July 18 – 22 was an exciting week for Cloverleaf 4-H members (5th & 6th graders) in Coffee County. We loaded up the bus on Monday morning to head to the BIG CITY, Atlanta, GA. Cloverleaf 4-H Camp was held this year at the Fortson 4-H Center near Hampton, GA. In fact, the camp is so close to the Atlanta Motor Speedway, that we get a great view of it on the way in to the camp.
After arriving and moving in to our dormitories for the week, the fun and games began. It was pick-a-rec time, and 4-H’ers got to do a variety of recreational activities like shooting the bow and arrow at the archery range. Afterwards, they enjoyed fun and games with team building exercises. They also enjoyed an evening at the campfire making S’mores.
On Tuesday, campers experienced the first two of their five workshop rotations. My group went to the Fortson Farm in the morning where we learned about the farm animals. We also learned how to make fruit smoothies in this workshop and boy were they tasty. After lunch, we went to the Herpetology class where we got to hold turtles, lizards, snakes, and even pet an alligator. We also enjoyed some wet games that afternoon as well. That evening, we loaded up on buses and went to the Stone Mountain Laser Show. Even though it was delayed due to a severe thunderstorm, things worked out for us to get to enjoy the show after the storm.
On Wednesday, we got to enjoy two more of the workshop rotations. My group went canoeing in the morning and scaled the climbing wall after lunch. That evening, we loaded the buses again and went to a local bowling alley where we enjoyed a couple of hours of bowling. I was proud of my 157 score.
Thursday’s schedule included a trip to Six Flags White Water Park. Students enjoyed lunch at the park as well as about five hours of fun in the sun with water slides, wave pool, lazy river, and much more. That evening, we were scheduled to have our fifth class in the rotation but, due to rain, my group didn’t get to do the zip line. The camp counselors put on a terrific variety show, and several of the campers shared their talents in the talent show.
Friday morning is all about packing up, cleaning up, eating breakfast, loading the bus, and heading home. Summer camp is always a great adventure and teaches the students so much. They are learning responsibility with having to keep up with and put up their personal belongings, making their beds, cleaning the cabins (including the bathrooms), and much more. They are learning independence by being away from mom and dad and their home surroundings for a few days. They are learning generosity by learning to share with others, including living spaces.
If you have questions about the Coffee County Extension or 4-H program, please feel free to contact the Coffee County Extension office at (912) 384-1402. Remember, we are YOUR local connection to the University of Georgia.
– Submitted by Kevin Tatum, Coffee County Extension Coordinator