May 8, 2019
By: Leigh Fuson
The days are getting longer and warmer, and the countdown to summer is on! You may be making plans for a beach or theme park vacation, but University of Tennessee Extension encourages parents to consider sending their youth to 4-H camp. 4-H is the youth development program of UT Extension, which cooperates with Tennessee State University and volunteers, to deliver quality youth programs throughout the year, including summer camp.
With a long tradition of youth development and STEM education, 4-H camps offered across the state are an amazing opportunity. Junior camp is for anyone currently in 4th-6th grade and takes place at Clyde York 4-H center in Crossville. DeKalb County 4-H members can attend this camp June 10th-14th. It features shooting sports, arts and crafts, swimming and a water slide, canoeing and kayaking, zip lining, sports and games, and much more! Cost is $300 which includes all meals, room & board, transportation, t-shirt, and activities. Registration deadline is May 17th.
“Tennessee 4-H camps are a chance for youth to explore their relationship with the world around them while having loads of fun. Tennessee 4-H camps move by the motto “learn by doing” and also by 4-H’s experiential learning method of ‘Do, Reflect, and Apply.’ Youth are engaged and involved from the time they arrive to the time they depart,” says Daniel Sarver, a youth development specialist with UT Extension.
Not only are campers having fun, making new friends, and creating life-long memories, but they are learning responsibility and life skills while being away from home. Many parents may worry about sending their children to camp, but Tennessee 4-H camps are accredited by the American Camp Association, are directed by caring professionals and volunteers, which include on-site camp staff and county 4-H agents.
For more information and to register for camp, please stop by the UT/TSU Extension office located in County Complex or call 615-597-4945. Payment plans are available. 4-H is a proud part of UT/TSU Extension, the UT Institute of Agriculture, and the TSU Cooperative Extension Program. UT/TSU Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments. Programs are open to all people regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, or disability.