OSAGE COUNTY —  4-H members from Osage County had the opportunity this year to attend a series of three-day camps held in May and June at the Osage County Fairgrounds and Ben Branch Conservation Area. Each day had a different theme and different activities.
The first day camp was held on May 24 with the theme “Make New Friends.” Eight 4-H members and two counselors, along with Osage County Youth Program Associate Allison Rieke and other volunteers had a fun-filled day, beginning by making name tags and playing some competitive get-acquainted games.
Three Rivers Electric Cooperative came with a group of employees and had the kids make their own extension cord. Campers learned about electricity safety and went home with a six-foot extension cord. Campers also learned about healthy snacks and healthy eating. Campers prepared their own lunch of lasagna and garlic bread. The afternoon had lots of fun water-game competitions and homemade ice cream was enjoyed by all.
The second day camp with the theme “Explore and Create” was held on June 14 at the Osage County Fairgrounds. Campers had a great time with Kent Shannon from the University of Missouri learning about drones. Shannon brought more than eight different types of drones, from small to quite large. Lots of discussion was had about how drones are used in agriculture, tracking weather, and gathering lots of information through pictures and other data. All campers had the opportunity to fly one of the smaller drones. A delicious lunch of tacos was prepared and enjoyed by all. Campers made tie-dyed t-shirts and some even made bead art. More water games were held with some fierce competition between two groups. Campers enjoyed a healthy afternoon snack of fruit smoothies. Fourteen campers, three teen 4-H counselors, and adult volunteers all went home tired but happy at the end of the day.
The last day camp was the 4-H Conservation Day Camp held at Ben Branch Conservation Area. 4-H members put on their hiking boots and immersed themselves in nature. They enjoyed a fun-filled day of kayaking, learning about water safety from Trooper Tyler O’Brien, learning about fishing safety from MDC Agent Jason Eikermann, and took a guided nature hike with MDC Agent Chad Gray. The Osage County 4-H Conservation Day Camp was designed to teach 4-H youth about the fundamentals of wildlife safety, science, and the basics of wildlife management. 4-H members in Osage County learned about Missouri’s natural resources and how to enjoy and protect through hands-on activities and engagements. Campers enjoyed a lunch of grilled hot dogs, chips, and fresh fruit. This camp was attended by 14 campers and four counselors.
Counselors are 4-H members over the age of 14 and are entrusted with keeping the campers in their group safe and they helped plan the activities for each of the day camps.
The day camps were put together under Rieke’s direction.
4-H is a youth organization open to kids between the ages of 8 and 18.
For more information how to join 4-H in Osage County contact Rieke at the Osage County MU Extension Office (573) 897-2497 ext 351 or email acreike@missouri.edu.