4-H Camps

•Day Camps•Residential Camps•Regardless of the type…….

4-H Camp is an independent educational activity not restricted to completing a project or holding an office.

Types of 4-H Camp Experiences

•Provides the camp experience.•Creates the foundation.•Allows for a greater partnership.

Day Camps

Child development professionals recognize camp as valuable in helping children grow ….▫socially,▫emotionally,▫intellectually,▫morally, and▫physically.

Value of Camp Experience

•A community of caring adults•A safe place to learn and have fun•Trained, caring role models

helping children feel loved, capable, and included

•A place for children to grow

What does a Camp Experience Provide?

•Plan with Purpose•What do you want to achieve

with the camp experience?

Getting Started

•Registration Forms•Appropriate paperwork•Check In/Check Out procedures!•Insurance•Emergency Plan

Best Management Practices

•Are they needed?•What role do you expect them to fulfill?•Position Description•Expectations•Qualifications•Training

Camp Counselors

•Certified Volunteers•Training•Understand Campers•Group Dynamics•Problem Situations•Behavior & Guidance•Risk Management•Unacceptable Behaviors

Preparing Counselors for Campers

Camper to Adult Ratios

5-8 year olds

Cloverbuds

9-14 year olds

15-17 year olds

Overnight* 1:6 1:8 1:10

Day Camp** 1:8 1:10 1:12

*2014 Club Management System handbook (page 16)** Recommendation of American Camping Association

•Ages and Stages•Essential Elements of Youth Development

Understanding Campers

•Small groups•Organizing groups•Establishing teams

Group Dynamics

•Bed Wetting•Sleep Walking•Counselor/Camper

Relationships•Teasing/Gossiping•Bullying

•Homesickness•Stealing•Inappropriate or

Scary Stories•Swearing•Fatigue

Problem Situations at Camp

•Counselors need to be informed!•Why problems may surface•Skills

Behavior and Guidance

NEVER FORGET….parents have entrusted us with the care of their child!

Positive Experiences free from:

•Verbal,•Physical,•Mental,•Emotional and•Sexual abuse

Risk Management

•Lack of sensitivity to Diversity

•Hazing•Discrimination•Harassment

Unacceptable Behaviors

•This manual is available for helping you create SUPER Camp Counselors!

•Contact the State 4-H Office

•a Place•a Program•Counselors and Staff•Camping is what really

happens to campers!

Camp is …….

Camp is where I learned about me; facing fears,

trying new things,pushing my boundaries,and accepting myself.