According to the KY 4-H Camp website, “the mission of Kentucky 4-H Camping is to improve people through intentional life skill development. This will happen through collaboration with local, state, and national partners, research-based methods and programming, service-oriented practices, long-term strategic planning, and play.” 4-H Camp provides an opportunity for 4-H'ers and leaders to make lifelong memories

An email to the Barren County 4-H Youth Development Agent from KY State 4-H Camping Specialist stated: “Your summer camp enrollment this year of 63 breaks the county record for Barren County! An accomplishment of this caliber does not come without lots of time, energy, and some stress! Kudos to you and thank you for all that you do for the youth and volunteers of Barren County!”  One school district had a change of their school calendar and was still in session while we were at 4-H camp.  The Superintendent was supportive of the situation and excused youth to attend 4-H camp during the last week of school.

Many factors went into achieving the new Barren County 4-H Camping goal: Barren County Extension District Board contributing $5423.23 toward 4-H camper program registration and bus transportation; Barren County 4-H Council contributing $2,500 toward 4-H camp registration, transportation and supplies; community members contributing $1,500 in scholarships; school and community programs, mass media information and awareness campaigns and dedication of time and talents by teens and adults. 

It was evident by the smiles on their faces, conversations and evaluations that the campers had a great time and many new experiences to share when they returned home.  Fundraising efforts have begun for next year’s 4-H camp.