As the state 4-H center, Rock Springs Ranch is dedicated to empowering youth ages 8-17 years old through immersive camp experiences each year. Extensive research on positive youth development has shown that summer camp plays a vital role in meeting essential needs of youth such as belonging, independence, generosity, and mastery.
Similar to scholarships that provide access to education, the Kansas 4-H Foundation has established a statewide campership fund that ensures affordability for youth from all 105 counties in Kansas. By increasing accessibility to 4-H through a summer camp experience, camperships open doors for youth who would otherwise miss out on the transformative benefits of camp.
“The benefits of camp are numerous, but the most significant advantage is the immersive experience it offers, meeting the current needs of youth,” said Letha Causby, managing director of Rock Springs Ranch. “Through camp, young individuals have more opportunities to try, fail, try again, explore, and develop lasting friendships. Rock Springs Ranch is committed to extending access to camp and ensuring that all youth have a 4-H camp experience.”
Matthew Kelso understands firsthand the value of a 4-H camping experience. He was a 12-year member of the Eudora 4-H Club in Douglas County, and he attended 4-H camp every year possible.
“Throughout my time in the Kansas 4-H program, I served in capacities ranging from Junior Song Leader of our club at 10 years old to serving a term on the YouthLeadership Council during my senior year of high school,” he said. “I grew to become confident in who I am and what I stand for … These values continue to be with me years later as I continue moving through life.”
He said that by attending 4-H camp, it helped him develop independence being away from home for a few days as well as encouraged him to make friends with people he otherwise would not have met or interacted with. 4-H camp was the highlight of his summers!
Kelso is now a practicing veterinarian in Eudora, Kansas. He believes it is important to philanthropically support the 4-H camp experience in order for all youth across the state of Kansas to have meaningful.
“I think back on my years as a camper, and I would not trade those memories for the world,” he said. “I hope that every kid with an interest in camp gets a chance to go. Supporting camperships at Rock Springs is a great way to ensure that more youth than ever before get the 4-H camp experience.”
By donating to the campership fund, individuals and organizations play a critical role in shaping the lives of young individuals, providing them with unforgettable memories and invaluable life skills. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact and helps Rock Springs Ranch fulfill its mission of empowering youth.
Doug and Janet Johnson, 4-H alumni, also choose to philanthropically support 4-H camp through the campership fund. Doug grew up on a farm in Iowa where his 4-H experience was primarily focused around raising cattle. Being a 4-H member played a role in his decision to attend K-State because of the encouragement of some cattle show judges who were from K-State. Janet was a 4-H member in Stafford County and participated in a variety of projects as well as local, state and national 4-H events.
Janet grew up attending 4-H camp at Rock Springs Ranch and eventually joined the summer staff while attending college. Overall, the Johnsons choose to give back to 4-H youth through camperships because of the opportunities that were given to them when they were enrolled in 4-H.
“We want to give youth the opportunity to have fun in a safe, positive, affirming environment where they can try new activities, meet new friends and gain self-confidence through their camp experience,” they said.