By Josine Walter
Each summer hundreds of youth, ages 9-14, spend time at the 4-H Center participating in outdoor activities including archery, canoeing, swimming, giant swing, climbing wall and the clover hop, in team building activities and of course, bonfire activities.
For local youths Dallas Day, Reagan Gray, Ada Ruth and Sarah Beth Huntley, it is a time of reuniting with friends that they have made over the years; for others like Brady and Tucker Brown, last summer was their first experience of summer camping.
Why summer camp? Studies show that connecting youth with the outdoors and the natural world promotes healthier lifestyles, lessens stress, improves academic achievement and self-esteem, and encourages community and social development.
Why 4-H summer camp? What better way to teach a respect and understanding for the environment, environmental stewardship, and healthy life skills than by getting into nature, getting physical and going green—the 4-H way?
4-H Youth become a member of family six million strong nationwide. During their experience at camp, they will belong to a team, build relationships and find new friends.
4-H encourages independence and problem solving. Youth are encouraged to develop life skills that will assist them as they enter adulthood.
They see the importance of generosity and giving back to their community by participating in service projects.
While developing life skills and self-confidence, our 4-H youth learn to set goals, meet deadlines and master project skills. We refer to these experiences as the “BIG M:” belonging, independence, generosity and mastery.
After all, as parents, don’t we want our children to grow up to be self-supporting young adults that contribute back to their communities? 4-H experiences lay a firm foundation toward that goal. Join us this summer to begin building that foundation for your children.
This summer the Chilton County youth will be attending camp from June 23-25.
Total camp fee is $100; $25 non-refundable deposit due to the Extension office by Feb. 21 along with camp applications; remaining $75 is due April 22.
There will be a parent/camper meeting on April 22, 6:30 p.m. at the Chilton County Cooperative Extension Office.
Summer camp applications are now available at the Extension Office, 504 First Ave. in Clanton, or by contacting Josine Walter at jaw0023@auburn.edu or (334) 750-2032.
Josine Walter is a 4-H Regional Extension Agent for Chilton and Coosa counties.