Trifolium's Camp Adventure: A Baby Lucky Dragon's First Trip to 4-H Camp!

 

By Trifolium, 

Robeson County 4-H Mascot

Hello, friends!

My name is Trifolium, and I'm a tiny 3-D printed Baby Lucky Dragon who proudly serves as the mascot for Robeson County 4-H. This summer, I packed my little dragon-sized backpack and headed to Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center for my very first overnight 4-H camp. I wasn't alone—I brought my dragon buddies T.J., T.J. 2.5, and Sprout, and together we set off on an adventure we will never forget!

The Journey Begins

As soon as we arrived, we knew this place was special. Tall trees stretched toward the sky, cabins were filled with excited campers, and everywhere we looked there were smiling faces. We met youth from across North Carolina, and before the first day was over, we had already made new friends.

Even little dragons get butterflies before trying something new, but everyone at camp made us feel welcome from the very beginning.

So Much to Do!

We couldn't believe how many exciting activities were waiting for us!

During the week we watched campers:

• Create amazing arts and crafts projects they proudly took home.

• Try exciting outdoor adventures that challenged them to be brave.

• Learn new skills while working together as teams.

• Laugh until their sides hurt during recreation and games.

• Sing silly songs that stayed stuck in our dragon heads for days.

• Meet new friends who quickly became like family.

One of our favorite things was watching campers encourage one another. Whether someone was trying a new activity for the first time or simply needed a little confidence, there was always another camper cheering them on.

That's what 4-H is all about!

Camp Traditions We Loved

Some of the best moments happened during camp traditions.

The campfire was magical. Everyone gathered together to sing songs, perform skits, laugh, and celebrate another wonderful day. Sitting around the fire beneath the stars made us feel like part of one big 4-H family.

Then came the dance!

Even though dragons have tiny feet, we danced anyway! Campers laughed, sang, and celebrated together. It didn't matter if you knew every dance move or none at all—everyone was invited to join the fun.

By the last full day, campers were putting the finishing touches on their arts and crafts projects while sharing memories of everything they had accomplished together.

Camp Is More Than Just Fun

Sure, camp is full of adventures, but something even more important happens there.

Camp helps you:

• Build confidence.

• Learn independence.

• Discover new talents.

• Make lifelong friends.

• Try things you never thought you could do.

• Become the best version of yourself.

We watched campers arrive a little nervous on Monday and leave on Friday standing a little taller, smiling a little bigger, and carrying memories that will last forever.

Heading Home...But Already Looking Forward

When Friday arrived, we packed our bags with our new friends, favorite crafts, funny stories, and hearts full of memories.

Leaving camp was hard because none of us wanted the adventure to end.

As we rode home to Robeson County, the four of us—Trifolium, T.J., T.J. 2.5, and Sprout—agreed on one thing:

We'll definitely be back next summer!

A Message From Your Lucky Dragons

If you've never been to 4-H Camp at Betsy-Jeff Penn, don't let another summer pass you by.

Whether you're climbing new heights, creating incredible crafts, singing around the campfire, dancing with friends, or simply enjoying nature, camp is a place where everyone belongs.

Who knows?

Maybe next year you'll spot four tiny Lucky Dragons exploring camp right beside you!

We'll be the ones smiling, making new friends, and reminding everyone that the greatest adventures begin when you're willing to try something new.  Check out all of my camp adventures by clicking here and think about joining me next year!

We can't wait to see you at 4-H Camp next summer!

Until We Meet Again Camp!

 

After an incredible week at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center, Friday arrived far sooner than anyone wanted. While everyone was excited to head home and see their families, there was also a little sadness in the air. Camp has a way of becoming a second home, and the friends, counselors, and memories made here are not easily forgotten.

The morning began with packing up cabins and making sure every suitcase, pillow, and favorite camp souvenir was ready for the trip home. It didn't take long to hear campers laughing one last time as they helped each other remember where things belonged and shared stories about their favorite moments from the week.

One of the highlights of the day was gathering together for the closing awards ceremony. Camp counselors recognized campers for their positive attitudes, leadership, teamwork, kindness, and willingness to try new things. Receiving an award from a counselor made each recognition extra special because these are the people who spent the week encouraging, teaching, and cheering campers on through every adventure. Every camper left knowing they had made a difference in their cabin and throughout camp.

Then came one of the most emotional moments of the week—the camp slideshow. As photos from the past five days filled the screen, smiles quickly turned into laughter, cheers, and even a few happy tears. There were pictures from swimming, canoeing, the climbing wall, archery, arts and crafts, campfires, dances, games, and all the little moments in between that made camp unforgettable. It was amazing to look back and realize just how much had happened in only one week.

