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Camp WILD

Search For Excellence in 4-H Programming

Alana West
COUNTY EXTENSION 4-H AGENT
CLEMSON EXTENSION SERVICE
Newberry

Team Members: West, A1, Robin, C2, Steve, H3, Anne, B4, Margie, S5, Jeff, F6
  1. Newberry County 4-H Agent, Clemson University Extension Service, Newberry, South Carolina, 29108
  2. Chester County 4-H Agent, Clemson Universtiey Extension Service, Chester, South Carolina,
  3. Lancaster County 4-H Agent, Clemson Universtiey Extension Service, Lancaster, South Carolina,
  4. Union County 4-H Agent, Clemson Universtiey Extension Service, Union, South Carolina,
  5. York County 4-H Agent (retired December 2013), Clemson Universtiey Extension Service, York, South Carolina,
  6. Union County Forestry and Natural Resources Agent, Clemson Universtiey Extension Service, Union, South Carolina, 29379

Abstract

      Camp WILD is a midlands region overnight 4-H summer camp that has been around for about seven years. It started with Lancaster and Chester counties and has now grown to include Fairfield, Union, and Newberry. The 4-H Agents in these counties work together to provide this opportunity for area youth. Camp WILD is open to boys and girls ages 8 to 14 for a cost of $80 each. It is currently being held at Chester State Park in Chester where there are tent camp sites, picnic shelters, a bath house, a small lake, hiking trails, open grassy fields, and access to a nearby community pool. Youth enjoy tent camping and other hands-on activities such as fishing, canoeing, shooting sports, rocketry, animal and insect identification, wildlife lessons, swimming, and much more.

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     For 2014, new events and activities have been added by partnering with other organizations. DNR volunteers will be providing a hands on fhishing workshop for youth. This workshop will include how to tie knots, rig rods, cast, fish, and more. Ducks Unlimited has been approached regarding their input with this camp. And to cap it off, the final morning of camp, campers will compete in a WILDathlon Event. Designed after such athletic events as decathlons and triathlons, campers will show case skills learned at Camp WILD. Examples of events are archery, casting, knot tying, rocketry, etc. Campers will earn points for skill and time. Family is encouraged to attend this event as spectators.

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     In addition Extension Agents, 4-H utilizes teen and young volunteers as camp counselors, many of which have previously come to camp or have completed other 4-H projects. Everyone that helps out with camp completes all neccesary and required background checks.

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     Without calaboration across counties and input from multiple agents: 4-H, horticulture, natural resources, and more, this camping opportunity would no longer exist. Although some of the 'founding' agents of this camp have gone in other directions with their careers, new agents in the counties involved have stepped up to the plate so that this opportunity is continuously offered.

Years of CES Service: 0

Narrative