Multi-county camp is on go

One of the highlights of the 4-H year is our Multi-county 4-H camp. This camp started several years ago with Hopkins, Wood, and Smith Counties. Over the years, it has grown to include all counties in northeast Texas. Due to COVID, the camp was cancelled in 2020. However, our office received notification that it WILL take place in 2021!

“Explore 4-H” is the theme of the camp, to take place at Lakeview Baptist Conference Center in Lone Star, Texas, July 5-7. This event is designed to allow youth to build strong friendships, create lifelong memories, learn from their peers and counselors, experience 4-H & nature, and all the joys of camp! Features of the camp include:

• Junior Master Gardeners

• Food Challenge

• Healthy lifestyles

• Ropes

• STEM

• Archery

In addition to these workshops, campers will have access to swimming, scavenger hunt, paddle-boating, canoeing/kayaking, ping pong, and team development. There will also be a canned food challenge. We are asking each county to bring non-perishable, canned food items to camp. Each county will design and build a structure using their items. Structures will be judged and winners will be announce at the conclusion of the camp. All food items will be donated to a local food pantry. This is not only a service project, but a STEM project as well. The structure must fit in a 5’x5’ space. Other non-perishable food items are acceptable, as well. On the final day of camp, an awards assembly will be held to recognize outstanding campers in numerous areas, and a slide show of the workshops and activities will be shown. Parents are welcome to attend!

Registration forms are now available at the Hopkins County Extension Office. The cost is $120 for youth. Adult chaperones must pass the “Child Protection Training” course and preferably be enrolled as a 4-H leader prior to attending. Registration is due to the Hopkins County Extension Office on or before May 28. A list of items to bring (and what NOT to bring), along with medical release, code of conduct and media release are included in the registration packet. All COVID-related precautions will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of our campers and staff.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 903- 885-3443.

CLOSING THOUGHT

“You can’t stop negative thoughts from entering your mind, just like you can’t stop birds from flying overhead. But you can prevent them from building a nest in your hair! Don’t let negative thoughts take over your actions.” (paraphrased from Billy Graham)