In this report...

After more than 50 years, the 4-H resident camp experience continues to provide youth, ages 8-15, with a variety of opportunities to facilitate personal growth. Campers get to explore nature, challenge themselves to try new things; work and live together with other youth, make decisions, and develop a bit of autonomy from their parents in a safe, structured, and fun environment.

Youth who pursue counselor positions extend their growth further as they train for and carry out their camp responsibilities. Counselors must be 15-22 years old and participate in approximately 55 hours of pre-camp training before the first campers arrive. By the start of camp, these individuals are prepared to work effectively with campers of varying ages, work cooperatively with their peers, and above all to keep campers safe.

4-H Camp '07 was held on June 11-15 at Camp White Eagle in Leaf River, IL. Camp week was cooperatively organized by the Extension Youth Development staff in Stephenson, Ogle, and Lee Counties as well as by the professional staff at Camp White Eagle. A total of 133 campers and 27 counselors participated. This year's theme was "African Adventure: Quest for Usuhuba," or friendship, as campers eventually learned. In addition to the county-planned evening programs, campers enjoyed hiking, river walks, swimming, archery, GPS activities; a Survivor Challenge, crafts, canoeing, rock-climbing, crate stacking, and various field games.

A comprehensive evaluation is underway to determine the impact of the 4-H camp experience on campers and counselors. The counselor training program developed and utilized locally has been accepted for presentation at the NAE4HA National Conference this fall in Atlanta, GA.

Approximately 50 Ogle County 4-H members, ages 12-18, are active members of the county 4-H youth Federation. This group of leaders is open to youth in community-based 4-H clubs across the county and focuses its efforts on event planning and leadership, teambuilding, and member-chosen theme activities.

This year the Federation is exploring the world of agriculture, primarily by taking tours and visiting with guest speakers. The agriculture study kicked off in January with tours of the Franklin Cheese Co-op in Beloit, Wisconsin, the Judd Sheep Farm in Ridott, and the ethanol plant in Lena. In February, members learned about careers in veterinary science from Dr. Bob Ebbesmeyer from New Hope Vet Clinic in German Valley. The March meeting took members to the Byron Forest Preserve's Heritage Farm for a demonstration on making maple syrup. In April, members learned about a wide variety of agricultural careers from DeKalb County Farm Bureau Ag Literacy Coordinator, Rhodora Collins. Most recently, members visited a horse farm in Grand Detour where they learned about the care and training of long distance race horses. A tour of Nordman's Beef Feedlot in Oregon is scheduled for June, and the study will end in July with a tour of the John Deere Historical Site.

Last year, members enjoyed a comprehensive exploration of local county government, a venture that included presentations by the circuit clerk, a county board member, the county coroner, a judge, and more.

In addition to their monthly learning activities, members of the 4-H Federation work diligently to plan and assist with the leadership of special county events such as the annual achievement program, the county 4-H pizza fund-raiser, promotional efforts, the 4-H Fair Children's Farm, project workshops, day camp, service projects, and aspects of the 4-H Fair.

On-going – 4-H Children's Garden Activities, Rochelle

June 26-27–Advanced Science Siesta, Champaign

July 11 – 4-H Wilderness Day, Oregon

July 17–4-H Foods Skill-a-thon Contest, Oregon

July 28 – 4-H Clothing Show, Oregon

July 30-August 5 – 4-H Fair Activities, Oregon