As summer draws to a close, we’re excited to look back on the incredible experiences our campers had at Wake County 4-H Summer Camps! From new skills learned to friendships formed, it was a season full of growth, discovery, and fun. Here’s a recap of what our campers were up to:

Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Camp

We had 120 campers of all ages representing Wake County at Betsy-Jeff Penn Camp this year! It was a week full of adventure, from canoeing and horseback riding to campfires and songs. Campers shared meals, made memories, and enjoyed a range of activities that made this summer unforgettable. Whether they were mastering archery, crafts, climbing, or slip-n-slides, our campers brought enthusiasm and energy every step of the way!

BJP Campers getting ready to canoe on Lake Hazel right on the campgrounds!

Farm to Fork Camp

Our campers embarked on a journey from farm to table, exploring sustainable farming practices and learning where their food comes from. Each day, their teams collaborated to cook a dish inspired by ingredients from the farm or location they visited. Led by our nutrition educator, the kids safely explored cooking and then enjoyed their creations for lunch the following day. Highlights include:

• A visit to MAE Farm in Louisburg, with free-range, pasture-raised livestock.
• Learning about herbal teas at Raleigh City Farm.
• Discovering the importance of pollinators at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
• Harvesting produce at the Agroecology Education Farm at NC State.

At the end of the week, we visited the Raleigh Farmers Market to buy fresh supplies. The campers then put their new knowledge to the test by cooking different dishes for a shared meal. Their teamwork and cleanliness set a new standard for future camps! We loved seeing their growth as chefs-in-training.

Farm to Fork Campers learning from the experts at MAE Farm in Louisburg!

Drone Camps

Our Drone Camps took flight this summer with enthusiastic tech explorers diving into the world of drone technology! In partnership with the Wake County 4-H SPACES and 4-H SPACESTOO programs, campers aged 12-17 engaged in a hands-on exploration of this rapidly evolving field.

Throughout the camps, participants:

• Learned Drone Operation: Campers mastered the basics of flying drones, understanding both their operation and regulations.
• Explored Real-World Applications: They discovered how drones are used in various industries and participated in field trips to Elizabeth City State University to see drones in action.
• Earned Certifications: Each camper completed the program with a certificate recognizing their new skills and knowledge in drone technology.

The camps combined exciting activities with practical learning, giving our campers a glimpse into the future of technology.

STEAM Camp

Our youngest campers, ages 7-9, dived into the world of STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. They engaged in various activities, including:

• Visit from NC A&T Robotics team.
• Outdoor exploration with Wake County Open Spaces.
• Learning about human and animal skeletons with a paleontologist from NC State.
• Exploring food science using the five senses to try different foods.
• Building and launching their own stomp rockets.
• Afternoon cooking sessions with our nutrition educator.

This energetic group kept busy with hands-on learning and fun experiments, sparking curiosity and creativity all week long!

STEAM campers investigating critters with Wake County Open Spaces.

4-H Congress

4-H Congress is an annual educational event sponsored by North Carolina 4-H and planned by the State 4-H Council and Congress Advisory Committee. This year, our Wake County teens, ages 13-18, joined hundreds of other 4-H’ers from across the state in Raleigh for four days of learning, leadership, and camaraderie. Highlights of 4-H Congress:

• Electing New State Officers: Delegates campaigned and voted in the state officer elections.
• Workshops and Speakers: Teens enhanced their knowledge on current issues and leadership.
• Hands to Service: Delegates participated in impactful community service projects.
• Candle lighting Ceremony: A tradition symbolizing leadership and unity among 4-H’ers.

Our delegates returned with new friends, leadership skills, and memories to last a lifetime.

Wake County 4-H Teen Council member Brandon Estevez leading a workshop with 4-H Specialist, Dr. Thomas Ray.

Pass the Mic Camp

Pass the Mic Camp empowered teens to create and share powerful social impact stories. Throughout the week, campers:

• Built community and engaged with social justice issues.
• Explored youth leadership through hands-on workshops led by local professionals.
• Created a community poem inspired by George Ella Lyon’s “I Am From” at the Digital Media Lab.
• Participated in a public speaking workshop led by one of our past 4-H members.
• Visited the African American Cultural Center at NC State and spray-painted art in the Free Expression Tunnel.

The week culminated in a showcase where campers shared their social justice stories. We were amazed by their creativity and the impact of their work!

Pass the Mic campers at the Digital Media Lab at NC State University.

Beekeeping Camp

At Beekeeping Camp, campers got up close and personal with honeybees. They:

• Visited hives at Oakview Historic Park and River Farm, where they learned to identify different hive functions.
• Participated in a honey extraction demo led by the Wake County Beekeeper Association’s president, sampling award-winning honey.
• Created and presented their own beeswax products to a panel, demonstrating their new skills.

We’re proud of our interactive and enthusiastic group, and we encourage youth interested in beekeeping to stay tuned with the Wake County Beekeepers Association for more learning and fun!

Our fearless beekeepers exploring the hives!

Thank you to all the campers, parents, volunteers, and staff who made this summer so special. We hope you enjoyed the camps as much as we did, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year for more adventures! – Wake County 4-H Community Team