4-H Camp gives youth across the nation an opportunity to experience what it is like when parents are not around for a few days. Life skills are imperative for everyone. The sooner youth can be involved in activities and programs that help develop these skills, the more prepared they will be in the future.  According to national research conducted by the American Camp Association, campers show significant growth in self-esteem, peer relationships, independence, adventure and exploration, leadership, environmental awareness, friendship skills, values and decisions, and social comfort. 

 Thanks to local businesses and parents 144 campers and volunteers spent one of their weeks this summer together at Feltner 4-H Camp. This was the largest camping group Laurel County has taken to in over 12 years! Youth have an opportunity to take care of themselves, as well as their belongings and step outside their comfort zones. Many campers have never done this! Communication with students from other counties is an opportunity to become more comfortable around people they have never met. Overcoming fears and gaining confidence is a big part of summer camp. The ropes courses, for example, are not there just because they are fun. It shows campers how to encourage each other and how to use teamwork. It also displays how they can push far beyond what they think capable. Teens also have an opportunity to become leaders and have a large responsibility that they are held accountable for. The work they do is invaluable and is typically how we get teen leaders in the future. Today’s teen leaders are role models for aspiring students wanting to be counselors.

Campers want to be involved in more 4-H activities besides just camp after returning home. New friends from other counties were made by campers, and all youth were very physically active all week. We also have several volunteers at camp serving in multiple roles from club leaders, council members, and fiscal supporters because of the time they have spent with the kids at camp. One volunteer noticed that the fishing equipment could be updated and made a donation to purchase all new rod and reels for camp. If not for the partnerships formed with local organizations, businesses, and volunteers, some children would miss this wonderful opportunity. With costs ever increasing the financial capital needed for camp is a yearlong effort to raise and it is greatly appreciated when so many people step up to help. With a bill of over $20,000.00 we can only estimate costs increasing from the previous year and hope to have even more numbers next year!