By Katie Martin, UT Extension Agent – Thirty-seven excited and eager 4-H’ers departed from Smith County on Monday, June 13th to attend Junior Camp at the Clyde M. York 4-H Center in Crossville for the week. Assisting with camp activities during the week were teen leaders Abby Malone and Gabe Harville, along with adult leader Michael Judd, agents, and camp staff.
Junior 4-H Camp is for youth who have completed grades 4-6. Smith County attended camp with 4-H’ers and leaders from Putnam, Bledsoe, Franklin, Sumner, and Moore Counties. Activities campers could participate in included zip lining, swimming, shooting sports, group sports, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, nature hikes, leather crafts and woodworking, t-shirt airbrushing and tie dyeing, and more.
Campers were able to participate in “Messtival”, attend a campfire complete with s’mores, and hear the camp ghost story of “Herman the German.” There was also dance and a movie night complete with popcorn. Several Smith County campers were even recognized with the Camp Spirit award and Camp Service award for the week. 4-H’ers spent the week trying new things, making new friends, and having fun.
We would like to especially thank our community partners who donated scholarships to help eleven campers attend Jr. 4-H Camp this year. Thank you to UCEMC Cares for their generosity and support of our Smith County 4-H program.
The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability. For further information concerning the many opportunities that 4-H has to offer the youth in Smith County call 615-735-2900.
