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As a child and teenager, 4-H Camp Piedmont in southeastern Ohio was one of my favorite places in the world. I was only two years old the first time I attended camp - toddling along after my mom who was the county 4-H agent and camp director. I had counselors that were the coolest people in the world - which is why I later became one myself!
(Squinting through the mud after the annual “Outdoor Olympics” at 4-H Camp my senior year of high school.)
Overnight 4-H Camp was a magical place, totally secluded from the busy world filled with technology and stress. There were no TV’s, no cell phone service, and no wifi to constantly distract you. At camp, you could simply relax, be yourself and make lots of new friends. These new friends turned into old friends whom I was excited to see year after year. I loved all of the outdoor activities like canoeing and archery. Even if you didn’t know the camp songs at the beginning of the week, you were singing them at the top of your lungs by the last day.
Despite being a fun place to go every summer, overnight 4-H camp is also a place where the youth members can learn life skills. Camp programs are designed to help children develop social skills by encouraging them to meet and get to know new people. Summer camp programs also provide structured, extracurricular activities where youth members engage with friends and have adult emotional support. Don’t just take my word for it, check out this amazing article with scientific data that proves the positive impact camp has on social skills and happiness: American Camp Association.
We can help more kids attend camp by helping them raise money using our Growing Clover Platform. . With permission from 4-H staff and parents, 4-H youth members can raise funds to go to summer camp completely and conveniently online. The 4-H member will simply share his/her customized fundraising page and ask for online donation. Supporters have the opportunity to give $25, $50, $75, or $100 and receive a Growing Clover Travel & Savings Membership.
4-H camp holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to helping more kids experience it. Contact a Growing Clover representative today to learn more!