There are only 11 days before my boys will be home all day, luxuriating in the A/C, gaming, sleeping and eating everything in the pantry. Or so they think. I just can’t stand the thought of them doing that, so I’ve booked them for a couple of day camps, overnight camp and lined them up to work for my parents. Now don’t get me wrong; I believe in down-time, me-time and quiet-time, but I also believe in making sure they’re brains don’t turn to mush, they love learning, develop a strong work ethic and experience some new things.

Because your 4-H Agents are youth development professionals, (folks who know how to provide programs and experiences that help youth reach their full potential), you can bet that 4-H day and overnight camping programs will benefit your child. Activities and experiences are tailored to meet the developmental needs of your child while they experience success but are also challenged to think. Don’t be afraid to give them a little push to try new things.

Take a look at this excerpt from an article by the American Camping Association:

“In recent years camps have put a greater emphasis on what leaders in the child development field have been saying about the needs of children today. Camp activities and group living in a natural environment are the tools used to create camp communities that provide for successful, healthy development and a place where having fun is a daily criterion. In such a structured environment, children interact with positive role models who have time to listen, talk, relax, and reflect. They learn to work together, make choices, take responsibility, develop creative skills, build independence and self-reliance, and gain confidence. All are necessary steps on a child’s path to a healthy, productive life.”

Read the full article here:  https://www.acacamps.org/press-room/benefits-of-camp/psychological-aspects

In the Northwest Extension District spanning from Escambia to Jefferson counties, we have several district-wide programs that may be offered in your county. Each county may also offer more camps in addition to these.

To find out about summer programs in your county, visit http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/.

0