With our largest camping group yet of 140 strong, Marion County's 4-H camping program is a popular attraction. The camping program, as well as the entire 4-H program, is growing in Marion County. Over the past few years our numbers of participants have increased from 45 campers in 1997, to 120 campers in 2006, nearly tripling our participation. This is a direct result of an increase in 4-H membership. Leadership is also a strong aspect of the 4-H camping program with twenty teen and adult volunteers attending camp in 2006.
The classes and events of camp really do not differ from county to county, but the experience each child has at 4-H camp is our true indicator of whether or not it was successful. Programs were presented by 4-H folks, but also by volunteers,and a nutrition program was designed by a Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program Assistant.
During camp, cabin members participated in several classes, but the "human relations" element is what is most present at camp. Getting along with those on your team, working together to get a job done, or just being able to live in a room with 25 other people for a week is a big accomplishment.
So, campers came home with new friends, memories, a few bug bites, and as their evaluations indicated nearly all would return.... we must be doing something right!