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J.M. Feltner Memorial 4-H Camp became a home away from home recently for 40 Bell County 4-H’ers.

They joined over 200 other campers from Breathitt, Jackson, Lee and Owsley Counties.

Campers enjoyed classes on canoeing, swimming, archery, fishing, basketball, riflery, forestry and cooking. Some of the ladies even indulged at the 4-H Spa, having manicures and pedicures in the air conditioning, while other campers were out soaking up the sun (while wearing SPF 55+, of course)!

Campers “met at the flag pole” every morning for assembly, which included rousing versions of camp songs (such as “Brown Squirrel, Brown Squirrel”) announcements and a flag ceremony. After assembly, they were off to breakfast and then classes. Campers have lots of fun and new, neat experiences, but they also learn a higher level of responsibility. Campers each take a turn on “kitchen patrol” cleaning dishes after meals, are expected to keep their cabin and campgrounds neat and clean, and they are expected to report to classes at the correct location and on time.

Campers should come prepared to try to new things, meet new people and have lots of fun.

Parents can expect their children to come home with many positive memories. Campers will likely learn new skills and develop a greater appreciation for the environment and wildlife. 4-H Camp also helps develop independence, responsibility, self-confidence, and camaraderie among peers and adult staff members and volunteers. Trained staff and volunteers supervise the campers and strive to make sure everyone has a safe and happy camping experience.

Resident 4-H camps are open to all Kentucky youth, ages nine through fourteen. The 4-H camping program provides a safe, secure and fun environment for Kentucky campers. An onsite EMT/health care provider is always available to take care of campers needs.

Our camps have been awarded accreditation by the American Camp Association in recognition of our program using the “best practices in the camping industry” in providing a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for our campers.

The 2012 4-H Camp was especially special, with the theme of “4-H Camp Holiday”. (Adults, take “pretend hat”, place on top of head.) When campers arrived to Feltner on Monday, they celebrated a happy New Year! There was a Rocking New Year’s Carnival that night, followed by a Times Square celebration. On Tuesday, it was Happy Easter for campers, who enjoyed an Easter Egg Hunt and hit the dance floor for the Bunny Hop that evening. Wednesday was a holiday fit for ghouls and goblins, as campers celebrated Halloween. This holiday included a costume contest, trick-or-treating and the Monster Mash!

Campers experience a truly memorable evening on their last night at camp, as the talented, dedicated and gracious camp staff hosts a campfire. At the campfire, over 200 young people sat quietly as staffers spoke about the highlights of camp by candlelight. Then, a truly magical thing happened. Campers sang the camp song “Linger” to the beat of the crickets and with the moon for an audience.

Our 40 Bell County 4-Hers joined their new friends back at the cafeteria after the campfire for a late night pizza party. There, they enjoyed watching a slideshow of photographs that were taken throughout the week.

4-H Camp is made possible through donations from the following: Pineville Lion’s Club, Pineville Rotary Club, Pineville Kiwanis, the Cumberland Park Garden Club and the Pineville Senior Homemakers Club. Twenty-seven campers received either full or partial scholarships for camp, as they were unable to pay the full $160 fee. The Bell County School System graciously allowed the use of a school bus, and Hazel Hatmaker transported the campers. Campers’ luggage was hauled to the camp in a trailer donated to 4-H and the Bell County Cooperative Extension Service by Bell County Sherriff Bruce Bennett. 4-H Volunteer Richard Mason gave a week of his time to attend camp and council male campers. A special thanks to teen leaders: Katie Dean, Taylor Mason, Hannah Hatmaker, Tyler Mason and Braxton Adkins.

If you would like to get your child involved in 4-H or if you would like to volunteer your time to help with 4-H programs or camp, contact Brandy Calvert at the Bell County Cooperative Extension Service office, 606-337-2376. She may also be reached via e-mail at brandy.calvert@uky.edu.