Nationwide, 4-H Camp has a long history within the 4-H program. The camping experience for Montgomery County 4-H is fortunate to be a part of this rich history and provides youth with a unique experience. We are part of the West Central Camp Association, along with 20 other counties. Since August of 1931, Shakamak State Park has been the home of 4-H Camp for the WCCA. The first camp group was comprised of 400 boys and girls from five surrounding counties and they used, at that time, the new Group Camp facilities. Ninety-one years later, this partnership remains today.
Each year, the WCCA continue to meet at the Group Camp for two and a half weeks, reaching over 1,000 campers. Counties in the WCCA group together and take turns using the Group Camp. Montgomery County camps with Boone, Hendricks and Tipton counties each year.
4-H Camp is one of my favorite programs within the 4-H program. It is also a favorite amongst our 4-H members as well. 4-H Camp is for youth currently in grades 3-6 and youth in grades 9-12 can apply to serve as 4-H Camp Counselors. Camp Counselors spend hours meeting and training with the other counselors from the other counties. They spend time planning curriculum for classes and making sure that all campers have a positive experience. Camp Counselors gain skills in leadership, teaching, communication, organization and so much more. They also serve as positive role models to our campers and many campers want to eventually become a camp counselor one day because of this positive experience.
4-H Camp is a great way for youth to make new friends from across the state as they share a cabin and spend time in groups together. They get to participate in fun, hands-on lessons that are taught by 4-H camp counselors. Lessons this year included crafts, boating, group recreation, outdoor cooking, fire building, scavenger hunt and hike, Sunshine Bags and outdoor obstacle course. To help beat the heat, campers and counselors get to spend time enjoying the pool at Shakamak State Park.
This year, the Montgomery County 4-H program had thirty-six campers and five camp counselors. One of our camp counselors, Riley Sanders, was also fortunate to serve as a junior director. A junior director is a camp counselor that shows exceptional leadership skills and helps oversee not only campers but fellow camp counselors as well.
There are many exceptional opportunities within the 4-H program but 4-H Camp is certainly a highlight for not only myself but also our youth. If you have questions about 4-H and how to get involved, reach out to the Extension office at 765-364-6363 or email me at asweet@purdue.edu.
Abby Morgan is the Montgomery County Extension Education, 4-H Youth Development Educator. The office is at 400 Parke Ave., Crawfordsville; 765-364-6363. She may be reached by email at asweet@purdue.edu.