Before long, it was time for hugs, high-fives, and promises to stay in touch. New friendships had been made, confidence had grown, and countless memories had been created. While no one was quite ready to say goodbye, everyone knew it was time to head home.

Now comes one of the best parts of camp—sharing the experience with family and friends. Campers returned home with stories about trying new activities, overcoming challenges, meeting new people, singing camp songs, laughing around the campfire, and discovering that they were capable of more than they ever imagined.

Thank you to the staff at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center for another unforgettable week, to our amazing counselors who made camp so much fun, and to the parents and families who trusted us with your campers. Most of all, thank you to our Robeson County 4-H campers for making this week one filled with laughter, learning, friendship, and adventure.

As the buses rolled away, there was only one thing left to say...

See you at camp next summer!

It's Already Over?

 

It is hard to believe that our last full day at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center has come and gone! What an incredible week it has been for our Robeson County 4-H campers. Today was filled with laughter, traditions, and a few bittersweet moments as everyone realized camp is almost over.

The day started with a hearty breakfast of crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and warm biscuits to fuel campers for a busy schedule. Throughout the day, campers put the finishing touches on their arts and crafts projects, creating keepsakes they can take home to remember an unforgettable week at camp. Whether it was jelly fish, woven items, paracord keychains, or another creative project everyone enjoyed seeing their hard work come together.

Lunch featured a camp favorite—pizza served with fresh celery and carrot sticks—giving everyone the energy they needed for another afternoon of fun and fellowship.

As the day continued, campers spent time with the friends they have made throughout the week. One of the greatest parts of 4-H camp is the friendships that are built. Youth from different communities come together, try new things, encourage one another, and leave camp with friendships that often last far beyond the summer.

The evening meal included crispy chicken tenders and tater tots, another favorite that had campers smiling before the night's special activities began.

The final evening of camp is always one to remember. Campers dressed up and headed to the camp dance, where they laughed, danced, and celebrated an amazing week together. The fun continued with the last campfire, one of the most treasured traditions at Betsy-Jeff Penn. As everyone gathered around the fire, they reflected on the week's adventures, sang camp songs, shared memories, and enjoyed one last evening together under the stars.

While no one is quite ready for camp to end, everyone is excited to share their stories, crafts, and new experiences with their families. Tomorrow morning, campers will pack up, say their goodbyes, and begin the journey home with hearts full of memories, new friendships, and a little more confidence than when they arrived.

Thank you to all of the families who entrusted us with your children this week. We can't wait to welcome everyone home on Friday and hear about their favorite moments from an unforgettable week at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Camp!

Check out our TThursday photos here.  See you soon, campers—safe travels home!

We're in the Swing of Things Here...

It was a beautiful morning here at Betsy Jeff Penn.  The sun was shinning bright and the tempreture was up but not so hot as to make it miserable.  Our campers got up and went to breakfast and cleaned their cabins.  this is the time to do it right becuase while they are at breakfast the judges misght just come by to decide who will win the coveted golden faucet and silver toilet seat.

Our 4-H Agents at camp took time to sit on the incredible swing and enjoy the view, weather, and a little quiet time as campers transitioned between their morning chores/meals and the activities.  This swing is a great quiet place at camp and offers a moment of peace and as much solitude as you could want amongsst the laughter, squealing, and fun of camp.  Just another reason to take a moment for everyone to stop and reflect.

Our campers hit the activities first thing and boy were they excited.  At Arts and crafts we had campers finishing their loom projects and there are all sorts of cool mats and brackets out there.  The older youth are working on Jelly fish and will finish those up tomorrow.

The group on the archery range was having fun and honing in their skills while the climbing wall and boulder wall were getting plenty of action today.  The lake was fairley quiet as our Trekkers are off camp headed for a fun hike, a night in the great outdoors, and to climb Pilot mountain tomorrow.

We know our parents reading this like to know there was food their child likes and recognizes at camp.  So today we thought we would offer you a snap shot of our menu for the day.  Please note we do everything we can to make sure our youth are eating becuase they are expending a lot of energy out there at camp.

Our menu for Wednesday:

Breakfast:  Turkey Sausage and french toast sticks with a fresh fruit bar with yougurt and cottage cheese

Lunch:  Chicken Patties and potato wedges.  Fresh salad bar with locally harvested greens.

Dinner:  Sphghetti and meatballs, garlic bread sticks, and spice cake for dessert.  Fresh salad bar with loccally harvested greens.

The big talk of the day, at all of the meals and activities was the talent show.  Youth and conselors signed up to perform and everyone was taking every spare moment to practice their talent or be talked into signing up and getting up on the stage to perform.  New talents were being brought out and everyone was very encouraging. 

