4-H Camp is a time for youth to develop life skills while having fun!There’s a lot of learning that happens at camp as well!  Marshall County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development worked with the Ballard, Fulton, Carlisle, and Graves County 4-H Agents with the goal to provide the perfect setting for campers to “learn by doing.”  The program offered the campers a variety of classes (e.g., cooking, Dance Fit, arts & crafts, shooting sports, nature, etc), recreation, and team competitions while under the safe supervision of trained teen and adult volunteers.

In addition to the formal evaluation conducted by Camp staff, Marshall County Camp Counselors conducted camper interviews in their cabins. Out of the 44 campers interviewed, Marshall County campers made some self-discoveries including:

• How to build new relationships/friendships.
• How to improve relationship problems with other campers.
• How to be nice to other friends.
• A team isn’t about winning…it’s about having fun!

They also learned and/or liked:

• Liked making new friends. (9)
• How to swim better. (8)
• Different paddles for canoeing. (7)
• Learned about different animals in West Kentucky and specifics      about some insects. (7)
• How to shoot a rifle and/or bow & arrow. (4)

It is important to note several of Marshall County’s campers in 2017 came from varied backgrounds.  Some of the campers had lost a parent/guardian in the last year or so; had parents who were in & out of jail and/or rehab for drugs; and/or had been in the foster care system.  Needless to say these youth had challenges from home that came with them to camp.The counselors and staff worked tirelessly with these campers to ensure they and their fellow campers had a positive camp experience. We wanted the kids to have a chance to be kids!

Proof of success was several did not want to go home even when got back and already asking about signing up for 2018!