Rock Springs Ranch, the state 4-H center, south of Junction City, has been a hub for youth development in Kansas for more than 75 years. This summer was no exception.
Campers participated in outdoor recreation activities including horseback riding; a leadership adventure course featuring a new zipline and low and high ropes courses; aquatics; conservation education; shooting sports; and the experience ended with a campfire and new friends from all over the state. These activities provide unique opportunities for youth to do things they may not otherwise do, in a safe and encouraging environment.
“Summer camp is more than activities. It is about the way your child feels when they are at camp and the goal to make this place special,” said camp director Letha Causby. “We hope that each camper feels a sense of belonging, independence, generosity, and mastery of skills that they can take back with them to their club, community, and world.”
Letha and Jared Causby are the camp directors at Rock Springs Ranch. Among creating the memories made at summer camp, Letha and Jared are responsible for camp programming and overseeing summer staff. Their favorite part of summer camp is getting to meet and work with campers and families.
“There is an endless supply of entertainment when there are kids at camp,” Jared said. “You get to hear all about their favorite things and get to spend time with them during some very cool moments. During our week-long session as we loaded the vans to take kids back home after saying our goodbyes one child got buckled up, put his head down, and I noticed his watery eyes. I asked if everything was ok and he shook his head yes and said that he just didn’t want to leave. Those are the moments that remind me of why I do what I do.”
This year marked the first year of the Counselors in Training (CIT) program, where teens are able to master the expectations of being a camp counselor. During this program, they are able to assist the summer staff and learn about the responsibility of being a mentor to younger campers. Through the Kansas 4-H Foundation and their partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation, teens across the state can apply for camperships that pay for their CIT experience.
“These camp programs are designed to shape the next generations of leaders by creating experiences where youth feel a sense of pride and commitment to their camp community, which can translate back to their schools, 4-H clubs, and communities,” said Jake Worcester, President/CEO of the Kansas 4-H Foundation. “Generous donors believe in providing the camp experience for Kansas youth. Camperships provide access to summer camp.”
The goal is for all 105 counties in Kansas to nominate one Counselor-in-Training (CIT) to attend the week-long program at no cost to the county or camper. These funds will underwrite curriculum/program development, fund summer staff for the CIT/LIT program, and provide for additional enhancements.
Letha and Jared are looking forward to seeing campers next summer.
“We are excited to continue to build on the foundation we set in 2022,” Jared said. “We are always striving to reach as many youth as possible. For 2023, we are looking at offering additional teen opportunities with our Leaders In Training (LIT) program. We are also excited about the potential to offer a session for our Cloverbuds (youth ages 6-9).”
To register for Kansas 4-H Camp, visit rockspringsranch4hcamp.orgvisit org