The UNH 4-H Camps are offering a discount to UNH employees for summer 2006. The $50/session discount to UNH employees could add up to a maximum discount of $350 per family at the three camps, Barry Conversation Camp, Bear Hill Camp and Operation Military Camp NH.

UNH 4-H Camps promote positive youth development by providing a camp experience that encourages independence, generosity, mastery and belonging. They emphasize acceptance, health and fitness, communication, positive decision making abilities and social skills in a fun, informal, educational, inclusive environment.

Last year staff surveyed the parents of 849 campers. Over half of the responding parents believe their child is more interested in learning new things since camp, and almost a third of parents think their child discovered something they might like as a career or vocation. Most parents reported that their children learned something new about the natural environment while practicing new skills. One parent discovered her son “loved being in the woods, he loves being outdoors.” Parents also found that their children learned about the importance of eating well, exercising and getting the right amount of rest, according to over half of the parents.

One of the most important and rewarding things a child can do at summer camp is learn how to positively relate to others and make new friends. Over 80 percent of parents reported that their children had made new friends that were a positive influence while at camp and some parents (42%) reported that their children were getting along better with other children since their time at UNH 4-H camp. Perhaps the most important statistic to note is that 99 percent of campers reported to their parents that they had fun at camp.

UNH 4-H Camps recruit counselors from around the state, the country and even the world. The counselors, on average, are between 18 and 25 years of age. After interviews, reference checks and various other screening methods (including a State of NH Criminal Background check), staff participate in a mandatory pre-camp orientation where they are trained in child development, behavior management, activity leadership, health care, first aid, risk management and safety issues as well as other issues relevant to supporting our nurturing camp environment.

Camp is not just for the little ones. The popular Teen Series includes “On the Loose” Adventure Camp, Sports Conditioning Camp, Theatre Program (see the Blue Man Group) and an Island Adventure on the Isles of Shoals. For those looking to develop their leadership skills, there's also Leaders in Training and Mentor Programs or check out the Shooting Sports Sampler, Hunter Safety and Certification Program, Advanced Shooting Sports and the Aquatic Adventure Program.

To take advantage of the $50/session offer for USNH employees, include the following information with your registration form: name as it appears with Human Resources, the name of your department, as well as the name/campus phone number of your supervisor. Registrations must be received by May 1, 2006, and paid in full by June 1, 2006 to receive this discount. The discount does not apply to Family Camp Weekend.

For more information on 4-H camps, visit http://extension.unh.edu/4H/4HCamps.htm, call 2-2184 or email 4hcamps@unh.edu. UNH 4-H Camps are licensed by the State of New Hampshire and Accredited by the American Camp Association.