4-H Camp Timpoochee

 

Camp Timpoochee Creates Another Legendary Summer for Local 4-Hers

With one of the hottest summers recorded on record in years, nearly 60 local 4-Hers from Holmes and Washington County considered themselves lucky enough to spend a week long camping experience along the beautiful shores of Destin Bay, deep in the legendary Camp Timpoochee tradition that dates back as far as the early 1930’s. From June 15 through the 19th, campers spent days engaged in hands-on learning about Florida’s marine life from above and below the waterlines through kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and Timpoochee’s own marine lab. In addition, youth enjoyed other activities to promote leadership and positive decision making by engaging in team-building exercises, archery, campfire skits, and healthy nutrition classes.

 

Of course, the youth are never disappointed when the annual “Water Wars” activity begins on Wednesday afternoon. The camp became a palette of rainbow colors as teams of youth participated in the art of marshmallow paintball war, tug-of-war, oatmeal pass, and other water inspired activities. The traditional slip and slide made its appearance late in the day as laughter, smiles, and silly side steps made their way across the marshmallow painted campgrounds.

 

A unique and inspiring component of Camp Timpoochee’s camping tradition is the recruitment and training of older teens to assist younger youth during the camp week. From nurturing to basic first-aid, the local county camp counselors provided positive leadership and promoted a sense of confidence and community pride that is still at the heart of 4-H’s camping program. This year’s county camp counselors were outstanding and included, from Holmes County 4-H, Jerrett Kandzer, Matthew Moore, Jon Pendoley, Cody Stotler, Franklin Russ, Hadley Battles, Shelby Battles, Audrey Kandzer, Sally Pendoley, Stephanie Quinn, and Ashley Wood; from Washington County, camp counselors were Steven Kauffman, Lamar Stucki, John Michael Walshingham, Robin Harr, Codi Smith, Victoria Stucki, and Kristine Stucki.

 

4-H is a community of more than 6.5 million young people ages 5-19 across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H programs are available to young people in all 50 states, U.S. territories and U.S. military installations worldwide. For more information on 4-H programming in Holmes County, contact Niki Crawson at 547-1108

 

2010 4-H Camp Timpoochee

School will soon be out! Need something for your child to do to keep his/her mind focused? Need something for your child to do to keep his/her summer fun and exciting? We have a suggestion for you – Camp Timpoochee - through your local 4-H Office!

 

Holmes County youth, age 8-13, are eligible to attend 4-H Camp Timpoochee. Youth from Holmes County will camp in June of 2010. The total cost for camp will be announced soon.  Cost includes all meals, transportation to and from camp, daily canteen, overnight accommodations for four nights and a camp t-shirt.

 

Assistance for camp fees is available for those that meet criteria. For more information regarding fee assistance, please contact the UF/IFAS Holmes County Extension Office at (850) 547-1108.

 

Camp Timpoochee offers traditional camping activities with the addition of some new and exciting activities. Because of its location on the bay, marine science studies are emphasized in a modern lab equipped with microscopes and saltwater aquariums. Environmental studies include day hikes where students explore the plant life and wildlife around them to learn about the forest and its inhabitants. Nightly “owl prowls” show campers that the forest remains active even after the sun sets. Recreation activities include swimming, volleyball, archery and games. Campers have free time to choose their activities and set up games of volleyball, softball or basketball. Evening campfires end each night where campers sing favorite camp songs. The legend of Timpoochee is told on the final night of camp.

 

While your child is at camp, they will experience group living in a cabin setting where important life skills are learned. Skills that all kids and adults need, such as getting along with others, consideration for those around you and doing your part, will be experienced at camp. Campers assume full responsibility for their cabin and compete for the daily clean cabin award as well as help with dining room chores and general camp chores in a team atmosphere.

 

4-H Camp Timpoochee features air-conditioned log cabins with bunks for 8-10 campers and attached bath facilities between bunk houses. The staff is well trained in dealing with children and camping programs and nutritious, well-balanced meals are prepared three times a day for campers in the air-conditioned cafeteria.

 

It is the goal of Holmes County 4-H for your child to enjoy a week at 4-H Camp Timpoochee in a relaxed and fun learning environment. Camp registration and full payment is due May of 2010. If necessary, a camp payment plan can be set up for you.

 

If you would like a camp registration packet, please contact Niki Crawson, Holmes County 4-H/Youth Agent, at 547-1108, or drop by the UF/IFAS Extension Office, located in the Holmes County Agricultural Center, for a packet.