4-H Camp has been an integral part of Cooperative Extension Service program for over 100 years. Club members look forward to the fun and adventure of 4-H Camp. Yet, behind all the fun that 4-H Camp offers, children are learning valuable life skills. 4-H Camp can be a very good learning experience for youth as well as for adults. Back in 2008, Trimble County had Thirty eight campers, Thirteen teens, six adults, and one agents attended camp. In July 2018, we hit our record number of 83 campers, 12 teens, 13 adults and one Agent. This was the highest number Trimble County has ever taken to camp.  The numbers for the 2019 camp smashed this previous record, as we took 152 people to Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp July 2019.  Trimble County had 113 campers, 20 Teens, 16 adults, 1 extension summer intern, and 1 extension agent.  2020 was a very sad year, as Covid-19 shut down 4-H Camp across the state.  In 2021, we were allowed to attend 4-H Camp but at a half capacity of the camp.  Each cabin was only allowed 15 people instead of the full 29.  This cut Trimble County numbers down to a maximum of 105 total people.  Trimble County took 58 campers, 19 teen leaders, 11 adults and 1 extension agent.  This gave a total of 89 people from Trimble County even with all of the unknown and hesitation of getting out in public after a Pandemic to still bring 84.76% of our total bed capacity.

The campers learned a number of valuable lessons and life-long skills while attending camp, such as group living, decision making, responsibility, honesty, conflict resolution, time management, and communication skills. Firearms safety skills were taught during rifle and archery classes. In all, campers had 12 different activities to choose from. Adult and teen volunteers are very important to the 4-H Camp program. During another program held here in Trimble County, one of last year’s campers said, “I don’t have any fond memories at home or on vacations, but I do have good memories of 4-H Camp.”

Trimble County has a dedicated group of volunteers who attend 4-H Camp each year. This year we had one volunteer with more than 13 years experience, another two with more than seven years’ experience, and two who has come completely through the program as camper, teen, and now adults. Teen volunteers are very important in being able to relate to the campers and being role models. The teens also made sure that the campers were on time and participated in all camp functions. 4-H Camp is a great experience for campers, teens, and adults. Each year, teens must apply and interview for their position as Teen Counselor. This process introduces them to the interview and application process, so that when they enter the workforce, the will be more prepared. As a result of 4-H Camp, youth are taking the skills learned at camp and implementing them into their daily life by being able to solve conflicts, making new friends, and being a responsible individual.