all children who have applied have received scholarships or have only received partial scholarships.

At the beginning of 2019, the Lawrence County 4-H/Youth Development Extension Agent Position became vacant. The Lawrence County Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Agent and Family Consumer Science (FCS) Agent worked together to continue the 4-H program in the county. The ANR and FCS agent were determined to maintain the current 4-H program and to make sure that every child wanting to attend 4-H camp was able. They worked together and partnered with local businesses, individuals, and 4-H volunteers to have a fundraiser to collect donations for 4-H Camp scholarships. The big fundraiser was a BBQ lunch. The lunch fundraiser brought in almost $3,000.

In 2018, 11 children applied and received scholarships. With the help of the fundraiser, heavy advertisement on social media and through word of mouth, 31 children in Lawrence County applied and were awarded full scholarships to attend camp in 2019. That is almost a 200% increase! These 31 kids who would not have normally been able to attend 4-H camp are able because of these scholarships. The Lawrence County ANR and FCS agents continually work hard to keep the 4-H program strong in the county and look forward to the amount of scholarships that will be given out in 2020!