Youngsters search for birds using binoculars during a past Tama County 4-H Critter Camp program. Registration for 2024 4-H youth summer programs is open now and available to all youth in the county. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO.

TAMA COUNTY – Tama County 4-H is excited to offer the following summer programs to all youth of Tama County.

Find the camps and registration forms on our website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/tama/youth-programs. For more information, contact the Tama County Extension and Outreach Office at jhulme@iastate.edu or 641-484-2703, or visit the office located at 203 West High Street, in Toledo.

Haven Day Camp

Tama County 4-H, Tama County Conservation, and the Tama County Historical Society are teaming up to take your youth back in time! Youth will experience a one room schoolhouse, nature, snacks, activities and more. For youth who have completed grades K-5, this event will take place on June 10 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Old Haven Schoolhouse (2488 380th St Chelsea). Cost is $10 and registration is due by June 5. Bring a sack lunch.

Fishing Camp

Those who have completed grades 3-6 will learn the basics of fishing, laws, types of fish, lures/baits, knot tying and of course, time for fishing. This event will take place on Wednesday, June 12 at Union Grove State Park, Gladbrook, 9 am to 3 pm. FREE but space is limited! Registration due June 7. Bring a sack lunch.

Babysitting Basics

Those who have completed grades 5-12 will learn skills to care for infants/young children, develop an activity bag, and learn how to handle emergencies, feeding, diapering and more. This event takes place on Thursday, June 13 at the Traer Public Library, 10 am to 4 pm. Cost is $5 for enrolled 4-H members and $10 for non-4-H members. Bring a sack lunch. Register by June 7.

Critter Camp

For those who have completed Kindergarten – 3rd grade. Tama County Conservation and Tama County 4-H team up again with stories, games, crafts, snacks, meet a critter and learn about the great outdoors at Otter Creek Lake. This is a two- day camp, you choose morning or afternoon session – June 17 and June 18 (9 am to noon OR 1-4 pm). Cost is $10 and registration is due June 10.

LEGO® Engineering and Coding Camp

Those who have completed grades 3-6 will learn the basics of robotics, designing, building and programming LEGO® SPIKE™  creations in this fun, hands-on camp. Two camps will be held this year in Tama County. June 19th from 9 am to 3 pm at the Tama County Extension Office and June 20th from 10 am to 4 pm at the Traer Public Library. Cost is $10 for 4-H members and $15 for non-members. Bring a sack lunch. Registration is due June 12. Space is limited and this one fills up quickly, so sign up soon.

4-6th Grade Overnight Camp

Tama County will join Grundy, Hardin and Marshall Counties in a camp for those who have completed 4-6th grade on Friday, June 21st at 5 pm and end at 5 pm on Saturday, June 22nd. This is held at Pilgrim Heights Camp & Retreat Center (rural Montour). This year’s theme is “Treasure Island”– so plan on team building activities, projects, developing friendships, experiencing outdoor adventures and more. Cost is $100 for enrolled 4-H members and $125 for non 4-H members. Registration is due June 1.

State 4-H Conference

Held June 25-27 on the campus of Iowa State University, those who have completed 8-12th grade are invited for three days of speakers, workshops, dances, mixers, banquet, service-learning activities and more! You do not have to be enrolled in 4-H to attend. Cost is $225 and financial assistance is available. Deadline to register is June 1. Contact the Tama County Extension Office for registration information.

Outdoor Adventure Camp

Tama County 4-H partners with Tama County Conservation and Iowa Valley to give those who have completed grades 3-8 for an outdoor adventure. Held at Union Grove Lake on July 11 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, youth will choose five classes to participate in which includes canoeing, air riflery, nature art, nature photography, outdoor escape challenge, bird hike & nest building, container garden, critter catching and camp cooking. Cost is $20. Bring a sack lunch. Register online at https://ce.iavalley.edu/community/summer-youth-programs/outdoor-adventure-kids-camp/.

Luau at Camp Aloha

Three days and two nights of outdoor activities and “Luau at Camp Aloha” themed fun including team building, climbing wall, archery, creek walk, swimming, canoeing, campfire cooking, new friendships and more. This is a camp open to those who have completed 4-6th grade from Boone, Grundy, Hardin, Marshall, Story and Tama County. You do not need to be a 4-H member to participate. Camp is held August 7-9 at the Y Camp northwest of Boone. Cost is $225. Registration deadline is July 20th and is completed online https://www.extension.iastate.edu/boone/youth-outreach.

Fees, refunds, and more

The fees for service will be used to offset direct expenses of the program.

Full refunds will be issued if a camp is canceled due to low registrations or weather. No refund will be given for participants that cancel less than 48 hours in advance or do not show up.

The Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program provides opportunities for youth to develop skills that they can use now and throughout their lives. Iowa 4-H builds upon a century of experience as it fosters positive youth development that is based on the needs and strengths of youth, their families and communities.