4-H Challenge Camp is a regional event geared toward teenagers learning the concepts of working together as a team with emphasis on communication skills. The event is held in Pollock, Louisiana, on our 50-acre site at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center. This unique facility features beautiful tree-covered grounds, a large outdoor recreation area, air-conditioned/heated cabins, bath facilities, a modern kitchen with a spacious dining hall, new classrooms and outdoor pavilions.

During the spring, each parish has the opportunity to allow approximately 20 members in the seventh grade to experience the two-night, three-day camping experience. The scheduled regions rotate throughout the spring of each year. The goals of 4-H Challenge Camp are to challenge 12- and 13-year-old young people to set high personal goals as a result of activities designed to develop:

• A positive self-concept
• Interpersonal relationship skills
• Communication skills
• Decision-making skills

4-H Challenge Camp consists of a weekend full of activities to increase self-confidence and self-reliance in young people. 4-H youth will actively participate in:

• Outdoor Challenge Activities
• Personal Development Sessions
• Self Concept Workshops
• Goal-Setting Sessions
• and much MORE....

What 4-H Parents Should Know?

4-H Challenge Camp is one of the most valuable experiences a young person can have. It’s a learning experience that allows boys and girls to appreciate the outdoors, to live together as a group, to get along with others, and to appreciate people with different interests and backgrounds.

The activities at 4-H Challenge Camp encourage youth to create team spirit; build self-reliance skills; improve leadership skills, communication skills and problem-solving skills; and enhance their self-esteem -- all while developing new friendships.

The campers are provided three meals and snacks each day. Snacks include bottled water, soft drinks, fruit and crackers. The campers will need a minimal amount of money while at camp. They can purchase some inexpensive items in our camp store. A list of items will be sent home in the informational packet prior to camp to decide exactly what amount to send.

4-H agents, volunteer leaders and teen counselors from each parish attend and stay in the cabins with the campers. The LSU AgCenter and its Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service have implemented a background screening process and training process for all volunteers that will be chaperoning youth while at 4-H Challenge Camp.

Cost

To help make it possible for every 4-H boy and girl to go to camp at least one time, the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center operates on a nonprofit basis; costs are as low as possible. The annual cost for a weekend at Challenge Camp is approximately $50.

Individual camp fees must be paid by parish agents, so these fees are collected through the informational packet sent out in early February. Camp T-shirts are available for each camp at no additional charge. This information will be provided in the informational packet.

Summary

Don’t pass up this opportunity to meet new people and “Make the Best Better” (our 4-H motto). Be watching for your 4-H Challenge Camp letter and application in early February to be completed and returned to our office by early March.

For the specific due date refer to your February and March Iberia Clover Chatter. If you have questions, please contact the 4-H agents Monique H. Sanchez, or Joshua Fredieu. More information will be mailed directly to all seventh graders in February.