[Image: 4-H Camp]
Louisiana 4-H Youth Summer Camp at the Grant Walker Educational Center is more than just fun and games. 4-H Camp strives to develop a variety of life skills related to Head, Heart, Hands and Health. One of the most important skills children learn from camp is self-sufficiency. They learn how to survive four whole days on their own. The camp week starts on Monday when the boys and girls arrive and ends on Friday after breakfast. Jeff Davis 4-H'ers attended camp from July 6-10, 2009.
Jeff Davis 4-H'ers spent the week at camp with 400 other 4-H'ers from Pointe Coupee, Acadia, Caddo, Lafourche and Beauregard parishes. 4-H'ers met new people they will stay in touch with from these parishes. 4-He'rs learned to do their share when working with others, learned to complete jobs they were responsible for and learned the importance of being on time. After spending the week at camp, 4-H'ers said they were more willing to try new things, they gained confidence from camp and camp helped them respect others.
4-H'ers each choose an educational track to participate in at 4-H camp. The educational tracks during camp included: 1) Dramatic Arts- “4‐H Theatre‐in‐the‐Woods” where they explored the basics of theatre, learned to use movement, voice and improvisation to create believable characters, make silent films, commercials and much more! 2) Outdoor Adventures – Campers explored the great outdoors as participants in this track. It included a large variety of hands‐on activities like learning the proper techniques to shoot a bow and small‐bore rifle; outdoor safety such as proper clothing and ATV riding, AND... Participants also had the opportunity to become a certified hunter! 3) Science, Engineering and Technology - The SET track explored the exciting worlds of chemistry, computers, construction, digital photography, rockets and much more. Campers concocting crazy chemistry experiments that go pop fizz and maybe even went boom. 4) Food and Fitness - In this track campers had their very own playbook to “keep score” of the healthy nutrition and physical activity choices they made. They learned about eating healthfully, getting up and moving, setting healthy goals and working as a team to meet them. 5) Explore Louisiana Wetlands – Campers explored one of the most exciting environments we have to offer: Wetlands! They explored the abundance of wildlife and vegetation (plants) that inhabit our swamps and marshes and they learned how people can help keep our waterways safe from contaminants and harmful toxins.
Camp empahized the importance of character education throughout the week. The pillars of character are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, citizenship and fairness. Awards were given to campers who modeled good character. Receiving good character awards from Jeff Davis were: Caroline Hardy from Lacassine, Chase Comeaux from Hathaway, Kelsey Royer from Elton, Jade Broussard from Lake Arthur, Drew Pickle from Welsh, Carlie Clement from Hathawy and Nathan Rogers from Lake Arthur.
Jeff Davis girl 4-H'ers also received the award for “Best Decorated Cabin” at camp for the week. Jeff Davis 4-H'ers participating in the talent show included: Kristen Comeaux from Lake Arthur, Nathan Rogers from Lake Arthur and Cole Doise, Elton. In addition, 28 parish 4-H'ers completed Hunters Safety Education Class and receiviced their Hunters Safety Card.
Campers also shopped in the camp store for souvenirs and treats. Campers had recreation time to play softball, kickball, archery, swimming, canoeing, volleyball, jump rope, basketball, parachute game, line dancing, cycling, nature hike and board games. They also created handcrafted items in arts and crafts and were treated to a dance and a movie each evening. Evening programs included a drug dog demonstration from the Grant Sheriffs Office, a talent show, awards night and vespers.
Those attending 4-H camp from Jeff Davis Parish were: Campers:Kacie Crochet, Jade Broussard, Krishtyanna Johnson, Carly Watkins, Lindsey Priola, Caroline Hardy, Yimmi Fontenot, Morgan Fruge, Madison Fontenot, Kelcie Thomassee, Mallory Myers, Gabrielle Onken, Meg Bertrand, Keelie Gatte, Lacey Vincent, Jadelyn Landry, Maddie Hebert, Kansas Hoffpauir, Sidney Hatfield, Cailey Richard, Carlie Clement, Gabbi Fox, Maggie Richard, Abby Richard, Hailey Maldonado, Jacey Broussard, Mallory Compton, Alexis Dugas, Courtlyn Iguess, Lindsay Oregeron, Sydney Augustine, Emily Palombo, Allie Pickle, Allie Fontenot, McKinley Heinen, Skyler Bourque, Ragan Hill, Haley Cooley, Brooke Trahan, Balie Treme, Jill Broussard, Emily Estes, Ranna Hebert, Carlie Primeaux, Taylor Landy, Demeka Zeno, Kristen Comeaux, Kelsey Royer, Madison Augustine, Alex Yates, Logan Primeaux, Noel Arceneaux, Grant Fontenot, Joshua Lessigne, Ryan Gotreau, Matthew Myers, Dylan Benson, Phylip Landry, Samuel Cormier, Jared Prejean, Kaleb LeBlanc, Griffin Seilhan, Logan Richard, Andrew Nugent, Christian Bergreaux, Billy Dugas, Wyatt Richard, Andrew Carr, Jon David Meyer, McKale Hicks, Landon Hill, Hunter Guidry, Logan Watkins, Grant Watkins, Alex Mallet, Mitchell Smith, Brett Davidson, Hayden Freeland, McKenzie Briscoe, Jecorey Soileau, Trey Broussard, Zachary Williamson, Nicholas Trahan, Nate Rogers, Cade Myers, Triston Romero, Kevin Mitchell, Drew Pickle, Logan Leger, Chase Comeaux, DJ Hebert, Cole Doise, Thomas Pousson, Cole Navarre, Trey Allen, Baylor Ledbetter, Ryan LeBlanc, Jade Theriot and Cameron Taylor. Counselors: Brittany Guidry, Leah Moore, Lil Guinn, Jacob Broussard, Travis Cary, Daniel Guinn and Joel Berken. Volunteers: Joanna Fontenot and Curtis Dickens. 4-H Agents: Kori Myers and Silas Cecil.