By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture
It’s springtime, and parents’ thoughts naturally turn to finding summer camps for the kids. The Arkansas 4-H Youth Development program is ready to help with a variety of award-winning day and overnight camps, with registration now open.
4-H offers camps for youth ages 5 to 19. In-person camps are held at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center in Ferndale, about 18 miles west of downtown Little Rock. The center is comprised of 228 wooded acres in the eastern Ouachita Mountains, includes air-conditioned and heated lodging, a lake for canoeing and fishing, a swimming pool and prepared meals with breakfast and salad bar.
“We are excited to be able to offer camps this summer. This year’s sessions may look different to past campers, but this so that we are able to host camps and follow COVID guidelines,” said Creenna Bocksnick, camping coordinator for the Arkansas 4-H program. “Camps serve a vital role in the lives of our youth. Camps are where youth can build relationships with their peers, develop leadership skills, and demonstrate responsibility all wrapped up in a fun, engaging experience.”
Day camp participants don’t have to be 4-H members. Overnight camp participants must be 4-H members. There is no cost to join. Contact your county extension office or find registration and other general information about 4-H https://4h.uaex.edu/youth/camps/.
June 7-30: Arkansas Outdoor School Summer Day Camp – June 7-July 30
The Arkansas Outdoor School, or AOS, offers camps with weekly themes. These camps are offered in-person at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center in Ferndale. Aside from theme-related programming, every camp offers rock climbing, canoeing, archery and swimming. To find registration and other information, link to our AOS camps, https://4h.uaex.edu/programs/4h-center/arkansas-outdoor-school/summer-day-camps.aspx.
July 8-10 — State Camp I
July 11-13 — State Camp II
State camp is a great way to introduce children to overnight camp and is an opportunity for parents to join other 4-H families for this three-day camp filled with “traditional” camp activities such as swimming, canoeing and archery. The camp will be divided by age groups. Ages 5-8 must attend with a parent, guardian or relative.
July 22-24 — Artisan camp
Artisan camp — Ages 9-19
There will be no macaroni art found at this camp. This is an opportunity for youngsters to develop skills that can be used in projects throughout your life, as well as new hobbies and interests. Campers at past camps have learned how to decorate cookies, turn wooden pens on a lathe, create custom signs with a router, make soap, sew pillows, and much more.
July 22-24
Cloverbud Artisan Camp — Ages 5-8
Parents can use this camp as way to introduce their youngsters to camp. Participants will go home with a finished work they can enter at their local fair or be used as an inspiration to start their own business. Parent, relative or guardian must attend with the child.
Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk, @uaex_edu or @ArkAgResearch. Find 4-H information at this link: https://4h.uaex.edu/.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
