Some of the fondest memories of my youth were created at 4-H Camp. I started going when I was nine, became a CIT (Counselor-in-Training) when I was 14, and became a Teen Counselor the following year. Though I only spent five days out of each year at camp, it quickly became like a second home to me.
Here are signs that you went to 4-H Camp as well...
1. You know exactly what each "H" in "4-H" stands for (and the "secret" 5th H... Hydration).
Photo via Wikipedia
2. You can still recite the 4-H pledge (with hand motions), even though it has been years since you have verbally recited it.
Photo via UWEX
3. You probably caught your first fish while at camp... and you learned to bait your hook all by yourself!
Photo via Pagosa Daily Post
4. You know that it is an "ool," not a "pool," for one very good reason.
Photo via Jamestown 4H Center
5. The sight of these things are enough to get you excited and enthusiastic!
Photo via Jamestown 4H Center
6. Speaking of which, are you enthusiastic?
Video via YouTube
7. 4-H Camp offered you many of your "firsts:" first time shooting with a bow and arrow, first time rowing a canoe, first time shooting a rifle, first time at a "dance," first time with a new craft – need I go on?
Photo via Aces
8. You learned that you, in fact, cannot go an entire week without showering, even though mom isn't there to make you, because people will start to complain... like your CIT's and Teen Counselors, for example.
Photo via Lancaster
9. Churro night was the BEST night.
Video via YouTube
9. You have the famous rules, "Sticks and rocks do not have wings; therefore they shall not fly," and, "No purple," engrained into your mind forever.
Photo via Drifiting Creatives
10. You thought that the staff members were basically the coolest people ever and you couldn't wait to grow up and become one... and get a cool name.
Photo via Facebook
11. And you were always happy because the staff was enthusiastic from the minute they saw your bus pull in!
Video via YouTube
12. You remember the night that you officially became a 4-H member, but you also don't have any pictures, because artificial light was not allowed at campfire.
Photo via Nebraska State 4-H Camp
13. These were the staple items to everyone's name tag:
Photo via Pinterest
14. You spent every penny your parents gave you for the week at the camp store buying way too much 4-H swag.
Photo via Extension Tennessee
15. Thursday night campfire always gave you the feels, no matter how old you got. Especially when everyone sang "Lean on Me."
Photo via Vimeo
Even as I am writing this article, I am getting emotional just thinking about my summers at camp. I wouldn't trade the lessons I learned, the friends I made, and the experiences I had for the world, because (say it with me, you know you want to!), "4-4-4, H-H-H, is is is, great great great!"
