Area youngsters welcome at 4-H camp

VW independent/submitted information

Have a child who might enjoy learning how to canoe on Harrison Lake? Maybe a child who is fascinated by outdoor cooking or a youngster who wants to spend time learning about snakes, turtles, and the nature that surrounds them in Ohio? Van Wert County 4-H hosts a residential camp July 5-9 that offers all of the above and more.

Youngsters travel to 4-H Camp Palmer in Fayette near Harrison Lake State Park to spend five days and four nights with their friends sleeping in cabins, singing camp songs, swimming, line dancing, and exploring the outdoors. The camp is American Camping Association certified and trains over 20 camp counselors and adult staff and onsite medical staff who stay at the camp the entire time.

All youths ages 8-14 are welcome to attend camp (kids do not have to be a member to attend). Cost for 4-H members is $150 and cost for non-members is $170. All meals are provided for the week and no extra money is required (unless kids want snacks from the camp store).

For more information about the ability for a child to attend 4-H camp, contact Heather Gottke at the Ohio State University Extension Office at 419.238.1214 or by email at gottke.4@osu.edu.

The Ohio 4-H program offers camp options for youths to assist developing their self-esteem and to provide an opportunity for individuals to develop responsibility away from home and parents or guardians. The camps also assist in developing leadership and other skills.

Last year, 17,213 youths participated in Ohio 4-H youth camping programs. That includes 2,798 teen counselors. Of those campers, 12,612 youths participated in overnight camps, while 4,601 participated in day camps.

Registration for 4-H camp is due no later than Friday, June 22, to the OSU Extension Office. For more information, visit the OSU Extension webpage at http://vanwert.osu.edu.