4-H Camp 

 The Covid-19 pandemic took things from everyone around the country.  For KY youth it took away proms, state sports tournaments, vacations, and for extension programs it took away 4-H Camp.  On a more serious level, the pandemic brought to the forefront the importance of physical, emotional, and mental health of youth in our communities.  According to the CDC, ways to help our youth cope during this unprecedented time, is to recognize behavior changes, reinforce preventive strategies, stay healthy, and stay socially connected.   With a major push from campus, agents, and leaders 4-H camp was back in 2021 to help with the above recommendations.   

4-H Camp goals were for the campers to stay healthy and socially connected .  4-H Camp was planned at 50% capacity, and the schedule was greatly impacted. Magoffin County had 24 campers, 3 teen leaders and 5 adult leaders to attend camp.  Campers stayed in pods and programs were changed to fit the number kids that were present. The camp also enforced the wearing of masks, and social distancing in indoor activities, particularly.

Positives from the 2021 camping experience were: #1 all campers participated in every activity.  Prior to camping in a pandemic, many campers did not get to participate in a 4-H Camp Class that they wanted.  Classes were signed up the first day of camp and a lot of favorite classes would fill up fast.  A 4^th year camper stated that it was the first time that she had been in the nature cabin.  Also, a 3^rd year camper stated that she had never had the opportunity to canoe at 4-H camp.  Camp class instructors liked seeing all the different campers from different counties as well. 

Planning 2021 4-H Camp had its challenges- finding volunteers, transportation, schedules changes, and finding supplies.  The retired ANR agent’s wife volunteered to go to camp with her granddaughter.  When she stepped up to the plate it allowed the agents in the County to clear the girls' waiting list.  This volunteer also was a cabin leader for a camper whose mother had attended many years previously, and had been in her cabin.  The volunteer is very excited for 2022 Camping Program. 

With all the struggles of 2021, seeing the campers learn new skills, meet new friends, learn how to be considerate of others, and of course have fun made it worth the week of 4-H Camp, and all of the hard work leading up to the week.  Although camping in a Covid-19 year, in a very different manner, the leaders who attended stated that they hope to see some of the activities and changes carry over into regular years of camping in the future.