October 11, 2022
4-H Camp is a Positive Youth Development Opportunity for all Youth
Submitted by Jared and Letha Causby
As positive youth development and camp professionals, we often get asked, “why camp?” Why should families send their kids to camp? What makes camp so vital and beneficial to youth development?
As a 4-H program, 4-H summer camp is designed to help our participants foster positive values, responsibility, a sense of purpose, planning & decision making, leadership development and skill mastery. The magic behind camp is so vital because this happens naturally and in such a short amount of time while here. In much of our year-round programming we build in layers to work on these goals but at camp they present themselves organically in every camper's experience.
Responsibility takes form in campers sweeping up in the dining hall after a big spill or owning up to it when they get out in a game. Planning and decision making start early in the morning when campers decide whether to wear a different shirt or the same one they wore the previous day or what to put on their plate during a meal. These are just a few of the goals in everyday practice while at camp.
The best part of all this is that we do it in a fun, safe, inclusive environment with caring adults that campers look up to and want to immulate. The common 4-H expression “learn by doing” rings true at camp more than anywhere else! The amount of growth that campers experience in just a few days can last a lifetime, as well as the memories and connections that are forged between cabinmates and counselors.
A few days at camp one summer may be fun and unforgettable but a few weeks at camp spread across years is life-changing because of the mission of camp, magic of this place and outcome of goals. The best gift that we can give future generations is empowering them skills that will last a lifetime. The lessons that 4-Her’s learn at camp can be taken back to their club, community, and world to help create a better future for us all.