Florida 4-H Program Handbook
SECTION 9: Camping
Florida 4-H Camping Philosophy
Camping is an educational method used to extend informal, subject-matter-based learning experiences to youth and adult audiences. Residential camps include general member experiences, special interest programs, and family opportunities. State residential facilities are used for a variety of programs in addition to 4-H camping. Teen retreats, volunteer development institutes, and faculty in-service education programs are often conducted at the facilities. The reason these groups use the camp facilities is based in the belief that they too can benefit from the attributes afforded in the camping environment.
The main purpose for providing 4-H'ers with a camping experience is to enrich their total personal development. The available learning sites include forests, fields, water courses, and other natural and man-made phenomena. Use of these ecosystems should be maximized since they provide unique opportunities for youth to study in a firsthand manner. Because agents and staff take on the responsibilities of a 24-hour day, there is a greater range of learning that can take place than during regular programming. Every contact with the 4-H'ers is viewed as an educational opportunity - including the tasks of daily living, the scheduled classes, and the recreational opportunities.
Although the goals of camping are encompassed by the goals of the total 4-H educational program, there are five that are especially important:
- Understanding self and others.
- Respecting and enjoying nature.
- Applying knowledge, skills, and attitudes to real life situations.
- Living safely and healthfully outdoors.
- Developing lifelong environmental interests.
Benefits of Camping
- Camping in all of its various formats is one of the most effective educational methods to achieve the 4-H youth development mission.
- Camping supplements all county 4-H programs.
- Camping reinforces learning experiences provided in groups, club, and county settings.
- Camping promotes the "learn by doing" approach.
FLORIDA 4-H CAMPING GOALS EDUCATION: Youth learn new skills and test new ideas in a non-threatening environment. Special attention is given to individual interests and rate of progress. GROUP LIVING: Youth learn how to live and work with a small group of their peers, cooperatively making decisions that affect the group. ADVENTURE: Youth experience adventure and challenge not usually found in daily home life. OUTDOORS: Youth develop an appreciation of their natural environment and experience direct contact with the out-of-doors. SELF IMAGE: Youth accept new responsibilities in leadership, conquer fears, practice new skills, and discover individual differences in an environment that reinforces the value of each person. INDEPENDENCE: Youth develop independence and self assurance. FRIENDS: Camp provides a place for youth to make new friends. ADMIRATION: Youth develop meaningful relationships with admired and trusted adults and older teens. FUN: Youth have the opportunity to play and develop healthy leisure habits. ENVIRONMENT: Youth develop an awareness of the environment and a sense of their interconnectedness with the natural world.
Florida 4-H Centers/Camping Facilities There are four (4) 4-H Centers as camp facilities operated and managed by the State 4-H Youth Development Office. Each 4-H Center has a resident director listed below. Maps to the camps may be located on the 4-H website camp page Resources: "The University of Florida's Camping and Conference Centers" A videotape Publication #4HGCV1, 9 minutes. The University of Florida's 4-H Camping Program Videotapes. Each tape is 12 minutes. Titled; A Welcome to: Camp Cherry Lake #4HGCV2 Camp Cloverleaf #4HGCV3 Camp Ocala #4HGCV4 Camp Timpoochee #4HGCV5 "Camp Ocala 4-H Center" Brochure. University of Florida Cooperative Extension #4HGCB1 2pp "Camp Cloverleaf 4-H Center" Brochure. University of Florida Cooperative Extension #4HGCB2 2pp
