The effects that Covid-19 has had on our youth will not be known for some time.  However, many experts believe that the full impact of the pandemic, social isolation and quarantine will have a profound effect on our youth.  It’s more important today than ever that kids have opportunities to play, explore the outdoors and interact with others. According to the Washington Post “This summer, children need to do self-initiated activities that are rewarding for their own sake. This will create happier children now and, as research has shown, lead to improved physical, cognitive, social, emotional and creative outcomes later in life.”

A positive camping experience gives youth an opportunity to build character, learn new skills, make new friends and develop closer relationships with their peers.   Kids need these experiences and opportunities now, more than ever. 4-H Camp has been a great outlet for kids, young and old, for many years. Even though 4-H camp looked and felt a little different this year, that camp magic was still there.  When polled, 96% of the campers said “they had a wonderful time and would be back next year.”  Several returning campers even commented that this was “the best year ever!” It proved to be just what our kids needed this year after months of quarantine, online school and many of the other Covid-19 related restrictions.