4-H Operation: Military Kid Camp Gets Funded at Millstone 4-H Camp!

Many of you have probably seen the front page of the Richmond Daily Journal with the article about Millstone 4-H Camp needing some help. Some of you may have even offered your skills as a carpenter, painter or just generally felt concern for the camp located in Richmond County. One Richmond County citizen, however, turned his concern into action, and dollars!

After reading on Friday that Millstone 4-H Camp had lost the $30,000 in support that allowed them to offer a week of Operation: Military Kid Camp at no cost to 100 youth (Guard, Reserve and Active Duty) whose parent(s) have recently, are currently, or are scheduled to serve our country overseas, this concerned citizen got on the phone. On Monday, a generous donation was made to make this camping experience available to 100 Military Youth at Millstone 4-H Camp! As this citizen told me Monday, “Kids ought to get to go to camp.”
Youth at Operation: Military Kid Camp in 2008 participate in Flag Raising Ceremonies to start their day at Millstone 4-H Camp. The Camp will be offered in 2009 thanks to a generous donation from a concerned citizen in Richmond County!

While at camp, youth participate in canoeing, archery, shooting sports, climbing, swimming, arts & crafts, cookouts, campfires, nature exploration, teambuilding, high ropes, and much more. All these activities help youth improve their leadership and communication skills while making new friends. Camp OMK will focus on building coping skills and creating positive outlets for the intense emotions these children now live with daily. Campers build camaraderie as they meet other youth who are going through similar situations, but equally important is the opportunity to enjoy a carefree camping experience with their peers. While at camp, these children will have fun, laugh, learn and just enjoy being kids.

There are actually two OMK Camping opportunities at Millstone 4-H Camp this summer. Thanks for a generous donation from a citizen concerned about this group of young people, youth ages 8-13 will camp July 12th-17th and can accept up to 100 campers. Registration deadline for Camp OMK is Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Cloverbud or Young Heroes Camp, for youth 5 to 8 years old, can experience a shorter version of camp August 2nd-5th and can accept up to 40 campers. The registration deadline for Cloverbud or Young Heroes Camp is Wednesday, July 22, 2009.

If you are interested in more information about either of these 4-H Operation: Military Kid Camps please check the web at www.millstone4hcamp.org for forms or call Gene Shutt or William Terry at 652-5905 with questions.

It's Time to Think Livestock!

Last Saturday Richmond County's Livestock Agent, Tiffanee Conrad-Acuna, and I had quite an adventure! We went to help out with an awesome training at the Robeson County Regional Fairgrounds for about 50 youth & parents/leaders who are interested in showing livestock this year. Charlie Brown, Tiff's retired show goat & horse companion, helped us with the goat section & everyone seemed to get a kick out of our heifer improv as Tiffanee & I helped Robeson County's Livestock Agent Michelle Shooter with the heifer class!

For all the info & pictures, check out the Robeson County 4-H Blog at www.robeson4-h.blogspot.com! We were sorry that no one from Richmond County could attend this year, but are looking forward to seeing how these young showmen grow and care for their animals over the next few months!

Richmond County Goat Showmen after the 2008 Richmond County Show!

If anyone happens to see this & wants more information about showing livestock this fall, please call Tiffanee or Michelle at the Extension Office at 997-8255! We have several youth who show goats in the Sandhills Farm Credit Circuit and some who show chickens and rabbits at local shows. We can even help you find an animal if you don't already have one!