BROOKINGS, S.D. — SDSU Extension encourages South Dakota families to consider South Dakota 4-H summer camp options for their youth.
“Camp is a fun, safe way for South Dakota’s youth to explore new topics and activities in an experiential manner,” Katherine Jaeger, SDSU Extension Youth Outdoor Education Field Specialist.
In addition to fun, Jaeger said based on feedback from campers and their families, those who attend 4-H camp can benefit from the following:
- Appreciate differences amongst people;
- Listen and communicate effectively;
- Accept responsibility in a community-living setting; and
- Apply independent life-skills away from home
“These skills that the youth learn or improve on do not stop when they leave camp; rather, youth can transfer these abilities to any group, organization, or team that they are involved with,” Jaeger said.
Counselor Benefits
Campers are not the only youth who benefit from attending camp, Jaeger said feedback from older 4-H members who serve as camp counselors also gain a lot from the experience:
- Leadership;
- Responsible citizenship;
- Contribution; and
- Teamwork
“The skills learned as a camp counselor make teens a more qualified job applicant, a better team member, and a more confident leaders,” Jaeger said.
Sign up for 4-H camp today
4-H camps are available for youth 8 to 18. To register for camp, visit iGrow.org/events and look under the 4-H & Youth event category on the left hand side if the screen. Registration deadlines vary.
To sign up as a camp counselor or volunteer, visit the following iGrow.org links:
Camp Counselor Job Description: http://igrow.org/up/resources/01-4015-2018.pdf.
Camp Counselor Volunteer Application: http://igrow.org/up/resources/01-4016-2018.pdf.
More about South Dakota 4-H
SDSU Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program is a partnership of federal (USDA), state (Land Grant University), and county resources through youth outreach activities of SDSU Extension. Youth learn and experience Leadership, Health and Wellness, Science and Ag-Vocacy through a network of professional staff and volunteers reaching more than 9,000 enrolled members with yearly programming efforts to an additional 35,000 youth participants.
To learn more, contact your local SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor. A complete listing can be found at www.iGrow.org under Field Staff icon.
— SDSU Extension
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