As I prepare this column, the sights, sounds, smells, and excitement of Multi-county 4-H camp are still fresh on my mind! Hopkins County took a group of 20 4-H members and leaders to Lakeview Baptist Conference Center in Lone Star for three days of activities, workshops, team building sessions, and recreation.
Workshop sessions included Geo-caching, Human Foosball, Electricity, Pillow-making, Ropes Course, and Junior Master Gardeners. Large group activities included making a para-cord bracelet, building s’mores, outdoor team work challenges, and a Talent/Variety Show. Free time included swimming, the Blob (if you don’t know what that is, ask a camper!), napping, playing ping pong, shopping in the camp gift store or snack shack, or simply hanging out with new friends.
I led the pillow-making workshop, and the campers did a great job! They learned how to make a quilt block from the Fence Rail pattern, sewed a back on it, and stuffed it for a finished product. Each camper took home their hand-crafted pillow! (Thanks to Master Wellness Volunteer, Wendy Johnson, for helping cut out the pieces prior to camp!)
Mario and I assisted with the Electricity workshop where the campers built their own flashlights. They actually worked and the kids learned a little about how electricity works and the importance of staying safe when using electricity. Mario also led the para-cord bracelet session and each camper went home with a completed bracelet.
On the final morning of camp, awards were given to outstanding campers. Several Hopkins County 4-H’ers came home with special awards, so I want to give a shout-out to them for a job well done:
“Can do attitude” – Mariana Aguilar for the hot pink group
“Ben Franklin Electricity award” – Wesley McDonald
“Human Foosball Skill” – Ki Northcutt
“Out of the Shell” award (given to a camper who overcame shyness and excelled in making new friends) – Haylee Shultz
“Most Courteous” – Jace Mayers
Even though another session of Multi-county 4-H Camp has come and gone, plans are already underway for summer, 2016! What “Mystery” lurks around the corner? It will be fun to discover the verdict! (That serves as a hint of what’s to come!)
More opportunities are available this summer: 4-H Day Camp, August 7, and County 4-H Achievement Banquet,August 29. 4-H members and leaders are encouraged to read the July/August issue of 4-H Gazette for details.
Anyone Interested in a Basic Sewing Class?
I mentioned the pillow workshop that was held at camp. Fortunately, we have a few of the kits left over and I would love to teach anyone who is interested how to make the quilt block. I have scheduled August 3 thru 5 for a sewing workshop if there is enough interest. It will take place at my office (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service), 1200-B W. Houston, in Sulphur Springs, starting at 9:30 a.m. We will plan to break for lunch and dismiss around 2:30 p.m. (Bring a lunch. Drinks will be provided.) The cost will be $10 and kits will be furnished for the quilt block project on the first day. Other topics covered will be reading a pattern envelope, measuring for correct size, preparing the fabric for cutting, and following a pattern. I’ll let the participants guide the direction we need to go.
Eight sewing machines will be available, but if participants would like to bring their own, they are encouraged to do so. You will also need to bring sewing scissors, pins (preferably with the ball heads), and tape measure. Please call 903-885-3443 if you would like to participate so I will know how many to prepare for. Workshop is limited to eight participants.
Closing Thought
If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters – Colin Powell
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
