Happy Campers All Around!

It is day one at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center. Robeson County brought 70 youth as part of our summer camping program and boy oh boy are they excited to be here. Mind you we pulled out of our parking lot at the O. P.Owens Agriculture Center at 9:45 this morning and with and made it to camp about 2:30 this afternoon. There were loud cheers from our campers as we announced on each bus welcome to camp.

As soon as our campers got off the bus there was a whirlwind of activity. Everyone had to unload their stuff from the buses and take it to preassigned areas. Then they checked in at the recreation hall before being given their cabin assignments. Then it was off to the cabins to unpack, meet cabin mates and settle in. Of course that didn't last long before the counselors had the groups out at the ball field and other areas playing games.

Of course, being 4-H we had to get some food involved. Dinner was served on the ball field as we enjoyed hot dogs, baked beans, chips and fresh watermelon. Everyone enjoyed our impromptu picnic before cleaning up, playing a little bit more and then heading off to the Rec. Hall for introductions.

After a brief introduction to rules, and alarms we kicked back and had fun as all the counselors introduced themselves, with the kind of flair only summer camp counselors can have. Of course it would not be camp with a campfire. The youth headed over to our campfire area to enjoy skits, songs, and other cool campfire activities before heading back to the cabins. Once at the cabins it was time for showers, and climbing into bed. Everyone has had a grand day and is excited about what is in store for the week ahead. As I write this they are all tucked away in their beds with thoughts of swimming, archery and horses racing through their minds. What a great day Monday will be.

If you would like more photos or information about our camping experience you can also check out the Richmond County 4-H Blog at http://www.richmond4-h.blogspot.com/. They are also camping with us this week.