4-H Delivers

4-H Hosts Special Needs Camp for Military Youth

THE ISSUE
There are very few opportunities for military youth with special needs to attend summer camps. Camps offer youth the opportunity to explore the natural environment in a safe and planned setting; residential camps also help youth to further develop a sense of independence away from their home and family. Camp programs also nurture positive relationships and help youth feel connected in an unfamiliar environment. 

Oftentimes, travel is expensive for military families because of their remote living locations. As a result, families cannot send youth members to summer camps. Camp Ronald provided families who wished to enroll their children, an opportunity for funding fees related to this camp. The camp provided families reimbursement for a large portion of travel. Camp Ronald was a specially designed camp for special needs youth who have a parent/loved one deployed oversees.

WHAT HAS 4-H DONE?
In collaboration with the Ronald McDonald House of Northern California and military partners including the Army Reserve, National Guard and Air Force, the CA 4-H Youth Development Program applied for a grant to support camp programming for military youth population with special needs.

THE PAYOFF

Special Needs Military Youth Experience Outdoor Adventure

37 special needs military youth from Alaska, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, and California who ranged from ages 8-18 attended Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake. Youth members with a broad spectrum of special needs from physical disabilities to autism participated in camp activities including archery, canoeing, swimming, sports, drama and theatre play, dancing, and fishing. 
All youth were encouraged to participate in drama and theatre play where they were given wardrobes and props to develop their own skits. Youth participants then practiced their skits and were offered tips and suggestions by Camp Ronald staff on ways to improve their skits. During the evening campfire program the participants displayed their skit on a stage with lights and music in front of a live and supportive audience. This activity allowed all campers the opportunity to perform on a stage in front of an audience for the very first time, some sang, some danced, some did comedy routines while others played supporting roles in elaborate skits. The applause they received and support from fellow campers, counselors and staff bolstered their self-esteem.

Military youth members participated in Camp Ronald without the presence of parents and/or guardians, had an opportunity to interact with other youth members who share similar interests and stories with camp counselors, staff and other campers. In a camp evaluation, 70% of the campers said camp activities gave them greater competence in making decisions and 78% responded that camp activities improved their confidence in social settings.