4-H Camp has been a growing program in Russell County over the past several years.  Several of the adult leaders of the program now were once campers when they were younger either in Russell County or their home county.  They have a strong desire to help young people have an enjoyable camping experiences like they had when they were younger.  For the last two years, Russell County 4-H had exceeded our expected camp numbers as a direct consequence of having enthusiastic teen and adult leaders as well as campers sharing their positive experiences at camp.   The camping program is important because it allows youth to learn new skills while participating in activities and taking on new challenges while in a group living environment.  The youth develop positive values, self-esteem, and responsibility.  The camping program allows teenagers and adults to develop and enhance their leadership skills and develop positive youth-adult partnerships. 

While at camp youth learn new skills and develop friendships with youth from other counties.  Campers participate in archery, rifle, climbing, swimming, canoe and kayak, arts, outdoor living, caving, and sports classes.  They are giving opportunities to learn new skills in these classes as well as to advance the skills that they already possess.

They youth were given a short survey while at camp to assess the effectiveness of the program.  Some of the results from the campers are as follows:

• 100% met at least one caring adult, managed their own money, made at least one new friend, interacted with people different than them, and were physically active at least one hour each day
• 96% mastered a new skill at camp, made decisions on their own, spent more time outside, and accomplished something they didn’t think they could do.
• Over 80% of the youth worked out a problem with another camper on their own during the week.
• Over 20% ate more fruits and vegetables and became a stronger swimmer during the camp week.
• 90% of the campers indicated that they would like to attend 4-H next year.

With the rising cost of 4-H camp fees, it has become more important than ever to recruit scholarship money to support the camping program.  Over the last decade, the 4-H agent has raised approximately $2500 per year to offset camp fees for all attendees.

Several months after camp, the campers filled out a follow-up survey on the impact of 4-H camp.  Ninety-one percent (91%) indicated that they want to go to camp next year.  Over seventy-five percent of the campers indicated that because of camp they 

• Have made friends outside of their county or school,
• Able to spend multiple nights away from home,
• Able to make decisions on their own,
• Able to work with people different from them, and
• More confident to try new things.

Several of the youth indicated that because of camp they have acquired new skills that they now use at home.  These skills include kayaking skills, building a fire, making new friends and getting along with others, and less fear of heights.  Some of the older campers said that their communication skills were better because of helping younger campers.

Camping instills everyday life skills as well.  One camper said, “I made my bed for the first time and did a pretty good job.”  Several parents were very complimentary of the camp program; one parent said, “My daughter had a wonderful time and will be attending next year.  Thanks for providing a fun, safe environment form the campers!”