We're Home!

I admit we got home yesterday afternoon and somewhere in there I took a long nap until this morning, which is why our last camp post for 2009 is delayed.

We started our last morning packing and cleaning up cabins. After our our egg and cheese biscuit breakfast we headed into the rec hall for awards. Counselors gave everyone in the cabin awards based on their work and personality during the week. We had the jeopardy award for those who asked the most questions, an adventurer awards for the most adventurous ones in the cabin, funny bone awards for the group jokesters, and even a hairspray award for those who used the most hairspray during the week. After that we were treated to a slide show of our adventures during the week.

Then we said our good-byes and thank yous and headed to buses. There were a few tears shed as all of our stuff was loaded onto the buses. May of us did not want to say good-bye. Others made plans to go back next year. Then we travelled back to Robeson County and greeted parents and family. As hugs were given, camp t-shirts collected, and cars loaded with everything we brought back the 4-H staff and volunteers sighed, thought about showers and sleep, and just like the campers we made plans to go back next year.

I would be remiss if I did not thank Julia and Missy our fine volunteers who went with us. They were fantastic and I think they had a great time too. Also the other counties that attended camp Chatham and Richmond counties and their volunteers Julia (yes we had two), Chris and Tiff as well as their agents Lauren and Michelle. We had a great time together and the BJP staff was fantastic too. See all the fun Richmond County had at camp, as well as their photos on the Richmond County Blog. You can check out Lauren Irby's photos as well. Also we partnered with the S.O.S. program and Indian Education to sponser youth for camp as well as some wonderful sponsers like Libby Burnery, and a few other who wish to remain anomyous. They feel that the camping experience is important for youth and in a short week can change their lives. We can not thank them enough. To add to the generosity our United Way dollars help pay for transportation for every camper which allows us to off camp at a reduced rate for everyone. It is a network of partnerships that allows this opportunity to happen for our Robeson County youth and thank you does not seem like enough for the impacts this program has.

We should be able to announce our dates for camp in 2010 in October of this year. Please stay tuned as we will make that announcement right here on our 4-H blog as soon as we know.