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Press Release- 4-H Camp Rocks! And Log Rolls!

Posted by cahnrs.webteam | October 8, 2015

For Immediate Release

Contact: Mike Jensen WSU Extension
Email: mike.jensen@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-447-6452

4-H Camp Rocks! And Log Rolls!

4-H Camp is one of the delivery methods of the 4-H Youth Development process. “Camp” immerses young people in the natural environment, encourages experiential learning, and is FUN! Many adults who have grown up in 4-H remember their 4-H Camp experiences fondly and vividly.

The Bare Mountain Bandits 4-H Club just completed their 4-H Camp experience. Thirteen youth and three adult volunteers experienced 4-H in action at the KOA Campground on Little Diamond Lake. This was their 4th year of 4-H Camp for their club. This goes to show that clubs don’t have to wait for a County Camping experience to have camp! Also, you don’t necessarily have to go far to camp! You can have a Stay Vacation 4-H Camp experience pretty much in your backyard. BMB 4-H Club tells me they are open to possibly sharing their camp experience with other Pend Oreille County 4-H Clubs. Keep this in mind for next year!!!

4-H Campers had a wide variety of learning experiences. Outdoor survival was their theme! They built survival shelters, learn about the Border Patrol and Homeland Security. They also help to pilot activities from the new Forest and Logging Legacy 4-H Project.

One of the experiential activities was learning what it took to be successful on a logging river drive. 4-Her experienced log rolling with CED and 4-h Agent, Mike Jensen. The temperature above the water was almost 100 degrees and the 80 degree lake felt cold but comfortable. 4-Hers learned the techniques of the proper body stance and “fast feet” to stay on top of the log. They also learned about the physics of rolling logs first hand. They learned that when they were not constantly moving on top of the log, as it was spinning in the water, gravity took over. All of the kids, and one brave 4-H leader, (Nicole Seeber) stepped up to the challenge of log rolling. We all had great fun.

Part of the Forest and Logging Legacy Project helps to connect 4-H’ers to the history of logging in our area. We explored why the towns in Pend Oreille County formed where they did and the historical importance of the river in our local economy. Envisioning life in the logging camp and on the river drives was also discussed.

After 2 hours plus, of log rolling everyone’s skills as potential lumberjacks increased! 4-Hers said they were ready for more instruction and more time on top of the log! This also means more time in the water!  We are currently planning more opportunities for 4-Hers around the County to experience “Log Rolling” and other historical logging activities. If your 4-H Club wants to sponsor one of these events, please contact Mike Jensen at the Pend Oreille County Extension Office. Thank you Bare Mountain 4-H‘ers for inviting me to your camp! 4-H Camp Rocks!