The theme for the camp “Exploring 4-H, Through Learning by Doing”. During the summer, Jefferson County Extension Office offers weeklong day camps to keep youth having fun and engaged in positive activities for the summer.
In addition to developing psychosocial skills, youth have lots of fun! The “get acquainted games” introduced campers to each other and set the foundation supporting collaboration. 4-H utilizes the “learn by doing” model. Youth, with guidance from teen volunteer leaders, are involved in “hands-on” experiences where they gain useful skills and learn how to live with people, serve their community and country by practicing these skills in real-life situations.
Research shows that youth who participate in out of school time programs focused on science, including camps help youth to develop science skills and knowledge through practical, hands-on experience (Luehmann, 2009; Nicholson, Weiss, & Campbell, 1994; Rahm, Martel-Reny, & Moore,2005; Nicholson, Weiss, & Campbell, 1994). Youth in out-of-school time programs also gain a more positive view of science (Luehmann, 2009; Rahm, Martel Reny, & Moore, 2005).
Golden Acres Ranch is always a big hit with campers. The kids and the staff had a wonderful time holding the adorable, Great Pyrenees puppies, rounding up sheep, learning about the miniature pony & donkey, and educating campers about the Great Pyrenees dogs.
Our summer camps expanded the camper’s time with nature to improving their skills, confidence, and sense of comfort outdoors; increasing their naturalist intelligence.
4-H Campers went on field trips to Beau Turner Youth Conservation Center (Fishing) and McClay Garden State Park (Swimming). The youth made a craft to fine-tune their motor skills and encouraged creativity. Campers were bugging out with Sabrina Hayes from FAMU Entomology Dept. Ms. Hayes brought exotic insects from around the world and campers had an opportunity to ID, learn about different insect parts, which insects can walk on water, how insects communicate. 4-Hers had a chance to catch bugs on the premises of the Extension Office, they also I.D. and learn about their habitat too.
Each 4-H member learn by choosing to participate in a variety of opportunities, including 4-H day camps. Campers learned the 4-H Facts about the 4-H history, the emblem, the 4-H pledge, motto, slogan and the value of 4-H.
As you can see, each day of 4-H “Exploring 4-H, Through Learning by Doing” camp was jam- packed with hands-on learning activities.
Our camp was successful due to our awesome teen counselors Sarah Crandall, Sierra Montgomery, Jada Mosely, Jakarie Mosely, Jakayla Ball, and Jerimiah Norton.
Special thanks to our partners, Capital City Music Therapy Golden Acres Ranch, Jefferson County Health Dept, North Florida Community College and Beau Turner Youth Conservation Camp.
For more information about our 4-H Programs, please call us at 850-342-0187 or go to our website at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/jefferson/.
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