While COVID-19 forced many summer events to be canceled, including the annual 4-H summer camp at Upham Woods in Wisconsin Dells, Green County 4-H got creative and came up with a fun alternative. Camp in a Box allowed youth from Green County and beyond to experience the fun of 4-H summer camp safely from their own home.

The response to Camp in a Box was overwhelmingly positive, with 120 families and 235 youth between Kindergarten and 8th grade signed up. Those registered included 4-H members and non-4-H members alike. As registrations came in, the Extension Green County staff got to work planning and preparing the activities that would be included.

It was decided that a variety of activities should be included, from STEM projects to arts and crafts to outside games. Some of the activities were prepared for each individual youth, while some were meant for the entire family to enjoy together. Each box included over a dozen activities for youth to challenge their minds (like kitchen science experiments), stretch their imaginations (like the Bear and Bee game) and have some summer fun (like building a water sprinkler with a pool noodle)!

Car loads of supplies were then purchased and staff began designing cards for each activity. These cards included instructions, pictures, supply lists, and “apply” and “share” sections which allowed youth to reflect on and share what they learned from the activity. In addition to the activities in the box, Green County 4-H is also offering online activities the evenings of August 4th, 5th, and 6th. There will be interactive games, campfire songs, star-gazing, and even a presentation about native bees.

Boxes were assembled, packed, and distributed to registered families the week of July 27th. Camp in a Box was a collaboration between staff at the Extension Green County and Extension Columbia County offices.

For more information on Green County 4-H, please contact Ellen Andrews, 4-H Youth Development Educator, at (608) 328-9440 or ellen.andrews@wisc.edu.