By: Rebecca Seratt Extension Agent
If you ask any 4-H alumni about their most memorable 4-H experiences, you may very well hear about the fun and exciting times they spent at 4-H camp. For many youngsters, a journey to summer camp is something they will remember for a life time. Tennessee’s 4-H Youth Development Program provides students in grades four through 12 with the opportunity to attend camps that are uniquely designed to help campers build leadership skills, learn teamwork, and grow their self-esteem. It goes without saying that the 4-H camping experience has changed over the years. Instead of just one 4-H camp, there is now a variety of different camping opportunities that our young people can take advantage of.
With camping adventures beginning soon, we are now taking registration for the following camping events:
O.W.L.S Camp: This camp stands for Outdoor, Wildlife, Leadership, and Service Camp. If you have a student in the grades six through 10 who LOVES hiking, fishing, kayaking, and just being in the great outdoors, they do not want to miss this camp at Brandon Springs, Tenn. The deadline to register for this camp is Friday, April 24 and the cost to attend is $190
Jr. 4-H Camp: This is the premier camping experience for fourth through sixth graders. They can attend camp at the Ridley 4-H Center in Columbia, Tenn. and enjoy swimming, zip lining, archery, making crafts, creek stomping, and much more. The deadline to register for this camp is Friday, May 8. The cost to attend is $250. Please contact us ASAP if you want your child to attend this camp…we have limited spaces!
Jr. High 4-H Camp: Also at the Ridley 4-H Center, Jr. High Camp is for students in grades six through eight. They will get to enjoy all the activities the camp has to offer plus some extra perks reserved for the older camping crowd! The registration deadline for Jr. High 4-H Camp is Friday, June 19 and the cost is $330.
Electric Camp: This unique science-based camp takes place on the UT Knoxville campus. Students will get hands-on experiences in electric wiring, energy conservation, electric vehicles, and more. A field trip to Dollywood is included in this camping experience. Students in grades six and seven may attend. The deadline to register is Friday, April 24. The cost to attend is $290.
Line and Design Camp: This camp takes place at the UT Martin campus. It features workshops in sewing, jewelry making, pottery, and other design opportunities while offering swimming time, campus tours, and fashion and talent shows. Students in sixth through 12th grades may attend. The registration deadline is Friday, June 19, and the cost to attend is $130.
Culinary U: This camp takes place at UT Martin. It features workshops in kitchen safety, baking, cooking Spanish and Asian cuisines, knife skills, and a 4-H Iron Chef Competition. Students in ninth through 12th grades may attend. The registration deadline is Friday, June 19. The cost to attend is $100.
As you can tell there are so many wonderful camping opportunities available for our young people. If you are interested in receiving more information about any of these camps, please call our office at 989-2103.
We will also be offering local activities for all youth ages this summer, so keep an eye out for more information in the Chester County Independent and on our Facebook page—UT Extension Chester County. You do not want to miss out!
