January is not too early to start thinking about summer. In fact, as the harsh, cold winds of winter settle in, it is the perfect time to start dreaming about long sunny days, splashing in cool pools, and eating delicious popsicles. For Louisiana 4-H volunteers, it is also the perfect time to start thinking about all the summer opportunities for yourself and your 4-H'ers at
Camp Grant Walker.
For the Youth
Camping is one of the most valuable experiences a child can have. In the summers, Louisiana 4-H offers two distinct programs at Camp Grant Walker:
4-H Summer Camp is open to 4th-6th graders. Campers choose from one of six activity tracks to participate in during their week at camp. Campers also have recreational time to swim, create handcrafted items and participate in archery, canoeing and kayaking, sand volleyball, kickball, board games, tubing and much more! Our evening programs are fun and filled with skits, talent shows, vespers, dances and special guest speakers.
For Adult Volunteers
Louisiana 4-H Camp opportunities are not just for the young, but also for the young at heart. Each summer, 4-H Club Leaders, 4-H Project Leaders, 4-H parents and other 4-H volunteers spend five unforgettable days at Camp Grant Walker as volunteer overnight chaperones. These dedicated volunteers sleep in the bunkhouses, lead daily activities, and play an active role in the lives of their youth.
If this 4-H experience sounds like an adventure you would like to take on, start planning now:
1. Contact your parish 4-H agent to find out what week your parish will be attending camp and express your interest to attend as an overnight chaperone.
2. Begin the Overnight Chaperone Training Program. The LSU AgCenter takes its obligation seriously to provide a safe, positive environment for the youth served in 4-H programming. The Overnight Chaperone Training was developed to provide volunteers with a set of tools to complete the job of overnight chaperone effectively and safely.
3. Speak with your employer about taking the week of camp off. Ask your employer if they have any special employee volunteer programs.
Spread the Word
Make sure that all the 4-H youth you come in contact with know about these summer opportunities. If you can't attend camp as an overnight chaperone, help recruit another volunteer to attend with your youth.
