Learning by doing is part of summer's fun. 4-H summer programs do just that, adhering to their national motto of "making the best better" by using head, heart, hands and health for your development.
New activities, many in the outdoors and all of them affordable for families, make up 4-H programs offered through University of Idaho's Cooperative Extension System.
4-H summer camps offer experiences giving young people growth in four areas—positive identity, social skills, physical and thinking skills, positive values and spirituality.
Take your pick of day camps or full-week camp programs.
Here's a sampling of the 4-H summer for 2010. Call 788-5585 weekdays and pick up the 50-page comprehensive booklet of summer offerings and applications through 4-H, the largest non-formal youth educational organization in the U.S.
Teen counselors ages 14-18 are also an important part of the 4-H summer program. They provide positive role models and bring fresh approaches and new ideas.
4-H summer camps
This year, two multi-day outdoor camps are offered for kids ages 8-13 (grades 3-8) at the Central Idaho 4-H camp 18 miles north of Ketchum.
June's camp is a three-day gathering June 14-16 mainly for southern Idaho kids. July's four-day camp is more likely to be attended by many Blaine and Camas County children.
"Rock the Camp" for ages 8-12 June 14-16 features hiking, campfires, a scavenger hunt, fishing, talent show and karaoke and fun workshops. All youth from the state are invited. Cost (including transportation) is $90 by May 3, $110 by May 17 or $120 no later than June 7.
4-H July Summer Camp is an outdoor experience for youth ages 8-13 who have fun as campers while older kids 13-18 serve as counselors and assistant counselors.
From dawn to dusk, kids are kept busy with hiking, cooking, water games, volleyball, first aid and more. The campers do service projects on Thursday morning, and there are campfire activities each evening.
Dates are Tuesday through Friday, July 5-9. Early-bird fees by June 11 are $150 for campers ($170 late fee through June 18) and $85 for counselors. Attending adults are free.
Pick up application forms at the Blaine County extension office located across the street from the Blaine County Sheriff's Department, or register directly with Camas County Extension at 208-764-2230.
Remember, young people don't have to be 4-H members to attend.
Idaho Teen Conference in Moscow
Travel to an entirely different part of Idaho and learn leadership skills during the 2010 Teen Conference June 14-18 on the University of Idaho campus in Moscow.
You'll participate in educational, recreational and social events, while touring the campus and meeting tons of new friends.
Invited are youth who have finished grades eight through 12, with adults as chaperones. Packed full of fun workshops, new skills, games and great ideas, the conference is a five-day adventure that can open many doors for the future.
Cost is $250 for youths and $225 for adults who register and pay before the entry deadline of June 11. Visit 4h.uidaho.edu for details. Or call Claudine Zender 208-885-7700 or Monika Riegel 208-885-6498.
Day Camp focuses on hunting
School is still in session, but you can get the summer off on the right foot by attending the 4-H Wildlife Day Camp Saturday, May 22 from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Intermountain Christian Camp near Fairfield.
This year's topic is "Large Game." Morning classes and afternoon stations include firearm and ATV safety, rules of hunting, wildlife habitat, archery and target practice.
Wildlife Day Camp is geared to youth ages 8-13, but kids ages 5-7 may also attend. Adults must accompany younger kids. And you don't have to be a 4-H member to attend.
Parents and families are encouraged to join in. You are asked not to bring any firearms or ATVs. Adult orientation will be provided on the day of the camp.
Pick up your registration form at the Blaine County Extension Office in Hailey and register by May 7 with Camas County Extension, 208-764-2230. The cost of $24 ($12 for adults) includes lunch, supplies, day insurance, picture and t-shirt.
Idaho Military Family Camp
For the fifth year, University of Idaho Extension and "Operation Military Kids," are offering a weekend Military Family Camp July 23-25 at the Central Idaho 4-H Camp.
The camp tries to meet the needs of Idaho's National Guard and Reserve personnel (individuals and families) from all branches. It offers two nights lodging, facilities use, materials, instructors, six meals, snacks and child care.
Be ready to enjoy wagon rides, evening campfires, fishing, family competitions, shooting sports, archery, arts and crafts, cooking, flag ceremonies and skits. First priority goes to military families. Visit operationmilitarykids.org or 4h.uidaho.edu or 208-334-2328.