Our afternoon was filled with activities but all anyone was talking about was the talent show. so after dinner, and flag lowering it was time to get ready and head to the rec hall for the big event!  We had youth singing, doing gymnastics, playing instruments, yo-yo'ing, telling jokes, dancing, burping, crosing fingers with double joints... the array of talent was just amazing.  Even more amazing was how respectifully and supportive the kids were.  They applauded for everyone.  There was no criticism, everyone who was brave enough to get up on the stage felt supported and valued.  Just as we should throughout life. 

The LIT's also got to serve snack during intermission and they had it going on with Kevin the Bee helping and our 4-H Mascot Trifolium, TJ, TJ 2.5, and our newest edition, Sprout.  All the campers loved out 3-D printed helpers and at the end of camp they will be telling you how much they enjoyed camp and what their view, as first time Baby Lucky Dragons and a croc at camp was like,

After talent show it was time to head back to the cabins, take a shower, and hit the hay,  We have one more full day at camp before heading home and our campers are starting to realize they will miss all the firends they have made and can't wait to tell you about the time they have had.

To see all of today's fun check out our photos.  Stay tuned as we live our best moments on Thursday and get ready for the dance.

Well This is the GOAT Camp!

   In case you haven't figured it out camp is about fun and adventures in a safe a nurturing environment.  This just might be the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) Camps...just keep reading and you will see why.

  This morning we woke up to partly cloudy skies and a cool breeze.  Everyone at camp was up and 7 and either at breakfast or cleaning the cabins.  Because there are so many folksat camp they eat in shifts and swap so everyone does everything at camp, just on a different time table.  Breakfast this morning was mini-bagels, bacons, and scrambled eggs.  Of course fresh fruit is always available to the youth at breakfast as well as the ceral bar.  No need for anyone to go hungry at camp.  After all they need to be fueld for all the physical activity in front of them and not to mention all the walking they do everyday.  There is sooooo much going on.

After the morning routine it was time for activities.  Pool, climbing wall, Ga-ga pitt, Arts and Crafts, and so much more.  However campers had a big surprise today they got the chance to learn a little science, test a little cheese, and play with some goats.  Yup that's right.  They had a demonstration on making Ricotta cheese from goats milk and then had the opportunity to try some that was already made.  The majority of the campers really like the cheese.  However what blew their minds was what came next....playing with the goats.  After a few pointers from the owner she let the youth interact with the goats and even feed them some feed.  

At the same time our Trekkers were up at the High Ropes Course enjoying some new to them experiences and gaining all sorts of confidence as they worked their way around the course.  Must admit they are really determined when they get up there and do their best not to let fear get the best of them.

It was at this time the first rain shower hit camp and the staff already had a plan in place.  They moved the goats inside to the rec hall and made a special corral for them so the GOAT show could go on.  Other activities continued with litte interruption or adaptation. 

Lunch was next on our daily list.  Campers enjoyed hamburgers and curly fries or the salad bar.  It was fun to be in the air conditioning since the rain showers had turned everything just a little muggy.  Our afternoon was normal as we rotated through activities and the camp store.   One of the fun things about camp store is that there is a little free time to  read a book, play four square, talk to your firends, and have fun with your conselors.  This is a great group of folks and we are excited to have down time to learn more about each of our new friends. 

Dinner was here before we knew it and that is when things got interesting last night.  It was a fun dinner of BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, green beans, and corn bread.  For desert, becuase there is always dessert there was chocolate pudding.  Yum Yum.  Our excitment came when Mother Nature decided second dinner would be a great time to show off.  The thunderstorm and flash with the power wasn't enough for her.  She threw in a quick Tornado Warning.  The camp staff acted quickley and moved all the campers, staff, and county staff to the basement of one of the buildings to ride out the storm.  Some of the youth were a little scared but the conselors clamed them and they distracted them quite nicely.  The Camp Directo and Summer Camp Director followed their emergency plans and all went well smoothly as we waited and had a small thunderstorm and that was it.  When it was over the group at dinner went back to the dinning hall to clean up and radar was checked to determine the plan for the evening activity.  To air on the side of caution, since storms were poppoing up everywhere, evening activites went in doors.  The older youth, Adventurers and Trekkers went into one building to work on leadership activites while the rest of the campers went to the rec hall to play BJP Camp Jeopardy!  They had a ball and all of the kids had fun even though it was a change in plans.  That is one thing I can tell you, is that these youth are adaptible,

After all the excitement was over it was time to head to the cabins for the night.  Showers were had, stories were told, plans were made for tomorrow.  When those heads hit the pillows the camp got so quiet...they had a long day and were exhausted.  Time to rest up to do it all again tomorrow.

Check out our day in photos here.  Also we upload new photos each day as agents upload their photos for us so feel free to go to our previous posts for updated photos you may not have seen before.  Stay tuned as Wednesday is the half way point in the week and things are about to get interesting.

