Kyle Dean, Host: We are back here on WTIF. 9:37 on this Wednesday. It’s Southwest District 4-H Wednesday right here on WTIF. It’s part of our UGA Tifton Farm Chat. And, joining me on the telephone is Keri Hobbs from Sumter County. Also with her is Morgan Bowen, a 4-Her and 2012 Camp Counselor at the Jekyll Island 4-H Center. Good morning ladies. How are you?
Keri Hobbs, Sumter County 4-H Agent: Good morning. We are great.
Morgan Bowen, Sumter County 4-Her: Good morning.
Kyle Dean, Host: It's good to have you with us again Keri. And you brought Morgan along with you. First off, you're talking about summer camp. Keri, did you ever attend camp as a 4-Her?
Keri Hobbs, Sumter County 4-H Agent: Oh, certainly I did. Starting in 4th grade, I don't think I missed a summer. It was always the highlight of the list on my agenda of what I would do while school was out. And, I feel so fortunate to be able to now find 4-Hers and youth in the community who will get this great experience.
As an agent, I now have a new perspective, (Dean: laughing) because as a 4-Her, we could have a lot of fun, but as an agent, I can really see the life skill development that occurs at camp while kids really have a safe place for independence and learning. It's also just a great place for parents to send their kids for a week of fun and making friends.
Kyle Dean, Host: Awesome. Morgan, I hear that you've been selected as a camp counselor for this summer. Where are you headed and what are some of the activities that you are going to have lined up?
Morgan Bowen, Sumter County 4-Her: I'm headed to Jekyll Island 4-H Center. I will actually be out there for 6 weeks of camp this summer; although it's only a week of camp for each county and child. We will be playing games, swimming on the beach, visiting Summer Waves Water Park. Some of the classes that we'll have are herpetology, biking, seining and nets, canoeing, as well as many others but it's going to be a lot of fun. I’m really excited.
Kyle Dean, Host: Now, is Jekyll Island where all 4-Hers in South Georgia will be going?
Keri Hobbs, Sumter County 4-H Agent: Actually it is not. Cloverleaf Campers which are 4th, 5th and 6th graders will camp by county and they will have the opportunity to visit any of 5 different camps throughout Georgia; anywhere from up in the mountains to we have camps that are on the beach and, of course, there is Rock Eagle 4-H Center.
Sumter County is going to visiting Fortson 4-H Center which is our newest 4-H Camp just outside of Atlanta. There we’re going to have the opportunity to visit Stone Mountain and White Water. Also, the kids will have the chance to learn about pond ecology and canoeing and health and visit the Atlanta Motor Speedway and also take part in a ropes course where they can learn about teamwork.
Kyle Dean, Host: Wow. I was just up there near Stone Mountain at Stevenson High School which is literally like 5 miles away from Stone Mountain. So it is like this big thing looking at you (Hobbs: [laughing] Right.)
Keri Hobbs, Sumter County 4-H Agent: Oh and the kids definitely love it. They'll have a chance to see the laser show. And for many of them, it may be their first trip to even visit Atlanta. So it is a great experience to expose their kids to.
Kyle Dean, Host: And it might be the biggest mountain they've ever seen (laughing)
Keri Hobbs, Sumter County 4-H Agent:: (laughing) Right, oh certainly.
Kyle Dean, Host: Who can take advantage of camp this summer?
Morgan Bowen, Sumter County 4-Her: Anyone ages 9-19. You can check with your county to find out about specific camps available to Cloverleafs, Juniors and Seniors.
Kyle Dean, Host: Awesome.
Keri Hobbs, Sumter County 4-H Agent: And, we are also looking for volunteers to go and take part in these camps as well. And like Morgan said ages 9-19. However, we do separate them into 3 different age groups. So the 4th-6th graders will have a week of camp, and then also 7th and 8th graders have a week, and then 9th-12 graders get to take part in Senior Camp. And, we are recruiting volunteers for all of the above. You can do anything from spend a week over at the beach to crawl through the cave in Wilderness Challenge Camp (laughing).
Kyle Dean, Host: Now, is it too late to sign up?
Keri Hobbs, Sumter County 4-H Agent: It is not too late. Actually I encourage all to visit their local Extension Offices to find out where their counties are camping this summer. And if you are not familiar with how to contact your local Extension Office just call 1-800-ASKUGA and the number 1 and that will put them through to their county.
Kyle Dean, Host: 1-800-ASKUGA the number 1 and you can find out more information on camping dates for your county or you can contact your local Extension Office. Keri and Morgan, we appreciate your time, best of luck, safe travels and have fun.
Morgan Bowen, Sumter County 4-Her: Thanks so much.
Keri Hobbs: Sumter County Agent: Thank you.
Kyle Dean, Host: Alright we'll be back right after this on WTIF.