Attending 4-H Summer Camp at Rock Eagle were (front row, l-r) Paden McTier, Morgan Hearing, Elizabeth McLeroy, Claire Hall, Bobbie Welch, Flavius Zahran, (back row) Courtney Thackston, Paige Silvey, Makayla Wray, Alexius Gartrell, Morgan Scott, and Jonathan Wood. On Monday, June 28, 2010, an excited group of young people and adults left for a week of Summer Camp at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton. Eleven 4-H’ers; two teen leaders, Courtney Thackston and Jonathan Wood; Audra Armour, County Extension Agent; and Jackie Crew, County Extension Program Assistant were in attendance for the week long event.

The 4-H’ers went because it’s fun. But these young people got lot more out of camp than just fun.

Wilkes County campers were involved in a well-rounded experience. They had plenty of fun through sports, games, and dances. Campers also learned new skills through crafts and activities like herpetology, lake ecology class, sailing class, canoeing, health and wellness, and swimming.

The campers were given responsibilities like keeping their cabins tidy, keeping trash off the ground, or keeping the dining room neat. The were exposed to the positive influence of talented, well-trained counselors. The campers worked together to learn personal skills that may help them get along better with friends and family.

Going to 4-H camp encourages young people to become more independent and it increases their maturity. It can give campers a boost in self-confidence, the foundation needed to feel good about themselves. And most importantly, this group of 4-H campers had the opportunity to make new friends.

Georgia has one of the largest and most respected 4-H camping programs in the country. Georgia Cooperative Extension made it big, and made it one of the best for a very good reason – a positive experience at a summer camping program can make a crucial difference in a youngster’s life.

For more details on other Wilkes County 4-H events please contact the Wilkes County Cooperative Extension Office at 678-2332.