Getting Kids Off Screens and Into the Outdoors: The Power of 4H Camps with Jake Farmer & Kyle Comley

Outline

Introduction to 4H Camps and Guests

• Craig Caudill introduces the topic of 4H camps and their importance in providing valuable life lessons through outdoor experiences.
• Craig Caudill welcomes Jake Farmer and Kyle Comley, who have dedicated their lives to making outdoor education engaging and meaningful.
• Craig Caudill outlines the agenda for the episode, including an overview of 4H camps, their programs, events, and the impact on kids.
• Craig Caudill emphasizes the importance of 4H camps and encourages parents to consider enrolling their kids in these programs.

Jake Farmer's Background and Role

• Jake Farmer introduces himself as the camp director at North Central 4H camp in Carlisle, Kentucky, serving 27 counties.
• Jake shares his personal connection to the camp, having grown up there and attended every year since he was nine.
• Jake describes the camp's summer and environmental camp seasons, serving a diverse group of kids.
• Craig Caudill asks Jake about the camp's location, and Jake explains its proximity to Lexington, Kentucky.

Kyle Comley's Background and Role

• Kyle Comley introduces himself as the camp director at Lake Cumberland 4H camp, serving 20 counties in Kentucky and Tennessee.
• Kyle describes the camp's nine-week summer session and its off-season activities, including church groups and Skills USA high school groups.
• Craig Caudill asks about the camp's location, and Kyle explains its rural setting and distance from Lexington.
• Kyle shares his personal connection to the camp, starting as a camper in 1991 and never missing a summer since.

Favorite Memories from 4H Camp

• Craig Caudill asks Jake and Kyle about their favorite memories from 4H camp as kids.
• Jake shares a story about playing bunk bed volleyball during a storm and the subsequent tornado experience.
• Kyle recounts the special memory of spending time with his brother at 4H camp.
• Craig Caudill appreciates the shared memories and asks if Jake has a similar story.

Challenges and Risk Management in Camp Directing

• Craig Caudill asks Jake and Kyle about the challenges of being camp directors and managing risks.
• Kyle explains the importance of being proactive and mitigating risks, especially with 9 to 14-year-olds.
• Craig Caudill asks if the camp directors' experiences as campers help them in their current roles.
• Jake and Kyle discuss the balance between being proactive and reactive in managing risks.

Homesteading Program at North Central 4H Camp

• Jake introduces the new homesteading preparedness camp at North Central 4H camp, scheduled for October 11 and 12.
• The camp focuses on self-reliance, including water purification, food preservation, navigation, and hunter ethics.
• Jake mentions the diverse group of instructors, including Nature Reliance School and extension professionals.
• Craig Caudill asks about the age group for the program, and Jake explains it is open to the general public, not just youth.

OAC Program at Lake Cumberland 4H Camp

• Kyle introduces the OAC (Outdoor Adventure Camp) program at Lake Cumberland 4H camp, designed for middle and high school youth.
• The program includes survival skills, basic living skills, and a group test at the end to showcase learned skills.
• Kyle shares the success of the program, with some kids returning for multiple years.
• Craig Caudill appreciates the program's focus on outdoor appreciation and the continuation of participants.

60th Anniversary Celebration of North Central 4H Camp

• Jake announces the 60th anniversary celebration of North Central 4H camp on May 10, featuring food trucks, live music, and a silent auction.
• The event aims to celebrate the camp's impact over 60 years and involve the community.
• Craig Caudill asks about the items in the silent auction, and Jake explains they range from acoustic guitars to county baskets.
• Kyle encourages everyone to attend the event and appreciate the camp's history and community.

Country Boy Fundraiser for 4H Camps

• Kyle introduces the Country Boy fundraiser on April 19, benefiting all four 4H camps in Kentucky.
• The event will raise funds for programming and facility needs, with a percentage of sales going to the camps.
• Craig Caudill asks about the tax-deductible nature of donations, and Kyle confirms it is through the Kentucky 4H Foundation.
• Kyle highlights the involvement of Country Boy staff members with camp connections and their support for the fundraiser.

Environmental Camp at North Central 4H Camp

• Jake explains the environmental camp at North Central 4H camp, designed for fourth and fifth-grade students.
• The camp focuses on environmental sciences, including calling in owls and learning about constellations.
• Craig Caudill expresses interest in participating in the owl calling activity.
• Jake shares the impact of the camp on students, who often remember their environmental camp experience for years.

Summer Camp at Lake Cumberland 4H Camp

• Kyle describes the nine-week summer camp session at Lake Cumberland 4H camp, serving 20 counties.
• The camp offers a variety of classes, including canoeing, kayaking, archery, and recreational activities.
• Craig Caudill emphasizes the importance of hands-on, outdoor activities for campers.
• Kyle explains the role of cell phones at camp, with strict policies to ensure campers focus on their experiences.

Daily Life at 4H Camp

• Jake outlines a typical day at North Central 4H camp, including flag raising, breakfast, cleanup, classes, lunch, afternoon activities, dinner, and evening events.
• Craig Caudill asks about the 4H pledge, and Kyle recites it, emphasizing its importance in camp life.
• Jake highlights the significance of the pledge in fostering a sense of community and loyalty.
• Craig Caudill appreciates the traditional aspects of camp life and their impact on campers.

Leadership Development at 4H Camp

• Kyle discusses the development of leadership skills at camp, starting from basic living skills to more complex responsibilities.
• Jake mentions the low ropes course as a key activity for leadership development, focusing on teamwork and problem-solving.
• Craig Caudill asks about the retention of campers as counselors and staff members, highlighting the importance of leadership continuity.
• Jake and Kyle emphasize the role of camp in fostering lifelong leadership skills and community involvement.

Impact of 4H Camp on Campers

• Jake and Kyle share their personal experiences and the impact of 4H camp on their lives.
• They discuss the importance of camp in providing a sense of community and personal growth.
• Craig Caudill highlights the positive impact of camp on campers, including developing leadership skills and a love for the outdoors.
• Jake and Kyle encourage parents to consider enrolling their kids in 4H camp for a transformative experience.

Volunteer Opportunities and Community Involvement

• Jake encourages adults to volunteer at 4H camps, emphasizing the need for adult volunteers to support camp operations.
• Craig Caudill explains how to find the local extension office to get involved as a volunteer.
• Kyle highlights the various ways adults can support 4H camps, including leading programs and participating in events.
• Craig Caudill shares his personal experience as a volunteer and the lasting friendships formed through 4H involvement.

Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

• Craig Caudill thanks Jake and Kyle for their insights and contributions to the episode.
• Jake and Kyle express their appreciation for the opportunity to share their experiences and the impact of 4H camp.
• Craig Caudill emphasizes the importance of 4H camp in providing valuable life lessons and community engagement.
• The episode concludes with a call to action for parents and adults to get involved in 4H camp and support the next generation of leaders.