Submitted by Susanna Clouse, Smith County 4-H Extension Agent
Do you have found memories of 4-H camp as a child? Do you want today’s youth to have the opportunity to participate in activities including zip lining, swimming, shooting sports, group sports, fishing, kayaking/canoeing, nature hikers, leather craft and woodworking, t-shirt airbrushing, skits, music, and more? Clyde M. York 4-H Center in Crossville, Tennessee, gives 4-H members opportunities to have fun while learning valuable life skills like respect, responsibility, and teamwork while at Junior 4-H Camp each summer.
Last year fifty-three 4th through 6th grade 4-H’ers attended Junior Camp from Smith County. Thanks to generous community support and donations, twelve of those 4-H’ers were able to attend on half scholarships. Junior 4-H Camp costs have increased slightly to $380 for the 2025 camping season. While this includes meals, lodging, transportation, a t-shirt, and so many amazing activities, we know that cost is difficult for many families.
We want all youth to have the opportunity to enjoy 4-H camp, so we need your help. We are committed to increasing that number of partial scholarships available for Smith County 4-H’ers to attend camp. To do this we need businesses, organizations, or individuals to pledge $190, which is half the cost to send child to camp.
What better way to celebrate this holiday season than by giving a child the gift of 4-H Camp? Donors may choose to remain anonymous or to receive recognition for your donation to the 4-H program.
If you, or someone you know, wish to donate a partial or full camp scholarship to a child in need, call the Extension office at 615-735-2900 or email sclouse1@utk.edu for more information.
