This summer Wayne County 4-H will offer two summer camp opportunities – Cloverbud Day Camp and Junior Camp – both following recommended and required COVID safety protocols developed by the CDC, Ohio Department of Health, and The Ohio State University. Both camps are open to all youth in Wayne County even if they’re not a current member of 4-H, however, priority registration will be given to 4-H members through June 1st. This year the camp counselors have selected “County Fair Camp” as the theme for both camps!
Cloverbud Day Camp – June 8th – 10th:
Youth that are in kindergarten or higher and 5-8 years old as of January 1st of this year are eligible to register. Cloverbud Day Camp will be held from 9 am – 12 noon each day at the Fisher Auditorium on the OSU Wooster Campus. This year’s camp will feature many fun, hands-on learning and recreational activities. Registration is now available online at https://go.osu.edu/wayne4hcbcamp21.
Junior Camp – June 30th – July 3rd:
Youth that are in the 3rd grade or higher and ages 8-13 as of January 1st of this year, can attend our 3-night, 4-day residential camp at 4-H Camp Ohio in Louisville, Ohio. There are dozens of fun activities including but not limited to: rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, zip lining, climbing the adventure tower, 9-square in the air, gaga pit, stream studies, nature exploration, swimming, water games, scuba diving, archery, riflery, campfires, line dancing, and much more. Registration is now available online at https://go.osu.edu/4hjrcamp2021.
A new activity that will be available at Junior Camp this year is called Flying Squirrel. This is a high-flying adventure activity. Youth will be safely and securely strapped into harnesses by certified instructors. Once harnessed up one youth will be positioned to run forward in one direction and at the same time through a series of pulleys and cables that are connected, another group of about 8 youth will run in the opposite direction. The force of the other 8 youth running in the opposite direction will propel the first youth straight up in the air about 20 – 30 feet where they will be suspended and “flying” for a few minutes until the belay team of 8 youth they are connected to safely lower them back to the ground.
Why should youth and teens attend camp?
Summer camps have been credited with being full of transformational experiences for young people as they offer safe environments for youth to become more independent, confident, and engaged citizens. Camps challenge youth and teens to step out of their ordinary routines and comfort zones and participate in new activities often not available in their own backyards. For more information and/or to register for a camp, please contact me at the Wayne County Extension Office.
Doug Foxx is an OSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator and may be reached at 330-264-8722.
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