(05/27/16) POLLOCK, La. – 4-H summer camp is underway at the LSU AgCenter Grant Walker 4-H Education Center in Pollock, and available space will open to non-4-H’ers beginning May 31.

“Any fourth-, fifth- or sixth-grader interested in having an incredible camp experience, 4-H member or not, can sign up with their parish 4-H office,” said camp director Christine Bergeron. “Our open enrollment system gives non-4-H’ers not only an opportunity to attend 4-H camp but also the opportunity to learn what 4-H is all about.”

During camp each morning, campers participate in an educational track of their choice. While each track provides structured lessons, they are also filled with fun activities.

The seven tracks this summer include water safety, food and fitness, Get Ready-Get SET-Science Engineering and Technology, outdoor adventures, Explore Louisiana: Wetlands, Wildlife and YOU, the artist within and hunter safety certification.

Afternoon recreation activities include standup paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking, archery, performing arts, camp carnival activities and swimming.

“Each day offers something different to excite, engage and encourage personal growth in our campers,” Bergeron said.

Camp staff and instructors have been preparing the past few weeks to make sure participants have a fun educational experience. Many of the instructors are previous camp attendees and 4-H Junior leaders, Bergeron said.

“This camp is a great opportunity for the nine-to-12­­-­year-olds to gain confidence and self-esteem,” Bergeron said. “They also learn to depend on each other, which enhances their social skills. The kids have to put away the cell phones and computer games and actually play outside. It’s like camp circa 1985, which is a good thing.”

The cost of camp for open enrollment campers is $225.

More information about camp dates, summer activities and the camp itself is available online at http://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/kids_teens/camps/summer_camp.

Natalie McElyea and Bethany Barton hide “alligator” eggs as part of the Wetlands, Wildlife, and YOU track during 4-H summer camp at Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center. Photo by Tammi Arender

4-H summer camp instructors Jasmine Bria and Arthur Duplessis cook up monkey bread in the outdoor kitchen in preparation for the food and fitness track. Photo by Tammi Arender