Iron County 4-H readies for summer events

HURLEY - With the arrival of June, Iron County Youth Development Agent Neil Klemme is gearing up for a summer of 4-H activities.

One of the primary events is the annual summer camp for Iron County's third through fifth graders.

In its 16th year, the camp will be held at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters, running from July 12 to 15.

"It's a super popular camp, we fill up every year. Parents who come in late and don't get their kids in then get yelled at by their kids," he said jokingly. "It's kind of a big deal."

Camp offers a range of traditional activities, including swimming, nature activities, lessons taught by members of the Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department, archery and arts and crafts projects.

There will also be activities corresponding to the theme of the camp, which is secret until the first day of camp.

While a main goal of camp is to be fun, Klemme said it is also rewarding to see campers grow from the experience.

"As a youth development educator, camp is the place where you get to see ... kids developing and learning," he said. "Even when they don't think they're learning - you know the kid who shows up on Tuesday and is a little home sick and scared because it's the first time being away from mom ... that's that independence kids get from being in 4-H."

Campers are divided into cabins of 11, with two trained high-school counselors assigned to each cabin.

The counselors often have as much fun as the students, Klemme said.

"It's kind of the highlight of their summer to come and be at camp," he said.

There are a few spots left for campers, Klemme said, for those who haven't already signed up.

This year, he also plans on giving campers cameras to take pictures of their experience. Also new this year is the creation of a Facebook page where pictures will be posted.

"We've always been told parents like to see what their kids are doing during camp, so we created a Facebook page," Klemme said. "The counselors will be posting pictures, the adult staff will be posting pictures and I hope to get some campers' pictures up as well."

Outpost Camp

In addition to the usual third through fifth grade camp, the county's outpost camp for older kids will be held for a second year.

Designed to feature more traditional tent camping, Klemme hopes the camp will teach campers confidence and leadership skills.

With an additional day added this year, it will also run from July 12-15.

Last year's camp was limited to 14 kids, but 30 sixth and seventh grade campers will attend this year.

"They're going to start at North Lakeland Discovery Center like they did last year and they're going to ride their bikes over to Lake of the Falls, spend the week setting up camp there - cooking their food and all that stuff," Klemme said.

A key part of testing their capabilities is the 20-mile bike ride between to and from camp.

"These kids will go home and go, 'I never thought I could ride my bike 40 miles in a week,' and they did," Klemme said.

This year will also add a canoe trip to spend the night on the Big Island on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage.

"Outpost was a necessary addition for middle-school kids in this county, we just didn't have enough activities in the summer," Klemme said. "You know, there are the sport activities ... but this is really unique and different in that it's really developing leadership skills that are outside the realm of sports."

Trailblazers

In connection with the outpost camp, Klemme is once again doing the county's Trailblazers program.

A series of bike rides - starting June 14 - the program's participants will explore the county while conditioning in preparation for the 20-mile ride to outpost camp.

"I want them to find someplace local to check out where they can hike around and learn about the history of the area, learn about something about the area," Klemme said.

Trailblazers will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays and is free to those attending the outpost camp.

Archery program

Klemme is also starting a shooting sports program. While details are still being finalized, the program is planned to be held from 5 to 7 p.m., every Wednesday, tentatively at the archery range in Pence, Wis.

Klemme plans for the program to run through Aug. 17, culminating in an archery competition.

While the program is primarily planned for ages 10 and up, Klemme said arraignments could possibly be made if those between 8 and 10 want to compete.

"If your kid is 9, or 8, and you think they can pull the bow back, or they have a bow you know they can shoot, then we'll let you in," he said.

"If you're in 4-H already in Iron County, all you need to do is let me know you want to participate ... all the paper work is filled out because you're in 4-H," Klemme said, adding those who aren't in 4-H can also participate once some simple forms are filled out.

Other events

Also being developed are plans to once again hold two weeks of day camps in July and August for kindergarten through third graders. The camps will likely feature a range of games and arts and crafts. Klemme hopes to hold the camp in the Kimball Community Center, but will confirm the location once dates are set.

The Hurley Garden to Market Club will also continue, using the garden at the Hurley School.

This year, Klemme said kids will "adopt" garden plots to plant and tend. The resulting produce will be sold at the Iron County Farmers Market and the proceeds will go towards field trips for the group.

He thanked the community for its continued support for all the county's 4-H activities, especially the camps.

"I can't list everyone that has donated ... but community organizations all support this camp. The camps would cost (considerably more) if we charged full price and were not able to fundraise," Klemme said. "But the groups that donate to us help lower the cost."

For more information on the programs, contact Klemme at 715-561-2695.