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(06/03/16) POLLOCK, La. – 4‑H summer camp at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center is a week-long experience where fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders have fun building lifelong relationships and learning something at the same time.
Each week for 10 weeks during the summer, the cabins at the camp are filled with children, staff and adult volunteers.
“One of the best parts of the camp is the 9-to-12-year-olds are learning so much, and they don’t even realize it because they’re having so much fun,” said Mark Tassin, LSU AgCenter associate vice president for youth development.
Each week, some 400 to 500 children from throughout Louisiana come to the camp. The participants get to choose one of seven programs they want to focus on for the week. Choices 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.
“These 4-H’ers are doing something exciting and engaging nearly every hour of the day and evening,” camp director Christine Bergeron said. “They’re learning how much fun they can have away from their cellphones and iPads.”
Outdoor activities include canoeing, archery, swimming, standup paddle boarding and much more.
For 10-year-old Tristan Young, of Haynesville, it’s an incredible camp experience. “It’s so much fun,” the Claiborne Parish 4-H’er said. “We get to play a lot and do so many different things. I’d tell everyone they need to join 4-H and come to this camp.”
The first camp session began May 23, and the last will begin July 25.
Children who are not currently in 4-H may to attend as well.
“We encourage the kids to join 4-H so they can experience the benefits of the organization throughout the entire year,” Bergeron said.
Children can sign up by contacting their parish LSU AgCenter office or the 4-H agent in their parish. Information is available online.
Fourth-, fifth- and sixth- graders get hands-on archery instruction during 4-H summer camp at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center in Pollock, Louisiana. Photo by Tammi Arender
Children from throughout Louisiana get to canoe, swim and enjoy other outdoor activities as part of 4-H summer camp at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center in Pollock, Louisiana. Photo by Tammi Arender
The pool is a popular place at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center in Pollock where children from throughout Louisiana attend 4-H summer camp. Photo by Tammi Arender
