Youths learn valuable skills at 4-H Camp Timpoochee

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, with over 230,000 members in the state of Florida. A non-formal, practical educational program for youths, Florida 4-H is the youth development program of Florida Cooperative Extension, a part of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Summer activities include residential camp opportunities and day camps that showcase experiential learning. Okaloosa County 4-H is currently preparing for a fun week of Residential Camp the week of June 5–9.

I have fond memories of residential summer camp as a child. What I liked most was making new friends, learning new skills like archery, swimming, crafts and outdoor cooking. I can still make campfire stew and some of the best s’mores around.

Residential camping is one of the most significant modes of delivery in the Florida 4-H Youth Development Program, with nearly 4,000 people attending four locations throughout the state of Florida.

We are very fortunate to have the UF/IFAS 4-H Camp Timpoochee facilities here in Okaloosa County. Located along the Choctawhatchee Bay, it has all the elements of an experiential outdoor learning facility just waiting for the next group of youths to explore.

Camp Timpoochee is a picturesque camping complex nestled on the shore of the Choctawhatchee Bay. There is a marine science lab, cabins, archery range, recreation area, campfire site and dining facilities that provide the background for positive youth development.

Some of the activities this summer include sport fishing, mad scientist, kayaking, snorkeling, archery, air rifle, crafts and team-building activities. 

Pamela H. Allen is the interim county director and an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Youths learn valuable skills at 4-H Camp Timpoochee