By Terry L. Hapney, Jr.
The Ironton Tribune

Children and teenagers in Lawrence County have opportunities to enjoy camps this summer thanks to the 4-H youth development program from the Ohio State University Extension offices in multiple southern Ohio counties.
Summer camps include one for children ages 5 to 8 years old, another for students in third to eighth grades and one for teenagers, ages 14-18.
Rachael Fraley, extension educator for 4-H Youth Development in the OSU Extension office at the Lawrence County Courthouse, said the camp for 5- to 8-year-olds, “Clover Buds,” is one overnight stay—this year on June 28 and 29.
“They get to experience camping with a parent,” Fraley said.
These children get a glimpse of what it is like to attend a full camp experience when they are older.
“They rotate through four stations in the evening, including a hike, a craft, outdoor rec/swimming and paddle boats in the pond,” Fraley said.
The young campers will enjoy a campfire that night along with a dance before heading home the next morning.
The other camps, Fraley said, are led by counselors who are in groups and cabins with the campers. The ALP (Adams Lawrence, Pike) Canter’s “Camp-O-Saurus” is June 3-6 for children in third to eighth grades. It is held at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp in Jackson.
“It has a dinosaur theme, but is very much the traditional camp experience,” Fraley said.
This camp includes sessions on fishing, hiking, paddle boats, swimming, crafts and outdoor rec activities. The deadline for this camp has passed for this year, but those interested should mark their calendars for next year.
The Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp also presents “Exploring STEM at Camp!” for youth in grades 5, 6, and 7—June 10-12. This camp focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in ways that “are unique and fun,” according to Fraley.
Youth explore the outdoors and learn about the science of the world around them through interactive sessions. Campers are engaged in traditional camp activities with a STEM spin, such as a campfire with a fire science or chemistry focus. This camp is also held at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, 1362 Caves Rd. in Jackson.
Parents and children who are interested in this camp may register through May 28 at go.osu.edu/4HSTEMCamp. For more information, contact Maddie Allman at allman.68@osu.edu or Joy Bauman at bauman.67@osu.edu.
The teen camp for ages 14-18 is June 21-24. Fraley said it is a traditional summer camp.
Locally, the OSU Extension will hold STEM programming from 10:30–11:30 a.m. every Friday in June at the Briggs Library in Ironton. It is open to elementary-age youth.
“They will explore the Sphero indi,” Fraley said.
A Sphero indi, according to the Sphero corporation, is a car-shaped robot “designed to introduce early learners (Pre-K and up) to the fundamentals of computational thinking, STEAM, and computer science principles in a fun and exciting way.”
Space is limited and registration is required. Parents and students who are interested may register at go.osu.edu/lawco4hbriggsdays or call 740-533-4322 for more information.
Finally, there are shooting sports camps scheduled at Canter’s this summer. While the junior shooting sports camp deadline has passed, teens interested in the senior shooting sports camp may still register.
“This is for grades 7 through 12,” Fraley said.
These students are with a certified Ohio 4-H shooting sports instructor.
“They are learning action archery, advanced pistol, rifle sports, marksmanship, and shotgun sports,” Fraley said. “It’s very hands on.”
Fraley said Canter’s is owned by 10 counties in southern Ohio. All of the OSU Extension offices’ 4-H groups have come together to celebrate the 75th year of Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp in 2024.
“Each office takes on a different role with the camps,” she said. “I’m the director of the Adams-Lawrence-Pike camp.”
At the local level, Fraley said her office will make sure Lawrence County parents and students are connected with the right people at the camps in which they are interested. For more information about the camps, call 740-533-4322 or visit lawrence.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development/4-h-camp.