Northeast Montana 4-H Camp

Published: 2019
By Ardis Oelkers

For 12 years, a multi-county 4-H camp has been in existence in the northeast corner of Montana. Counties collaborating on this camp are Daniels, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, and Valley. The Extension Agents in each of the counties work together to develop a framework for the camp. Teen counselors are selected and as a group determine the camp program. They also play an important role at 4-H camp being responsible for leading groups of campers and serving as cabin leaders. During the camp agents and adult volunteers serve in support roles to teen leaders and fill in as needed to provide educational programs. Overnight camps give 4-H members a chance to experience the rustic outdoors through a set of structured and fun educational activities. This year’s camp included hands-on learning workshops in leadership and team work, tie dyeing, squirt gun painting, and making soap and a bird feeder. Outdoor activities included nature walks, swimming, gaga ball, and basketball for the 63 campers, counselors, and adult volunteers. 4-H Camp is one way for campers to participate in positive youth development. Youth who experience healthy, positive development exhibit certain attributes such as The 5 C’s – Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character and Caring. Using these attributes as this year’s theme, camp was planned so that every young person knows they are cared about by others, feel and believe they are competent, know they are able to influence people and events and practice helping others. Caring adults and youth were intentional and skilled in enriching the camp setting with opportunities that lead to positive youth development. Youth who experience positive youth development become adults who contribute to family, work, home and community.