- Author: Sophie Loeb
Wild, Wild West 4-H Camp, sponsored by 4-H of San Mateo and San Francisco counties, was held July 12-17 at Jones Gulch in La Honda, CA; an annual week long program local campers look forward to each year. 4-H Youth Development and Mentoring Programs are designed to inculcate the 4 “H's”: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health by empowering youth to achieve their full potential. With opportunities to become leaders within their communities, 86 campers came to 4-H Camp to learn, explore nature, and take on active leadership roles.
Many campers attend 4-H summer camp as elementary school students, become promotable to managers as eighth graders, serve as AD's (Assistant Directors) their sophomore year of high school, and by the time they are seniors, can be selected to the Director position. Camp is run entirely by Youth Staff from start to finish; adult chaperones are there to supervise. Planning for camp is a year long process that requires collaboration among youth from all over San Mateo county. These young leaders are motivated to “carry on the tradition of camp” for younger kids and make the week long experience unforgettable.
Campers stayed mighty busy during their time at Jones Gulch. During the day, the group enjoyed free time at the onsite rock wall, archery center, pool, or chose to canoe, horseback ride, and participate in arts and crafts activities. Each evening consisted of nightly recreation- soccer, football, volleyball followed by a campwide activity. Sunday's kick off nighttime event was a cabin group skit. The following evening consisted of a “Dutch Auction” where each individual brought 10 items to the campfire, stated a topic, and then collectively decided which item best represented that certain topic. Tuesday night combined nature and cinema: a showing of Toy Story was followed up by a starry night hike. Wednesday night was a camper favorite- camp managers dressed up in funky clothing and competed in a friendly dance-off; campers, of course, decided who busted the best move and wore the most creative digs. Thursday's final farewell is known around Jones Gulch as “Kangaroo Court” where awards and nominations were doled out.
4-H youth Director, Max Jenkins, two campers, Skye and Xander Samuels, and their parent, Christy Samuels, reflected on this summer's 4-H Camp…
What was your favorite part of camp?
Max: My highlight was experiencing more responsibility as I was given a lot more. I learned more about what I can do. One of things I love about camp is how much trust the adults put in us and how much you grow as a person.
Skye: My favorite part of camp was all the extra stuff, that happens between or after the main activities: the pranks, Suzi, Kangaroos and Kangaroo court, and the market (where you get points for having the things asked for).
Xander: I love 4-H camp because I got to meet so many nice people, and there were so many fun activities. My favorite things at camp were Kangaroo Court and the dance. What makes 4-H Camp special?
Max: It is kind of just a big family.
Christy (parent): As a parent, I'd just like to say thank you for all the great support of the staff in accommodating Skye's unusual food allergies. He would not have been able to go to camp if they hadn't been willing to go the extra mile with grabbing and re-heating meals and snacks.
Skye: I loved how nice and helpful all the counselors were, and the environment of supportive and friendly people.
Would you come back to 4-H Camp next year?
Christy: My two sons are still singing camp songs and asking why they can't go back, “RIGHT NOW!” We look forward to sending them back next year, and having their sister join them as well!
Max: People don't want to stop coming.