Effingham County Cloverleaf 4-H’ers recently camped at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, the largest 4-H center in the world, in Eatonton.
The week-long summer camp is designed for fifth- and sixth-grade students. Effingham 4-H camped 153 total participants including Cloverleaf campers, adults and teen leaders.
“Campers were able to learn by doing, the 4-H slogan, and have the time of their life,” said Effingham County Extension agent Abby Smith. “4-H camp for Effingham County was a week of life-long memories and lots of fun. Through these camping experiences, 4-H strives to give students opportunities to become leaders and well-rounded individuals for their 4-H club, school and community.”
Rock Eagle’s summer camping program centers on the Native American culture and offers traditional hands-on classes in major interest areas that include everything from lake ecology, canoeing, and herpetology to sailing and low and high ropes elements (zipline, rock wall, swing shot) for returning campers. The many different workshops offer a hands-on experience that makes learning fun. The activities also include swimming, miniature golf, nature trails, night hikes, crafts and plenty of indoor and outdoor recreation time.
“Rock Eagle summer camp provides an outdoor summer program incomparable in the nation,” Smith said. “It a wonderful opportunity where students create memories that will last forever.”
While camping at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, not only did campers have fun, meet lots of new friends and participate in great hands-on workshops, they also learned many life skills including managing and spending money, care for personal belongings, time management, problem solving, developing interpersonal communication skills, conflict management, decision making, teamwork and leadership. Among the desirable qualities that 4-H camp helps to develop are independence, sense of belonging to something greater than self, mastery, generosity, willingness to try new things, and above all, self-confidence.
For more information about the summer camping program or the 4-H youth development program, contact Smith at the UGA Extension Office in Effingham County at awsmith@uga.edu or 754-8040.
