4-H’ers Attend Junior Camp

By Kasey Hall

Jasper Co. 4-H Agent

Eight seventh and eighth grade 4-H’ers from Jasper County attended Junior Camp last week at the Fortson 4-H Center near Hampton. Since the 4-H Center is located less than half a mile from the Atlanta Motor Speedway, the theme for Junior Camp is centered around all things racing.

The campers and leaders were divided up into six color crews made up of multiple county groups from the Northeast, Northwest, and Southwest Extension districts in hopes of winning the ultimate prize – the Fortson Cup – that is awarded to the color crew with the most points by Friday morning and decided by the lead counselor who was referred to as “Crew Chief.”

The cleanest cabin each morning was awarded the “Grade A Garage,” which allowed the campers to go to the front of the line at lunch that day. Jasper’s campers received that award on Friday. The racing theme continued with each cabin receiving a nightly visit from their counselor for “pit stop time” where he or she gave out bottles of water before bed. Also, the campers would line up at the starting line in front of the dining hall at their colored checkered flags when the counselors blew their whistles when it was time for meals and classes.

Everyone traveled through their class rotations in one of five driver groups (Earnhardt, Elliott, Gordon, Johnson, and Petty). The classes that the counselors led included herpetology, climbing wall, ziplining, outdoor survival skills, and archery. A major highlight of the week included a trip to Stone Mountain Park.

Despite a brief episode of rain, the 4-H’ers enjoyed the train ride, the challenge course, shopping, and riding the tram to the top of the mountain to take in the amazing view. They were also able to see the “Light Show Spectacular” and fireworks before heading back to camp late that night.

While on center during the week, the 4-H’ers participated in recreation activities and a talent show with their color crew, swam, danced at the “Speedway Soiree,” played gaga ball at their new pit, visited the canteen to pick up some camp souvenirs and Icee’s, and saw the Fortson Farm animals there including chickens, goats, and sheep.

The Jasper County 4-H’ers who attended Junior Camp included Zoey Antonio, Hunter Brown, Jameson Carter, Zoey Davis, Reagan Jackson, Mercer Oxford, Riley Perdue, and Kirby Thornton. They were accompanied by Jasper County 4-H Agent Kasey Hall.