Summer Camp, 1971

By Jimmy Tart, 4-H Editor, N.C. State University, as published in the October 1971 issue of Extension News

Camp is a place where youngsters go to have a good time playing, swimming, learning about the environment and meeting new friends.

But for more than 3,650 North Carolina youths, camp was something more. The youngsters attended various types of camps where major emphasis was placed on foods and nutrition.

Some 34 Tar Heel counties held camps during the summer, ranging from one day to a week. While some counties held one-day countywide camps, Hoke had one-day sessions in nine communities. Moore conducted three-day camps in six communities. Three counties (Greene, Jones, and Lenoir) combined to send 123 youngsters to Camp Mitchell for a weekend June 26-28. Attendance in one-day camp  programs ranged from 18 to 486.

Most youngsters came from homes served by Extension program aides.

Camps were held at fairgrounds, city and state parks, recreational areas, private campgrounds and beach cottages, community buildings, youth centers, and Extension office buildings.

While most campers attended free, others paid from 10 to 50 cents per day, ranging up to $1 to $2 for more days. Transportation was usually provided free, using school activity and OEO buses and private cars.

In most instances, food was donated by the Food and Nutrition Service of USDA. Individuals, businesses, industries and civic organizations played a prominent role with financial contributions and in donating craft items and camp supplies.

Food was prepared and served by Extension Homemakers, church groups, junior and adult 4-H leaders and other volunteers. Caldwell had food catered by a local restaurant.

Classes were taught by Extension aides, agricultural and home economics agents, 4-H members and leaders, and local people.

The basic food groups were taught at most camps. Other classes included personal and social development, crafts, safety, electric, drugs, first aid and environment. Swimming and other recreational activities were offered as time and facilities permitted.

Other counties holding camps were Alamance, Alleghany, Ashe, Beaufort, Bladen, Burke, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Lincoln, Macon, Pitt, Robeson, Rutherford, Tyrrell, Union, Wake, Watauga, Wayne, Wilkes and Yadkin.

When asked to indicate changes in future camps, agents said they would

--Group youngsters by ages (9-13; 14 and older) for classes, and perhaps even hold junior and senior camps.

--Limit the number of campers to 10 per adult counselor.

--Hold camps at several locations within the county but not on consecutive days or during the same week.

--Have camp last two or more days, preferably overnight and maybe on weekends.

--Have a class for parents who attend.

--Adjust camp schedules for local summer activities.