Ravalli County 4-H Junior Camp

Published: 2021
By Anne Bauer

Fifty-four youth (ages 8-12), 14 teen counselors (ages 15-18), and 12 adult volunteers attended the annual Ravalli County 4-H Junior Camp held in July at the Darrell Fenner 4-H Camp located on Loon Lake in Bigfork, MT. The teen counselors attended meetings starting in March to plan the entirety of camp. Teens planned and implemented workshops, evening programs, meal programs, cabin decorations, free time activities, and risk assessments. Through the planning meetings, teen counselors developed leadership, teamwork, communication, and organization skills. The Ravalli County 4-H Junior camp demonstrates 4-H’s Five C’s and results in the sixth “C”- contribution. During the week of camp, campers are fully engaged in positive youth development activities. These experiences inspire youth to return to camp in future years and eventually apply as teen counselors. Thirteen of the 14 teen counselors reported they applied to become a teen counselor to re-create fun experiences for the next generation of campers.