By now, you have probably heard about an event that will be hosted at Millstone 4-H Camp called Pickin’ in the Pines.

Pickin’ in the Pines is a bluegrass and benefit concert presented by Millstone 4-H Camp on Oct. 21 with all the makings of being a “can’t miss” event. However, I would like to share with you why this event is so important to your local 4-H program and the youth that we serve.

For those who have recently sent their children to any camp, I am sure you can agree that camp is expensive! However, what camp offers a child is worth it’s weight in gold. Richmond County 4-H is extremely fortunate to receive funding from the United Way of Richmond County which allows our program to absorb a large portion of the cost for attending camp. However, that means we can only take about 30 Richmond County youth to camp. With additional scholarships provided by this event, more youth would be able to attend a week of camp at Millstone.

Youth come to Millstone 4-H Camp from all over the state of North Carolina. A typical week at camp costs about $440 dollars per child. This fee includes all food, snacks, activities and a T-shirt, but you can see where having multiple children would make camp almost impossible. With the help of Millstone Camp Director Keith Russell, five Richmond County youth were able to take advantage of attending Millstone’s Fur, Fish & Game camp held in July. I would like to share with you what a few of them thought of camp:

“This summer break I did something new. I went to a 4-H camp and at first I was nervous to be there. After all, by the end of the week, I did not want to leave. The staff there is really friendly, there food is amazing there and the whole time you are there, there is never a dull moment. I feel like nobody at all is left out. The staff are there for you and they respect you. I would love to go again next year.” — Ben De Aguilar, age 12.

“Have you ever been to a home-away camp? Well I have and it was the best one I’ve been to. The camp that I love is Camp Millstone. Millstone is a 4-H camp that is very fun. I loved it because we learned new songs and new games. We learned how to fish, kayak and how to shoot guns. My parents loved how we got a scholarship because we applied for it. I loved the opportunity that I had to learn new stuff and I think that you should have that opportunity.” — Caroline De Aguilar, age 10.

“Hello my name is Sabrina De Aguilar and what I liked about the free scholarship to camp Millstone for 4-H for guns was that I made new friends. I learned to shoot and I at first didn’t even like or know the different types of guns and then the instructors helped me and were very nice and that made it even more fun. The counselors I had were very nice and helped me and they were lots of fun and the counselors were very funny. That was very fun and the camp was so great I loved the camp and it was a great experience.” — Sabrina De Aguilar, age 10.

L.R. Harrell said it best when he said, “You will leave this place a different person, hopefully a better one.” When youth are given a chance to attend summer camp, they learn more about themselves and make memories that will last a lifetime. Your support of Pickin’ in the Pines and your local 4-H program are paramount to supporting the 4-H motto: To make the best better.

For more information on the Richmond County 4-H program or Pickin’ in the Pines, contact the Richmond County Extension Office at 910-997-8255 or email me at [email protected].

Alyson Hoffman is the 4-H youth development agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension office in Rockingham.

https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_EXTAlysonhoffman_mug.jpg

Daily Journal file photo Brcyon Hughes, from Kinston, nails the bull’s-eye of the target on the archery range at Millstone 4-H Camp in 2015.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_millstone_archery.jpgDaily Journal file photo Brcyon Hughes, from Kinston, nails the bull’s-eye of the target on the archery range at Millstone 4-H Camp in 2015.

Extension At Your Service

Alyson Hoffman