Missouri 4-H Camping Program

4-H camps are conducted by individual county 4-H programs or by cooperating groups of counties.  Over its 100 year history, the purpose for 4-H camp programs remains the same; to assist young people in developing knowledge, life skills, and attitudes that will help them become productive and contributing adults.

Section links for this page:
Benefits of Camp
The Camp Experience
Camp in Cyperspace
Camp Evaluation

List of 4-H Camps

Benefits of Camp
Summer camp is one of the most valuable learning experiences a child can have.  Young people need strong relationships and emotional skills to meet the today's challenges.  Through camping, young people learn independence, responsibility, how to get along with others, and how to make the right decisions.  Camp promotes cooperation, teamwork, and respect for other people and our natural environment.

Camping also provides an opportunity to experience new and exciting activities. Climbing walls, swimming, archery, canoeing, and many other activities are offered in a safe, supervised environment where campers can explore new areas of interest with encouragement from trained counselors and staff.

The Camp Experience
4-H camp has a rich history and tradition in Missouri.  4-H staff have conducted camps for more than 60 years.  Historically, 4-H camps were some of the original users of the group camp facilities found in Missouri state parks…and today many 4-H camps still utilize them. 

4-H programs offer a variety of camping experiences. 

• Residential camps for one or more nights
• Day camps
• Special interest camps such as Aerospace Camp
• Camps designed for specific age groups such as Camps for 8-11 year olds, Clover Kid Camp (less 8 years of age), teen camp and counselor training.

Each camp program group determines which camps to offer according to their individual needs and abilities.  Whatever the camp, it offers an opportunity for youth to gain independence and important life skills while in a safe environment.

Camp in Cyperspace
Want more camp fun?  goCyberCamp is a web-based 4-H "camp" that provides hands-on learning experiences through interactive games and activities.

Camp Evaluation
Camp is more than just a leisure activity for youth.  Statewide evaluations in 2005 and 2006 conducted by 4-H staff across Missouri show that camp develops essential life skills in youth.  In these studies, the specific life skills evaluated are teamwork, self-responsibility, learning by doing and social skills.  Parents and youth agree that 4-H camp is a valuable educational experience.

Evaluation Executive Summary 2006 (PDF)
Evaluation Report 2006 (PDF 936 KB)

Evaluation Overview Poster 2005 (PDF)
Evaluation Executive Summary 2005 (PDF)
Evaluation Report 2005 (PDF 403 KB)