New Hanover County 4-H summer camps cultivate confidence and growth

Take a moment, close your eyes and think back on your experience as a young person. What was it like, what opportunities did you wish you had, what things could have helped you overcome the challenges you were facing? Many of us, including myself, struggled with confidence as a young person to some degree.

As a little girl, I was very shy and hesitant to try new things. Whether it was struggling to make new friends in an unfamiliar group, not feeling empowered to take on a difficult challenge, or feeling unsure about getting out of my comfort zone in different activities.

Now, as the New Hanover County 4-H Agent, I frequently engage and relate with many young people who are struggling with similar things. In my role with NC Cooperative Extension and 4-H, I strive to engage young people in various programs to help them thrive. This summer, New Hanover County 4-H is offering activities and camps to engage youth in hands-on environmental education, healthy living, and nature focused activities to not only help them gain knowledge but create positive lifelong effects all while having fun!

Youth who are involved in environmentally focused activities experience many benefits that range from increased physical and mental well-being, to increased academic performance and motivations. Young people who regularly participate in activities, like the summer programs 4-H is coordinating this summer, show lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and increased physical activity levels. Youth also benefit from participating in nature focused activities that can show increased levels of concentration, sense of belonging, feelings of self-efficacy, and reduced depression and stress. Young people also exhibit 21st Century skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity. These are all things we desire for the upcoming generation and the goal of NHC 4-H is to foster these positive youth outcomes.

Participants in 4-H activities this summer will be experiencing the outdoors locally at the NC Cooperative Extension New Hanover County Office and Arboretum. The beautifully designed educational garden lends itself perfectly to transitioning youth from just hearing about concepts like pollination to seeing it right before their eyes. Youth will also be attending 4-H Camp at the Eastern Environmental Education Center on the Albemarle Sound for a week in June. There, youth will engage in outdoor adventures like paddleboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, team building and more. In July 4-H Teens around the state have the opportunity to stay in Raleigh for a week to learn about leadership, civic engagement, and participate in community service projects, all in a fun and energetic environment.

Experience the power of nature and youth development intertwining as New Hanover County 4-H offers enriching summer programs designed to nurture confidence, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the environment.

To learn more and to get your young person involved visit the New Hanover County 4-H website (https://newhanover.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/03/4-h-summer-camps-2024/) or contact Elizabeth Stratton, at elizabeth_stratton@ncsu.edu or 910-798-7660.

Elizabeth Stratton is the 4-H Agent at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Center for New Hanover County, located at the Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington. The arboretum is free and open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. every day.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New Hanover County, NC, 4-H summer camps instill confidence in youth