By - Doug Foxx - Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
This summer Wayne County 4-H will offer three summer camp opportunities – Cloverbud Day Camp, Junior Camp and Teen Retreat - open to all youth in Wayne County even if they’re not a current member of 4-H.
Cloverbud Day Camp – June 14th – 16th:
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 theme is Critter Camp and will feature many fun hands-on science activities related to bugs, animals, and nature. Registration will open in May.
Junior Camp – June 29th – 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 4-night, 5-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, human foosball, 9-square in the air, gaga pit, stream studies, nature exploration, swimming, water games, scuba diving, archery, riflery, mountain boarding, high ropes courses, campfires, line dancing, and much more.
Teen Retreat – June 8th – 9th:
Youth that are ages 14-18 as of January 1st of this year are invited to attend Teen Retreat at Kelleys Island 4-H Camp. The island setting of this camp provides a unique opportunity for beach and waterfront activities, games, and swimming in Lake Erie. Teen Retreat will also feature exciting and interactive sessions for teens to explore possible future careers and discuss issues relevant to them such as dating, safe driving, and preparing for college. Additionally, teens will have the opportunity to explore Kelleys Island and its rich geological history as they go on guided hikes through rock quarries, wooded and waterfront trails, and visit the rare glacial grooves. Camp will also feature a grand campfire on the beach!
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.