Regional 4-H Camp a Success

Area 4-H junior members filled two days and one night with outdoor adventures, fun in the sun and team building activities on June 10 and 11 at Crooked Creek Christian Camp in Washington. ISU Extension and Outreach team Region 19 (Iowa, Johnson, Keokuk and Washington Counties) work together to offer this camping experience annually to their 4th – 6th grade members.

60 campers and 16 high school counselors had a variety of activities, including canoeing, fishing, swimming, water slide, henna, minute to win it games, cabin team challenges, archery, dancing, smoothie making, frosting making, and more. Special guest presenters Bows & Bullets 4-H Club for archery demonstration and lessons, Seth Adam from Washington County Conservation with snake lesson, Maya Hazelett from ISU Extension and Outreach/Iowa 4-H with a cover crop lesson and extension staff from Washington, Johnson, Keokuk and Iowa county delivered the other programs.

4-H junior members enjoyed meeting other 4-Her’s from neighboring counties and spending time together. The “magic” of camp was in full effect. One camper even said they couldn’t pick a favorite moment, “Every minute was my favorite.”

“The learning, bonding, growing and fun that happens at 4-H Jr Camp is special,” said Washington County 4-H/Youth Coordinator. “As staff, I love getting to spend time with these 4-Hers to see them in action and making new friends. They are brave to try new things and conquer fears. And then watching them grow for the next 7-9 years in our program is so rewarding. Our high school counselors rise to the occasion and invest a lot of care and fun energy in to the camp as well. We couldn’t do it without them!”

For more information about joining 4-H, summer camp opportunities or how to volunteer for Keokuk County 4-H, please contact the Keokuk County Extension Office at 641/622-2680.  Follow “Iowa State University Extension: Keokuk County” on Facebook. For Washington County 4-H, please contact the Washington County Extension Office at 319/653-4811. Follow “Washington County 4-H – Iowa” on Facebook.