The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Unfortnately, summer is beginning to wind down at the Eastern 4-H Center. Summer is a time that brings excitement and happiness to hundreds of thousands of people...especially those who had the opportunity to attend summer camp - and more specifically, Summer Camp at the Eastern 4-H Center.

Last week, we hosted our Specialty Week - Sailing Camp for aspiring sailors, Canvasback for future waterfowl conservationists/scientists/hunters, and Cloverbud for aspiring 9 year olds (it's for 5-8 year olds!). Specialty Week could probably be marked as one of the most dynamic weeks of camp in America, in part because of the sheer volume of variety or programming, but mainly because of the diversity of interests represented in our camper population.

Sailing Camp is always highlighted by the Sailing Trip - a Thursday "ride with the wind" that leads campers east into the Scuppernong River, to a picnic on the sandy banks. Often times, wind conditions are less than favorable in mid-July, and that case held true, at least on the embarkation. Nevertheless, a friendly and slow tow by Captain Roger Morgan had the kids their in no time. Yet, on the way back, the easterly wind made for a quiet, brisk, and wind powered returned to the docks at the Eastern 4-H Center. Campers also spent lots of time with ecology - learning about Atlantic Blue Crabs, Flounders, and Rockfish. Campers landed some giant crabs, smallish flounders, and no rockfish - but the campers learned why they wouldn't catch rockfish...it's because they are anadramous. Google it, and learn for yourself.

This year, new life was breathed into Camp Canvasback, thanks to our many new supporters and donors. Still, our sturdy standby, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission provided great education on hunter ethics, safety, and responsibility. Sgt. Mark Cagle was here everyday, along with officers Bryan White and Jim Shreckingost to offer Hunter Education Certification and Boat Safety. Kevin Briggs of Noah's Ark Waterfowl brought some of his ducks to show the campers...always a highlight are the non-native species. With these, campers quickly learn that waterfowl span the globe, and that not all have a greenhead...for which I am thankful. Allen Bliven, of Allen Bliven Calls, came out one night to meet and greet, display his calling prowess, describe the call making process, and to share great hunting stories. His family is very active in promoting safe youth waterfowl hunting. The Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild was also very active this year - they (Mr. Kent Hood and Jerry Talton) came up and helped the campers create their very own duck decoys. They also showcased some of their work, which further cemented their stature as two of the preeminent carvers in the world. Rig'em Right Waterfowl also provided campers with some gear - a great cap, decal, and waterfowl flag, for luring in wary ducks and geese. Rig'em Right is a North Carolina based company - so it's extra special that they are so willing to support our efforts and share our vision.

Cloverbud Camp is should be on every parent's wish list for their child's first overnight camp experience...heightened supervision ratios, along with our phenomenal safe and educational program offerings can comfort parents and satisfy young childrens "adventurous" attention spans. Cloverbud campers get to canoe, kayak, crab, rock climb, create crafts, teambuild, swim, and hone their archery skills. The Cloverbud Talent show is a perennial event that is probably made for TV, but fortunately, we have avoided the media circus that would ensue...30 six year old's cartwheelin' and singin' is definitely fun and heartwarming!

Nevertheless, our final camp is Takepff 4-Health...a camp that illstrates and teaches healthy lifestyle change through sustainable exercise and eating habits. It's a three week residential/immersion therapy program that is quickly becoming a national model for tackling childhood obesity and diabetes. We'll also have a special "Camp Gone Wild" Day Camp for Tyrrell County 4-H'ers, Ohio State University 4-H leadership retreat, and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Camp, in the coming weeks. As soon as summer ends, the jubilant shrieks of joy will not cease, only deepen, as adults from several different University, Corporate, and Religious retreats descend upon our waterfront. This fall looks to be very busy...and as much as I miss the excitement of summer, I do look forward to the re-focus due in the fall. Oh, and football season starts at the same time, too...along with a couple of other great seasons!

Enjoy the day...

Grange Camp

Whew....Blogging has definitely taken a backseat to running what many are proclaiming the best camp on America's East Coast. Last week, summer camp was closed, on account of the holiday. Most children are fortunate enough to spend America's birthday with their family, and our staff did the same.

Nevertheless, week 2 of 4-H Camp, which began 2 weeks ago, and ended approximately 9 days ago could have been our best week ever. Ever. The summer staff is very cerebral, and cautious, which makes our camp as safe as any place you could send your child. Our programmatic upgrades enure that children get a genuine taste for the coast. Running camp programs on the coast is simple...find out what the local youth do for fun, and then offer it. Many of our campers come from over 2 hours away, so experiencing the salty breezes, waves, wind, blue crabs, kayaking, and our phenomenal teambuilding is very important to the staff.

This week is Grange Camp...Grange Camp is different than 4-H Camps, and different means fun. Grange campers are very familiar with their leadership staff, and this is more of a reunion that summer camp. But don't be fooled. Grange Camp has featured a rise in youth enrollment, so lots of new youth are being inducted into the Grange. I suppose that if I didn't love 4-H, and it's values, then Grange might be Number 1. But for now, 4-H is where my heart is...but I am looking forward to a fun week of Grange Camp.

The fun will begin with the Great Grange Challenge, tonight! Basically, the GGC is a "no-frills" water park, where campers, counselors, and unsuspecting bystanders get saturated with water through a series of games. Only the rattiest, yet camp appropriate attire is expected...everyone gets doused, whether wanted or warranted. I'll wear my hip waders, but someone will undoubtedly pour water down the leg stockings. Should the attempt such a bold maneuver, I have outlets for recourse.

Grange also has several songs that they sing during meals. For instance, if one person fails to put a napkin in their lap, another Grange Camper or Staff will begin by saying "Camper, Camper, you're a slouch, put a napkin in your lap. Round the table you must go, you must go, you must go"...until the camper circles the table in front of the entertained dining crowd. I, however, enjoy hiding the napkin in my lap, so that after I am called out, I can reveal the hidden napkin...much to the chagrin of the ambitious, yet misguided campers and/or staff.

So it's a week filled with good, clean fun!

Enjoy the day!