After two years of not being able to meet in person, 4-H N.B. was ecstatic to be able to finally resume our much-anticipated Cloverbud and Junior camp. On June 17th, 71 members and 20 chaperones all travelled to the beautiful Caton’s Island in Browns Flatt to spend the weekend making friends and having fun.
Friday evening started out with registration and some games. The night ended with ice cream Sundays and cake. Members headed off to their cabins to get a good night’s sleep before Saturday’s activities.
Saturday began with a craft session lead by Ashley Storey. Members got to paint rocks that were later hid around the island for members to find in the coming years. Following the crafts, Jacob McAffee and Josh McConchie lead the members on a nature hike around the island. The members skipped rocks along the shore and tried some delicious spruce gum.
In the afternoon, the Caton’s Island staff set up three stations for the members. Each member got to try out some low ropes, pellet guns/archery, and a rock climbing wall. In between sessions was a canteen, where members filled up on some sweet treats.
After supper, the 4-H volunteers helped the members tie dye their item that was brought from home. We had three colors set up and the members created some cool designs. Following tie dye, the Caton’s Island staff ran a group game. The 4-H chaperones took on the members in a 4 way ‘Capture the Flag’. Despite their efforts, the chaperones could not defeat the members. The night ended with a bonfire and fireworks.
On Sunday, the Caton’s Island staff ran a short Sunday chapel service for the members. Afterwards, each member got to make some friendship bracelets to share with their new camp friends or take to a friend at home. Finally, the time came to pack up and head home.
Despite some complaints about having to use wooden spoons to eat the ice cream, the weekend went smoothly, and everyone had a good time. It was great to see members creating new friendships and connecting with those they haven’t been able to see in a couple of years.
This event would not have been possible without our sponsor, Kubota, or all our fantastic chaperones that volunteered their weekend to come to camp. Thank you to everyone who stepped up to help out, especially the fantastic group of junior leaders that really connected with the members and reminded us why 4-H is so beneficial for all ages.
We already have our dates booked for next year, so pencil in June 16-18th, 2023 into your calendars!