July 12-16, 2021 Nelson County 4-H welcomed 122 campers, 22 teens volunteers and 22 adult volunteers to an amazing week of 4-H Summer camp.  Camp Magic are those unexplainable, non-tangible things that are memory making, life changing moments. The opportunity for those moments are cultivated from financial and material support from donors, careful planning, training and countless hours from volunteers and staff, however the Magic part is moments where the environment of camp and all that preparation leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all campers.

Of the 129 teens and campers who completed an end of camp questionnaire:

1. 21% indicated that it was their first time staying multiple nights away from camp
2. 80% mastered a new skill at camp (such as canoeing, shooting a bow, swimming etc.)
3. 81% accomplished something they didn’t think they could do
4. 91% made decisions on their own
5. 81% spent more time outside than normal
6. 89% plan to attend camp again next summer
7. 46 Campers indicated they became a stronger swimmer.
8. Almost 100% indicated that they met at least one caring and positive adult while at camp.

Campers indicated that they liked camp activities such as swimming, shooting sports, dancing, nature, chill time, caving & more.   Other highlights they enjoyed were the food, spirit beads, hanging out with friends, staff & volunteers.

Campers learned so many new skills this week including life skills like group living, being responsible, and trying new things.   Many learned to build a fire, overcome a fear of heights, made new friends, improved their public speaking through skits and cheers, and as one camper stated, “How to take care of myself without my parents.”

Campers made an impact on their community by participating in a service project making upcycled t-shirt bags.  Shirts were donated by the Saint Vincent De Paul’s Mission store.   Campers learned about the Bread for Life Food Pantry & how clients of the pantry could earn more points for food by bringing their own shopping bags.  Campers then learned about the 4-H Up-Cycled t-shirt project and made over 100 bags to donate to the pantry.

 In a separate survey sent to parents after the completion of camp, in which 39 participants responded, the majority indicated a positive change in their child in the willingness to try new things, ease of making new friends and empathizing with friends, learning new skills and taking care of self needs. One camper noted, "Camp becomes a home away from home and it draws you back. It is one of the best experiences of your life, every time I go."