NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State
University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
March 26, 1998
North Dakota's Western 4-H Camp, located alongside the historic, picturesque Missouri River near Washburn, will host several youth camps this summer.
"Camping experiences help our children learn how to become part of a group, how to get along with each other and how to appreciate people with different interests," says Marcia Hellandsaas, NDSU extension agent for McKenzie and Dunn counties. "But most important, the campers will likely build lasting friendships."
Hellandsaas says the Western 4-H Camp staff is mature; they have experience working with youth and are trained in areas such as nature, craft, recreation, first aid and human development. In addition, NDSU Extension Service personnel and adult volunteers help supervise campers and coordinate group activities.
The following represents this year's lineup of camps, designed to provide educational opportunities to children from ages 6 through 16. Membership in 4-H is not required to attend any of the programs offered through Western 4-H Camp. Those interested in complete details about specific camps should contact their nearest county office of the NDSU Extension Service.
May 29-31—Kicking off this year's camp season is a new session of family horse camp, focusing on the lifelong interrelationship horses have with families. Highlights include trail rides along the Missouri River, campfires and a special barbecue.
June 1-3—Horsemanship I camp is designed for the youngest 4-H horsemanship program members. Mounting activities and other horsemanship skills will be part of this program, which also allows plenty of time for swimming, crafting and playing recreational games.
June 4-6—Horsemanship II camp is for the competitive 4-H horsemanship program member. It will cover all the approved 4-H showmanship classes, including Showmanship at Halter, Western Horsemanship, Trail, Western Riding, Hunt Seat Equitation, Hunter Hack and Reining. In addition, attendees will have time for swimming, crafting, dances and hippology.
June 10-13—Livestock camp will help large-animal handlers learn to groom and show their animals. This camp also includes a discussion on judging and livestock ethics.
Running concurrently with Livestock camp is Tractor Safety camp for those 14 and 15 years old. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1966 requires all 14- and 15-year-olds to complete a farm tractor safety program before working on any farm other than their own family farm. Those attending this school will learn not only about tractor safety but also about livestock handling and the safe operation of other types of machinery, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
June 14-17—The first of four theater arts camps for youth ages 8 to 12 will include skits, plays, puppets and plenty of "Lights! Camera! Action!" There'll also be storytelling, swimming, dancing and campfires. The dates for the other Theater Arts camps are Sunday through Wednesday, June 28 through July 1; Wednesday through Saturday, July 8 through July 11; and Wednesday through Saturday, July 15 through 18.
June 21-24—Teen Natural Resources camp topics include soil, water, forests, range and wildlife. Participants can expect to learn about the outdoors as they partake in nature hikes and tours, swim and experience Prairie Fun Night.
June 26-27—Clover Camp offers 6- and 7-year-olds and a parent opportunities to learn about the art of clowning. Magic tricks, a puppet show, crafts and healthy snacks are all part of this camping experience.
Aug. 2-6—Intercultural Camp provides North Dakota youth ages 10 to 16 the opportunity for joining international 4-H delegates and learning about other countries and lifestyles while getting a deeper sense of North Dakota's heritage. Nature hikes, campfires, swimming and taking part in international activities are all part of the program.
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Source: Marcia Hellandsaas (701) 842-3451
Editor: Dean Hulse (701) 231-6136