Beech Tree News Network

As school doors close for the summer, the learning opportunities continue for the thousands of youngsters who will include a 4-H camp experience as part of their upcoming summer vacation plans.

While some new twists have been added to camp activities, the basic goals of the 4-H camping experience still include lessons on appreciating the natural environment, making new friends and learning lifetime hobbies.

4-H summer camp offers opportunities for all youth ages 9-13 years to have a safe, educational, and fun filled experience away from the TV and video games.  

The camps are located near the communities of Carlisle, Rush, London, Jabez and Dawson Springs. They range in size from 300 to 1,500 acres and all have modern facilities including cabins, dining halls, swimming pools, and lakes for canoeing and fishing.

 Today's 4-H camps incorporate a diverse set of learning experiences into their daily schedule and it varies from camp to camp. 

4-H campers can learn new skills in traditional camp activities such as canoeing, nature, and archery.    Depending on the mix of volunteer leaders, a camp may also offer a variety of less traditional activities such as model rocketry, bird and reptile identification, soccer, drama training, and much more.  There is also an emphasis on citizenship, appreciating diversity and working effectively in a group.

Three camps have added a low-elements challenge course.  It is based on a series of obstacles in which the goal is to get an entire group of 4-Her's through to the objective together. 

More than 3,000 volunteers help direct campers.  Each camp is also staffed with an emergency medical technician, certified lifeguards and instructors for nature and recreation.  Adult volunteers may serve as cabin counselor or can share their talents and skills by being a camp instructor or taking other leadership roles.

If you haven't signed up yet, there are still camp openings in Butler County. Butler County will camp July 15 – 19, 2013 and cost will be $179.00.  This includes transportation to and from the camp, three meals and two snacks a day and four nights of overnight lodging.

For more information contact the Butler County Extension Office at 112 E GL Smith Street, Morgantown or call 526-3767.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, disability, or national origin.