4-H Camp has a long standing tradition of teaching youth the 4 elements of the circle of courage in a concentrated week. Belonging, Independence, Mastery, and Generosity are seen in every activity at camp.  This year, Jessamine County 4-H partnered with Mercer County 4-H to provide a week long camping experience that helped campers and counselors alike learn and be a part of the 4 elements, having one of, if not the largest camping session in the state with 496 people total present. Prior to camp, approximately 69 teen and adult leaders went through 24 hours of training, learning leadership, problem solving and teambuilding in order to help campers have a successful week.   One counselor said “Through the training we participated in I was able to feel more comfortable for the camp week, and ultimately give my campers a better experience” The 92 leaders had a total of 8,280 volunteer hours for the camp week.  Jessamine County 4-H had a 25 person attendance increase from 2018, allowing for 371 total people to experience summer camp, and all it does for our youth.  Upon return from camp, Jessamine County 4-H had several phone calls, emails and messages about the amazing experience each of their young people had at camp.  One parent stated that this was her child’s first time away from home, and she appreciated all we did to ensure her child had a positive experience even though they got homesick.  Another stated that her child says he would live at camp if he could, and that he has gained friends he knows he will have for a lifetime.   A camper stated that he knows what being a good person looks like, because camp taught him to be nice to others no matter what.  All in all, 2019 Summer 4-H camp was a huge success.