NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State
University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
April 1, 1999
North Dakota youth ranging in age from 6 to 19 have an opportunity to learn more about people, animals, Mother Nature and themselves through events scheduled this summer at Western 4-H Camp near Washburn.
"Camping experiences help kids and young adults learn how to live in a group and get along with others, how to understand people with interests different from their own, and how to make lasting friendships," says Carmel Miller, extension agent for the North Dakota State University Extension Service in Grant County.
Running concurrently from Wednesday to Saturday, June 2 to 5, are Tractor Camp and Livestock Camp. Tractor Camp is designed for youth ages 14 and 15 who plan to work on a farm this summer. Participants will learn about several aspects of farm safety, from operating tractors, machinery and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to handling livestock.
At Livestock Camp, kids will develop skills for working with and caring for their animals. In addition, the camp includes discussions on judging and livestock ethics. Other possible topics, time permitting, include range plant identification and livestock diseases.
Three horse camps are available this year. Horsemanship I runs from Sunday to Tuesday, June 6 to 8, and is designed for the youngest 4-H Horsemanship program members. Besides learning to ride better by participating in a number of mounted activities, those attending will also develop safe horsemanship skills. Other events include swimming, campfires and crafts. Campers age 10 and younger must have an adult chaperone accompany them.
Horsemanship II (Monday to Wednesday, June 21 to 23) and Horsemanship III, set for June 24 to 26, are geared toward competitive 4-H Horsemanship program members. These camps will cover all the approved 4-H horsemanship classes. Recreation, swimming, hippology and art will also be part of the program, as will dances and campfires. Campers age 10 and younger must have an adult chaperone accompany them to camp. These camps will end with a state fair qualifying show.
Youth Camp will run from Wednesday to Saturday, June 9 to 12, Wednesday to Saturday, July 14 to 17, and Saturday to Tuesday, July 31 to Aug. 3. Designed for 8- to 11-year-olds, these camping sessions allow participants to explore nature on hikes, get involved in community events and learn a few new dance steps. Other activities include swimming, crafts and campfires.
Clover Camp, a day and night camp set for Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 19, offers first and second graders the opportunity to make crafts, eat healthy snacks, take a nature hike and identify "creepy crawlers," along with meeting new friends.
Soil, water, forests, range and wildlife will be among the topics of Teen Natural Resources Camp, open to 12- to 15-year-olds and scheduled for Sunday to Wednesday, June 13 to 16. The focus of the camp will be on natural resources in North Dakota, and activities include nature hikes, tours, campfires, swimming and making bug traps (two-liter bottles required).
Intercultural Camp, set to run from Tuesday to Saturday, Aug. 3 to 7, will allow North Dakota youth ages 10 to 16 to mingle with 4-H'ers from Japan and other countries. Participants will learn about other countries and cultures while experiencing more of North Dakota's heritage and activities such as nature hikes and swimming.
Western 4-H Camp staff members are mature, experienced at working with youth, and trained in areas such as nature, crafts, recreation, first aid and human development. In addition, NDSU Extension Service personnel, counselors and adult volunteers help supervise campers and coordinate group activities.
Membership in 4-H is not required to attend any camps offered through Western 4-H Camp. Funding to attend some of the camps is available. Those interested in complete details about specific camps should contact their county office of the NDSU Extension Service.
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Source: Carmel Miller (701) 622-3470
Editor: Dean Hulse (701) 231-6136