Summertime means summer camps and 4-H members sure take advantage of camping opportunities. Members attended camp at the beautiful Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville during the week of June 20-24.

The week was filled with all the things that make 4-H camp an unforgettable experience. There was swimming every day, archery and rifle ranges, more crafts than could be made and lots of sports and games. In addition, there was the fossil room, wildlife classes, a talent show and movie night with popcorn (due to storms that canceled the carnival!). Everyone had a great time despite the hot temperatures and storms.

The campers and leaders got a special treat this year because one of the special programs had a hometown twist. Dr. Jonathan Leo, professor of neuro-anatomy at the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at LMU, came to camp on Wednesday and gave a presentation on the human brain. The program was a big hit and the campers asked tons of questions. We really appreciate Dr. Leo taking the time and effort to speak with us.

Those junior 4-H members attending camp this year were: Alex Ausmus, Caleb Ayers, Michael Blocker, Jonah Brock, Kaylee Cox, Nicholas Edens, Caitlin Greer, Chase Goins, Conner Goodman, Zack Gulley, Blake Helderman, Jason Helderman, Perrin Heselschwerdt, Thoren Heselschwerdt, Lane Hopper, Jordan Lewis, Kiely Long, Joe Mills, Caitlin Murphy, Olivia Odom, Anthony Palazzola, Abby Pearman, Brady Pearman, Arabella Proffitt, Amelia Ramsey, J. D. Rison, Haley Roberts, Corley Rogers, Leila Romo, Tad Russell, Shane Smart, Cassidy Smith, Jada Surber, Cody Trammell, Nicholas Treece, Emma Twele, Clayton Welch, Austin West, Jeremy Warf, and Brianna Yeary.

Assisting with our Junior 4-H Camp this summer were teen leaders Nicole Riggs and Cody Long. Thanks for all your hard work. You were the best teen leaders at camp. Adult leaders at camp were Chad Slaven, Dennis Ramsey, Ali Fowler and Billie Yeary. A special thank you goes to Ms. Maddie Anstett who came to help our campers on her days off. The Claiborne County Extension Staff, and this 4-H Agent in particular, greatly appreciate your service. We could not conduct our overnight camps without your dedication!

We would also like to thank our many donors. If you make a yearly donation to the Claiborne County 4-H program, it is very likely that this is where your donation is used. In the past decade over half of the children who attend 4-H camp each year attend on a scholarship. Most of our campers could not attend without the reduction in their camp fee, about half the cost of camp that comes from donated funds. Camp scholarships are our single biggest expenditure each year. Thank you for making possible a safe, educational and fun vacation for many students each year.