UNDER THE BIG TOP
A first year camper’s experience at 4-H Camp
By Rorry Day, 4-Leaf Clover 4-H Reporter
My name is Rorry Day and I am a second year 4-H’er and a first year camper at this year’s annual 4-H Camp at Camp Kidd. The theme this year was “Under the Big Top”, and I want to let all you kids out there that if you are looking for something fun to do while learning to be a confident, caring future leader in our world, then 4-H is definitely for you if you haven’t already joined.
I attended camp from July 5 – 9, this was my first ever 4-H camp and I had the time of my life. I made so many new friends and the activities and classed we had were so much fun I am still talking about it. I wanted to share with all of you kids out there who aren’t in 4-H that you just don’t know what you are missing!
As a second year 4-H member, I mainly joined to learn to socialize more and to keep in touch with my friends since I began home school. What a difference 4-H has made in my life, but the greatest experience I had was when I attended this year’s 4-H camp as a first time camper. I met other 4-H’ers that were first year campers like me and I met others who have been attending for 12 years and also older former campers who are now counselors.
There are four tribes, Mingo, Cherokee, Delaware and Seneca. There is also the counselor and adult tribe, Bigfoot. Each tribe has a chief and a SAG. I was in Mingo and I sang my heart out and acted in skits during Council Circle. I learned how to dance and the end of the week Pizza Party and we took a field trip to Weston to go swimming. I even performed a singing act during Talent Night. The classes and activities were awesome and there was never a dull moment. The food was great and the friendship was even greater!
A big “How-How” goes out to two visiting 4-H members from Doddridge County who helped out as counselors and their names were Josh and Jesse, they were known as ECI’s. I’m not sure what ECI stands for, but if it means “Entertainment Committee, Incorporated”, then those guys rocked it. They were the best and I hope they come back again.
So parents, if you are looking for a wholesome, positive activity for your kids, and kids, if you are looking for something fun, creative and uplifting to do, not just for camp, but all year round, then I encourage you to join your local 4-H Club and see what it can do for you.
Call the local West Virginia Extension Office at 304-478-2949, ext. 209, and talk to Jess Streets, Wendy Wolford or Cindy Harsh and they will give you all the information you need to help you get started.
I hope to see you soon at a future meeting or even at camp next year. Until then, this is Rorry Day, 4-Leaf Clover Reporter signing off. “How-How!”
