Craig County youth enjoyed a 4-H camping week this summer. In late June, campers, teens and adult volunteers, 65 in total, participated in Junior 4-H Camp at the W. E. Skelton 4-H Educational Center in Wirtz. Both campers and teen counselors took away fond memories of new experiences and new or renewed friendships, organizers said.
During their week at camp, young people had the opportunity to learn new skills and hone existing ones in classes ranging from high ropes to kayaking. They learned the value of teamwork as they participated in various pack competitions including pack pride field Olympics, minute-to-win-it games, and camp trivia challenges. They also enjoyed dances, campfires and the opportunity to spend time with their friends. Most importantly, organizers said, campers learned or strengthened the life skills they need on their path to responsible citizenship.
Throughout the week, 4-H Center staff, teen counselors and adult leaders emphasized six pillars of character in all program areas. These pillars included trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, citizenship and fairness. Under this framework, campers learned and demonstrated valuable social skills. Campers learned to respect others, their viewpoints and their property. They demonstrated patriotism as they participated in flag raising and lowering ceremonies. In pack competitions, campers learned how to be a modest winner and how to be a gracious loser. They also learned ways to support their peers in their successes.
Junior 4-H Camp also had a lot to offer the teens. Teen counselors and counselors-in-training developed strong leadership skills and a greater awareness of the responsibilities they face as they approach adulthood. During their week at camp, teens served as role models and mentors for the younger campers. They taught or assisted in classes. Craig teens and adult volunteers taught bracelet making, card games, campfire cooking, rocketry, leathercraft, flag football, drones and small engines. They worked as spotters during swimming classes and free recreation time and facilitated pack meeting activities and competitions. Most importantly, organizers said, teens offered words of encouragement for campers in their classes and other activities and provided support for kids feeling a little homesick.
Junior 4-H Camp would not be possible without the work of volunteers and the support of the community. “We would like to thank all the volunteers who helped to supervise campers, assist in classes, set up for meals, and more. These include: Adult Volunteers – Emily Anderson, Frances Foster, Sally Farrell, George Foster, and Jonathan Stanley; Teen Counselors – Jenna Boitnotte, Jolena Compton, Kaleigh Deel, Kammie Fisher, Kallie Fisher,
Austin Fowler, Joseph Parker, Carter Price, Damien Smith, Simon Weyant, Annalese Zimmerman, and Annika Zimmerman; and Counselors-in-Training – Landon Bostic, Aiden Crawford, Elyssa DeWease, Isaac Foster, Jeremiah Fowler, Addisyn Higgins, Riley Shiflett, Bentley Smith, and Dreydin Smith,” organizers said.
The following individuals and businesses provided support for the Junior 4-H Camp Scholarship Fund:
- Mr. & Mrs. Charles Barnes
- Mrs. Hazel Beeler
- Bethel United Methodist Church
- Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative
- Craig County Fairgrounds Association
- Craig County Farm Bureau
- Craig County Farm Bureau Women
- Craig County Health & Dental Center
- Craig Healing Springs Christian Church
- Crawford Oil Company
- Cross Roads Christian Church
- Dodson Pest Control
- Farmers & Merchants Bank of Craig County
- The Dorothy Cate & Thomas F. Frist Foundation (Senator Bill & Tracy Frist)
- Guthrie Insurance Agency Inc.
- Blair & Erica Jones
- Market Street Pharmacy
- Mountain Castles Soil & Water Conservation District
- New Castle Christian Church
- New Castle Garden Club
- New Castle United Methodist Church
- New Castle United Methodist Church – Women of Faith
- Paitsel Funeral Home
- Red Rock Farm
- St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
- Mrs. Cole Frantz Semones
- Sisson & Ryan Quarry, LLC
- Deborah D. Snead
- Tickle Oil & Propane
- Mrs. Mildred Wingate
- Nadine C. Allen Excellence Fund
- Arthur Taubman Scholarship Fund
- Farrier Funds
- Ned and Rosalyn Lester Youth Leadership Development Endowment
- Smith Mountain Lake General Funds
- John T. Skelton Funds
Courtesy photos
Through participation in Junior 4-H camp, youth develop greater self-reliance and self- esteem. Those interested in learning more about 4-H activities or Junior 4-H camp, should contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension at 864-5812.
-The New Castle Record
