Thirty-three 4-H youth from Clayton, Buchanan and Fayette Counties in grades 4-6 had the opportunity to participate in a 12-hour “Go for the Green” 4-H Junior day camp held at Ewalu Camp and Retreat Center on June 16. The camp was organized by ISU Extension and Outreach Peggy Schilling of Clayton County and State 4-H Youth Program Specialist, Angie Dougherty.

The 4-H camp experience featured activities focused on the four H’s of 4-H: head, heart, hands, and health. Youth used their ‘head’ with get-to-know you activities and creating a tin can luminary project for the county fair. They pledged their ‘Heart’ to greater loyalty by practicing respect for others, sharing materials, and helping others when needed. ‘Hands’ for greater service brought new meaning as youth created 12 Leopold benches. Benches will be placed among the three counties and used at Camp Ewalu. ‘Health’ to better living included a nature walk, followed by a refreshing creek stomp and zip lining through the trees. The youth also competed in outdoor team challenges to ‘Go for the Green’ much like Olympic games. The day concluded with a campfire and the tradition of signing their names on the t-shirts of other campers. To learn more about 4-H opportunities please contact your local Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office.