We are ready for camp, a little different this year!

Training week looked a lot different than it has in the past, and summer camp will too.

We started the day with training at 4-H acres, masks on and always six feet apart.

Later we held afternoon workshops on Zoom, miles apart but united in learning and creating a memorable summer camp experience.

Zoom calls began with singing and connecting to the earth, despite our distance. 

A large portion of the week was spent learning new procedures for summer camp in the COVID-19 era – sanitizing, disinfecting, adapting games and activities for social distancing. We noticed the changes to the 4-H property after an absence of people for almost four months – plants started creeping over paths and into places normally trodden down by forest explorers, the animals a little more skittish than usual.

For five days new staff ventured into the woods, playing games, singing and practicing their leadership skills. Returning staff helped set up, painting new signs, testing out new COVID-19 safety procedures and sharing their knowledge and experience with new instructors.

After months of staying in and reduced time with friends, it felt refreshing to be at camp, with new and old friends, ready to work together and spend a summer outside. We expect that campers are feeling the same, eager to get out, run around and remember what it’s like to be with people outside of family.

We’re ready for a summer in the woods, and we’re ready to make it a safe and exciting experience!