By Chasity Turner

Since 1937 4-H Camp Cherry Lake has hosted thousands of youth. The camp experience helps children mature socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically, impacting campers for the rest of their lives.

In 2020, Camp Cherry Lake will undergo renovation as critical classroom space and amenities are added alongside the camp’s recreational pavilion. This pavilion expansion will be the initial phase in a multi-year plan to enhance camp facilities for expanded programming, including environmental and agricultural education.

“Camp Cherry Lake in particular is a vital component of the 4-H experience, not just for our community but for twenty-six other Florida counties,” says Morris Steen, Florida 4-H Foundation Board Member. Steen joined 4-H at age 10 and camped at Cherry Lake nearly every summer as a youth, and later serving as a counselor while a student at the University of Florida.

Camp Cherry Lake has a significant financial impact on the North Florida community and local business, and provides year-round and seasonal employment opportunities, Steen said. “Many resources used to run Camp Cherry Lake are purchased from local merchants, while the camp also brings visitors to the local area who patronize community retailers and restaurants.”

“Cherry Lake is very special place. Our North Florida community needs Camp Cherry Lake,” Steen said.

What: Join Florida 4-H as we break ground on the pavilion expansion and celebrate the many alumni, friends and community leaders who are making the vision for Camp Cherry Lake possible. Come meet new resident director, John Myrick, and hear from UF/IFAS Dean of Extension Nick Place as he reveals the vision of Florida 4-H Camping in 2020. The day will include camp activities and refreshments.

Who: Open to all Florida 4-H alumni, friends and families.

When: January 31, 2020 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 4-H Camp Cherry Lake, 3681 NE Lake Cir, Madison, FL 32340

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Caylin Hilton, associate director of development for Florida 4-H at 352.392.5432 or grow4h@ifas.ufl.edu.

Florida 4-H is the land-grant youth development program providing hands-on educational programs and experiences for youth ages 5-18 through a diverse portfolio of project areas. In Florida, 4-H is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University.

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