GREENVILLE — Fun and learning were the keys to a successful Explore 4-H One Day Summer Camp recently held at Camp Allen near Greenville.
The Southeast 4-H region and the University of Missouri Extension hosted the camp. More than 150 youth and 70 adult volunteers from 4-H clubs throughout the area participated.
The day included educational programming produced by 4-H youth specialists, 4-H youth associates, nutrition program associates, 4-H volunteers and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
4-H youth specialist and camp coordinator Brad Coleman said, “the camp was a way for our youth to have some fun and to learn about different projects and activities that could be utilized in 4-H clubs throughout the region.”
The vision was to create a camp where youth could engage in different games and activities to have fun but also to showcase projects youth can take to their local clubs and implement.
Showcase projects included video production, arts and crafts, horsemanship and animals, sport fishing, a building project and archery.
University of Missouri Extension nutrition program associates had lessons and activities designed around leading a healthy lifestyle. Youth learned new ways to create healthy snacks and how to promote them with other youth and families.
Student Nutrition Advisory Councils were created to promote healthy snack alternatives and physical activities, including blender bikes.
“Although most youth and adults were not familiar with the blender bikes, they were eager to learn how to create a nutritious smoothie while engaging in physical activity,” Emily LeMaster, MU Extension nutrition program associate in Butler County said. “Volunteers asked about making their own blender bikes to use at home.”
The activities included games and swimming in Camp Allen’s pool with a water slide.
The Missouri Department of Conservation put on a snake show and brought fishing poles and equipment for youth to use in the stocked small lake.
“I had such a blast at the 4-H Camp,” said 4-H volunteer Coretta Bishop. “It was my first time and all the activities were fun and engaging. I am so looking forward to working with our new 4-H Club in Poplar Bluff.”
John Fuller, human development and family science specialist of Poplar Bluff, led the Stop Motion/Video Production project.
“I had a great time watching the creativity displayed by our youth and their volunteers,” Fuller said. “This was a project most youth have never experienced. I was encouraged to see so many youth and parent volunteers from Butler County experience their first 4-H Camp.”
Coleman said the group was able to put everything together for the low cost of $30 per youth.
“Our youth had a great time with the games, activities and showcased project areas,” he said. “It was a great value for our youth and families. Our hope is to continue to offer more one day Explore 4-H camps in the future.”
Coleman explained, “none of this would have been possible without the outstanding help of our parent volunteers, University of Missouri Extension staff, 4-H youth specialists and sponsors such as the Bank of Advance, First Midwest Bank, and Camp Allen.
“Our adult volunteers are the backbone of 4-H programs and clubs. They help lead our project areas and help to teach our youth about leadership, citizenship and responsibility.”
More information about the program and other online and in-person programming is available in the Missouri 4-H Clover Catalog and on the Missouri 4-H website at 4h.missouri.edu.
Anyone interested may email Coleman, at colemanlb@missouri.edu or Allison at allisonks@missouri.edu for more information.