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, Calloway and Graves County Extension 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, 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 campers interviewed, Marshall County campers made some self-discoveries including:

• Responsibility
• How to be organized.
• Better time management.
• How to be patient
• Teamwork
• To take chances and try new things.

They also learned and/or liked:

• Making and meeting new friends. (9)
• How to Sally Down the Alley (7)
• How to prepare food/cook. (4)
• How to kayak (3)

It is important to note several of Marshall County’s campers in 2019 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 2020!