Have You Missed Us?

WOW!  Our first Day was so busy, so fun, so amazing.  The temperature here today was in the low 80's so it wasn't too hot and that made everything way more fun!

So for those of you who may not know are campers are broken up into age groups.  Our youngest group is the Head group.  Then we work our way up through Heart, Hands, Health, Earth, and sun.  Our oldest campers are in the adventurer and trekker groups and they actually sleep out one night and the trekkers go off site for some outdoor fun.

Our campers get up around 7 and head to breakfast and clean their cabins.  The cabins are inspected each day by the agents and the cleanest cabin gets the golden faucet award, second place gets the silver toilet seat award.  These are highly saught after titles and our campers take this very seriously.  Almost as seriously as they take their food.  This morning for breakfast they had pancakes, turkey sausage, a smattering of fresh fruit and if that didn't thrill them they had their choice of cereal. 

By 9 am our campers are at their first activity.  The youngest group (Head) made their way to Arts and Crafts.  The heart group headed to the climbing wall and the gaga pit (you have to see this game to believe it).  Our middle groups headed to the water with canoeing, fishing, and the swimming pool.  These age groups rotated through these activites this morning while our Sun Group was out on the Archery range before hiking to the beaver Pond and the adventurers and Trekker had a great time at Team challenges and Canoeing.

Before we knew it it was time for lunch.  Our table waiters go in and set the tables and sit at the head.  When called they go into the kitchen and use two hands to carry bowls of food out to their tables.  At the end of the meal they help gather dishes and clean the tables.  Today it was chicken nuggets and fries for lunch.  It was a favorite of all the campers.

After lunch our youth were back to activites and we added in the boulder wall which is where you climb horizontally rather than vertically and our camper had a chance to get books and enjoy reading time at the BJP Library.  

Mid afternoon everyone gets a break at the camp store.  Campers have the opportunity to get a drink (water, soda, juice) and a snack (Ice cream or chips) for a dollar each.  After eacting their snack they have free time in the rec hall to talk, play games, listen to music.  It's just a great free moment to enjoy friends and time.  

From there it was back to one last activity period before getting ready for dinner.  It was Taco Monday and our campers had a great time at dinner with the tacos and all teh fixings.  After they headed to flag lowering and the announcement of who won the cleanest cabin.  The judges informed me that the winners received a nearly perfect score and the runners up were less than a half pint away.  That's stiff compeitition.

Evening activity was next and tonight that was water sports.  Water games ,swimming in Lake Hazel, and time in the pool give the campers a chance to have fun, get wet and by the end of the night they are exhausted.  By the time they get back to the cabins and get showers it's time for lights out.  When the heads hit the pillows the camp gets really quiet.  

That was our day in words,...check out the photos.  Stay tuned for more fun packed action tomorrow.

We Made It

   If we are posting on a Sunday it must be the first day of 4-H Overnight Camp at Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center in Reidsville, NC.  After check in and a quick meeting this morning, we left around 10:30 and headed straight to lunch in Asheboro, NC at Golden Coral.  Could not have asked for a nicer staff or happier children with full stomachs when we left.  After climbing back on the bus it was time to head straight to camp which was a little more than an hour away.  We pulled in at 2:45 and unloaded the bus ready for our week long adventure.

  We quickly got our cabin assignments and moved into our cabins.  After unpacking we had lots to do.  A walking tour of the camp, swim tests, and meeting everyone we would be spending the next week with.  It was lots of excitement and lots of moving around when we got here.  

Tonight's dinner was al fresco...in other words we at outside.  Hot dogs with all the fixings, baked beans, chips, watermelon, and the softest chocolate chip cookies you could ever want to eat.  Although a lot of our campers were still full from lunch they recognized that they needed to stay fueled for all of the activities in front of them tonight and in the coming days.

Dinner was followed by a get to know you event in the Rec Hall.  There they met all the counselors, and other adults like county 4-H staff who came all the way to BJP with us.  We learned fun facts, learned about safety tips (like what to do when the big bell rings) and just worked at settling into our new surroundings.

No camp experience would be complete without a campfire.  Tonights campfire was awesome.  There were hysterical skits (ask us about the invisible bench when we get home or ice fisihing), we sang repeat after me songs, and just had the best time ever.

When campfire was over it was time to head back to the cabins, get showers, and then hit the hay.  Most of the cabins had lights out before 10 tonight and that is because lights on come very early in the morning (7 am) for breakfast and cabin cleanup.  Stay tuned there is a contest for the cleanest cabin...you won't want to miss who whens.

To see the photos from our first day's adventure check them out here.  More photos will be coming on Monday to this album. 

Stay tuned for what tomorrow brings.