4-H Youth Development

The 4-H Youth Development program creates opportunities and supportive environments for youth and adults to become capable, competent and caring citizens. The emphasis is on "hands-on" learning that focuses on the youth's area of interest. Programs are conducted with the help of parents, adult volunteer leaders and professional staff who organize educational experiences. Youth participate in organized 4-H clubs, special interest and project groups, 4-H school enrichment programs, 4-H camp and other special activities.

4-H Teen Conference Activity Scholarship - Click Here

4-H Summer Camps Recruiting Staff

By Miranda Shearer, Madison County 4-H Youth Development Agent

If you enjoy being outdoors and working with kids, a staff position at a 4-H Youth Development summer camp can provide a rewarding and educational experience. 

4-H Camping in Kentucky is one of the largest co-educational camping programs in the nation with more than 8,000 9-13 year old campers attending each summer.  All camps are American Camping Association accredited and staff recruitment for this summer is currently under way. 

Summer Camp Staff live at the campgrounds for 10 weeks.  They are responsible for conducting programs, leading songs and dances, teaching classes, and helping the campers have a positive camping experience. 

Working at a 4-H Summer Camp can be very rewarding.  As a camp staff member, you will serve as role model and mentor for positive youth development and create lifelong friendships with other staff. You also develop or improve skills useful for other summer jobs or in a career.

These capabilities include leadership, teamwork, communication, problem solving, teaching, organizational skills and knowledge of youth development. Experiences serving on 4-H camp staff often lead to interest in a career in camping, youth development, or 4-H.

Camping dates are late May through early August with some required trainings starting in April.  Summer 4-H Camps are co-educational for 9-13-year-olds and are from four to five days in length.

Camp positions are manager; health care provider; lifeguard, instructors for recreation, crafts, swimming, canoeing, nature, rifle, archery, low-ropes and high-ropes challenge courses; head cooks and cooks.

Special training, certification or both is required for swimming, canoeing, ropes, archery/rifle instructors and HCPs. All staff is required to be CPR- and first aid- trained and certified before they can be employed by the 4-H camping program.

Interested individuals can check out the camps on the camp web sites.  Application information is available at www.uky.edu/hr/ukjobs .  And you can find out more about the 4-H Camping program at www.kentucky4h.org/camp .

All applicants will be required to apply through the UK Jobs Web site under temporary positions. Applications must be completed online. Interviews for 2012 staff positions (including returning staff) will be conducted during mid to late March.

For more information on projects, activities and other educational opportunities available through the 4-H Youth Development program, contact your Madison County Cooperative Extension Service at 859-623-4072.

Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Scenes from the 2011 4-H Food and Farming Fun Day
at the Madison County Fairgrounds!

Feel free to contact our 4-H Agents at 859-623-4072 or by e-mail:

Miranda Shearer mshearer@uky.edu		Lisa Adams lmadams@uky.edu		Scott Darst bsdars2@uky.edu

4-H Newsletters: 

• January-February 2012
• November 2011
• October 2011
• September 2011
• April Special Update 2011
• March 2011