Looking Ahead to 4-H Camp 2022
by: Kaitlyn Peine
County Extension Agent,
4-H Youth Development
Over the summer our 4-H families may have heard about anticipated changes to our state 4-H camp hosted at the Rock Springs Ranch located outside of Junction City, Kansas. Since 1946, 4-H members from across the state of Kansas have gathered at Rock Springs Ranch each summer to experience overnight 4-H camp. Over the past 75 years, 4-H camp has evolved to fit the needs of today’s youth and to provide the ultimate overnight camping experience.
As we look ahead to the 2022 4-H camping season, we will be looking forward to a new and improved overnight camping model that offers youth more choices. The enhancements we are making at Rock Springs Ranch are specifically designed to meet the current and future needs of Kansas youth. K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas 4-H Foundation, and Rock Springs Ranch leadership teams are working together to ensure the legacy of Kansas 4-H Camp will endure tomorrow and for years to come. To help provide more insight into what the camp will look and feel like, below are a few questions and answers about 4-H camp 2022.
When will 4-H camp happen in 2022?
Several camping sessions will be offered throughout the summer months. Both three-night and six-night sessions will be offered for youth ages 8-18. The new camping schedule allows for 4-H’ers to register for any session of camp. Save the date! For 2022, Douglas County 4-H will be inviting our members to join us for the session hosted June 8-11, 2022.
What if June 8-11, 2022 doesn’t work for our summer schedule?
That’s the beauty of the open schedule. Youth are welcome to attend any session.
Who will serve as camp counselors?
Camp counselors will be paid Rock Springs Ranch staff who have completed extensive youth development training prior to the start of the camping season. Teens are now invited to participate in a camping experience tailored to their age range and leadership experience. We are NOT excluding teens from camp. We're just simply reframing the teen experience to provide even more options for these youth to have their own unique camp experience.
Will transportation be available?
Yes! Campers will be coming from all corners of the state to Kansas 4-H Camp. Rock Springs Ranch will work with local Extension Agents to organize group transportation to and from camp based on regional hubs. Transportation fees are included in the price of camp.
How can I register for 4-H camp?
To sign up visit: https://www.rockspringsranch4hcamp.org/. Early bird registration will be open from September 1- October 31, 2021. 4-H members who register during the early bird window will receive a 10% discount. Monthly payment options are available. At the time of registration, 10% of the fee will be due. The remainder of the camper fee will be due by May 1.
Will Douglas County 4-H continue to offer 4-H camp scholarships?
Yes! Historically, Douglas County 4-H’ers have attended camp at a heavily discounted rate thanks to the continued support of our local 4-H Foundation and 4-H Council. We plan to offer scholarships again in 2022. Families will be paying Rock Springs Ranch to register first. The scholarships will work as reimbursement for families. 4-H families can stay up to date on the scholarship opportunities through our 4-H monthly newsletter.
Extension staff members are committed to working with 4-H families as we navigate the new and improved camping model. For additional details about changes to 4-H camp visit: https://www.douglas.k-state.edu/4-h/forms.html
