This holiday season, many parents and grandparents will be inundated with the newest toy or gadget. I have a suggestion for you while you are making your list: Give the gift of 4-H camp this year.
During the summer and even during the winter, 4-H youths experience camp and it creates memories that can last a lifetime.
I began attending 4-H summer camp at age 8. As a new and eager 4-H member, I learned many life skills that I still utilize to this day. Many life skills learned at camp include: making your bed, cleaning up after yourself, helping others, learning to be an independent thinker and, most of all, leadership.
At age 8, I was a leader. I was only leading myself, but I was responsible for myself. As I grew in the 4-H program, I became a camp counselor and was a leader of other youths. 4-H camp taught me so many wonderful skills as a child, and I only thought I was having fun!
I ask that you give this kind of experience as a gift to your child.
When a child attends 4-H summer camp, their week is full of fun and adventure. Youths will learn to kayak, dance, and even shoot a bow! Many of our youths experience new and exciting adventures like learning how to build a fire and even what "Ga-Ga Ball" is all about!
We have all seen Christmas gifts go unused shortly after they are taken out of the box. I know that the gift of camp will not go unused and is a gift that will keep giving every year as your child, grandchild, niece or nephew grows in the 4-H program.
For a limited time, 4-H Summer Camp is on sale in Santa Rosa County. Purchase a non-refundable camp registration by Jan. 31, 2018 and receive a 20 percent discount.
This is a great time to give the gift of camp and save some money at the same time! Our Summer Camp is at 4-H Camp Timpoochee in Niceville, Florida. We will camp June 4-8, 2018.
Sign up today.
If you have questions about 4-H camp, call Prudence Caskey or Jasmin Bradford at 623-3868.
Caskey is a 4-H agent with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences extension in Santa Rosa County.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Give the gift of 4-H Camp