Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Armchair quarterback is a favorite pastime while reading the paper or watching the news for many of us. How often have you read a headline or a story and come up with a suitable form of justice or prevention for a societal problem? For example, I had a supervisor who used to ask me why 4-H had not been a part of the life of any teen accused of a crime on the front page of the paper. Hypothetically, there are lists of answers I can give, but there is no way to know if any would actually be appropriate for that person’s situation.

The reason 4-H and other nonformal youth development organizations exist is because we know, through research and evaluation, our programs make a difference in the lives of youth. We know not every child will have the chance to be a part of these programs due to time, cost, and support. So we offer a variety of programs, including a short program with big life-changing impacts known as camp.

Week-long overnight 4-H camp takes place July 13-19 at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center in Reidsville, N.C. For many youth who attend from Robeson County, this may be their first time out of the county and away from home. At camp, they do fun things, like rock wall climbing, archery, and canoeing, but the activities are a small part of what they learn. Being away from home, this is the first time they are responsible for themselves. They have to make their beds, get dressed, and follow directions without parents there to watch them. Granted, they are in a safe and nurturing environment where failure is not an option, but they don’t know that. When they get home, they demonstrate responsibility, respect, decision-making skills, and teamwork. Skills they need to develop to be successful adults in this ever-changing global society. Skills they gain while at camp. Skills that enhance their lives.

Sounds like a magical program? Wonder why hundreds of youth don’t sign up for this opportunity every year when it can give them a head start on life? Even with the reduced cost from our United Way funding, the cost for a week of camp (includes meals, transportation, lodging, etc.) is $400. Let’s be honest – that is a lot of money. So I would like to challenge anyone who has been an armchair quarterback to stand up and take the ball. Consider giving a full or partial scholarship for a child whose family can’t afford to attend camp this year. Put your money where your mouth is, make a difference in the life of a youth, and keep them out of reach of the headlines.

For more information, please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, Extension 4-H Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, at 671-3276, by E-mail at shea_ann_dejarnette@ncsu.edu, or visit our website at http://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/. North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation.