The 4-H Camp Pig Pen

Wilderness Camps for Kids

2012-02-24T13:23:00.001-06:00

Wilderness Camps for Kids

Check out this interview about summer camp's! Our very own program specialist, Abbie Parker, is one of the featured guests. Lots of good information and input from camp specialists.

How did camp impact your life?

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Day Camp!!

2012-02-23T16:42:00.000-06:00

More Camp News...

2012-02-22T13:39:00.000-06:00

Here is some of the latest camp news:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/4-h-center-hosts-free-friday-flicks-and-more
Find out more about Friday Night Flicks and our rates for summer camp

http://www.acacamps.org/sites/default/files/images/media_center/news/CampToday120203.pdf
Camp & 21st Century skills

http://www.acacamps.org/media/story-ideas/ten-things-you-didn%27t-know
Top 10 Things You didn't know about Camp

Happy Reading,

THE PIG

February Friday Night Flicks

2012-02-17T10:59:00.000-06:00

Join us at the Iowa 4-H Center one Friday a month for a movie, snacks, and family fun. The movie will begin at 7:00 p.m. and the location will be posted closer to the dates. Want to make an evening of it? Come at 6:00 p.m. and bring a picnic style dinner. Then after dinner explore the 4-H camp with the camp staff. Activities will vary with weather.

February 17th: Dolphin Tale

Check out the 2012 Resident Camp Brochure

2012-02-16T09:02:00.000-06:00

Only 107 more days till camp, REGISTER TODAY!

www.iowa4hcamp.com

Happy Valentine's Day From Us!

2012-02-14T10:04:00.000-06:00

Top 10 Reasons to be on the Iowa 4-H Center Camp Staff

2012-02-12T14:11:00.020-06:00

10. You get paid to be a kid!
9. A place to live and awesome food for the summer -- at no cost to you!
8. No cubicles or lack of vitamin D -- spend every day all day OUTSIDE
7. Do something NEW each day
6. Make new friends -- maybe even walk away with a camp family
5. Zip lines and pool time -- enough said
4. Hang out with AWESOME kids every day
3. Having fun while teaching (or learning side-by-side with your campers)
2. Helping shape the future generation
1. The chance to MAKE A DIFFERENCE each day

Apply Today:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/center/staff.htm

Camp Scholarships

2012-02-10T13:00:00.000-06:00

Financial assistance is available to all, 4-H membership is not a requirement.

Applications are due MARCH 1, 2012.

Families can apply to the Iowa 4-H Foundation for financial help to attend our summer camp sessions. 4-H membership is not required. Assistance is based on financial need and the total number of applicants.

Families must pay their own registration deposit ($50 or $75) per camper. Maximum award will be no greater than the member rate to attend Everything Camp ($399).

Additional financial assistance may be available through your county 4-H program. The 4-H Camp Financial Assistance Application and Guidelines are available at your local ISU Extension office or can be downloaded atwww.iowa4hcamp.com. .

Application Form: Camp Scholarship Form

Return the completed application and a copy of your camp registration form to your county Extension office by MARCH 1. Applicants will be notified by March 25, after which the camp registration form and deposit can be sent to the Iowa4-H Center.

Donations to the Iowa 4-H Foundation help provide support for camperships, maintenance and facility improvements.

Learn more at: http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ or call (515) 294-1537

Some great camp articles

2012-02-06T14:38:00.000-06:00

Want to learn more about the business of summer camp?! Need some convincing on why camp is such a great learning tool? Each week I will search the internet for great articles to share with my camp family. They may be about programs we offer here at the Iowa 4-H Center, camp research studies, or just fun articles about camp in general.

Please give me feedback on the articles that I am finding or you want me to find. I love a challenge!

Here are three for this week:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/4-h-center-offers-summer-wilderness-trips-youth
About our very own Summer Wilderness Trip Program. A great opportunity for youth ages 14-18.

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/story/2012-02-05/For-parents-the-search-for-summer-camp-is-on/52977278/1
An in depth look at how to choose a summer camp

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/nurturing-resilience/201202/summer-camps-make-kids-resilient
A look at how a great camp experience can build resilience in kids

Happy Reading!

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Winter Scenery

2012-02-06T14:25:00.000-06:00

NEW for 2012!

2012-02-02T13:00:00.000-06:00

The AquaClimb is our NEWEST attraction for the 2012 summer camp season. This poolside climbing wall will add an extra challenge to our climbing program. Pool time just got even better!

To learn more about the AquaClimb come visit camp on May 12th for our second annual Wall & Waffles fundraising event. We hope to see you there!

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

Life Lessons Learned at Camp

2012-01-31T17:19:00.000-06:00

Each summer thousands of kids head off to summer camp – but have you stopped to think about all the other benefits of camp?

Camp teaches critical thinking skills

Camp promotes community

Camp gives youth the chance to be outdoors in a safe environment

Camp help shapes future leaders

Help youth succeed in the future by giving them these important life skills. Register them today for camp. It’s the best gift you will ever give! Register for camp at www.iowa4hcamp.com.

Read "The Case for Camp -- Why kids need it more than ever" for more information

Wilderness Trips

2012-01-27T14:04:00.000-06:00

If you’re 14-18 years old, in good health, enjoy challenging yourself, and love camping and the outdoors, then one of these wilderness trips may be your next adventure! These are unique opportunities that combine wilderness travel, outdoor skill development, teamwork, environmental learning, and personal growth. They are led by trained volunteer adults, usually teachers and naturalists, who bring special skills and knowledge to the experience. Previous camping experience is desirable.

Wilderness Canoe Trek

Ages 14-18 July 28-August 4, 2012: $400
Leaders: Katie Hammond and Dan Cohen
This trip explores the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeast Minnesota. If you have a bit of canoeing experience and the strength and spirit to explore, this trip may be for you! . You will paddle across wilderness lakes, portage canoes and packs, fish for fun and food, read maps and use a compasses, live in tents without leaving a trace, cook meals in wilderness areas, and learn about the ecology of this magnificent area. Tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food, and transportation from the Iowa 4-H Center are all provided.

Porcupine Mountains Backpacking Trip

Ages 14-18 July 7-14, 2012: $400
Leaders: Lowell DeVries (another trip leader will be added)
Backpack with us through the beautiful Porcupine Mountains in the upper peninsula of Michigan. You’ll learn about wilderness ethics, outdoor living skills, and natural history while exploring the miles of trails. Tents, backpacks, cooking gear, food, and transportation from the Iowa 4-H Center are all provided.

Register Online:

http://form.jotform.com/form/13424129989

Download the Registration Form:

Wilderness Trip Registration

Camp Scholarships!

2012-01-26T10:58:00.001-06:00

Applications are due MARCH 1, 2012.

Families can apply to the Iowa 4-H Foundation for financial help to attend our summer camp sessions. 4-H membership is not required. Assistance is based on financial need and the total number of applicants.

Families must pay their own registration deposit ($50 or $75) per camper. Maximum award will be no greater than the member rate to attend Everything Camp ($399).

Application Form: Camp Scholarship Form

Return the completed application and a copy of your camp registration form to your county Extension office by MARCH 1. Applicants will be notified by March 25, after which the camp registration form and deposit can be sent to the Iowa 4-H Center.

Donations to the Iowa 4-H Foundation help provide support for camperships, maintenance and facility improvements.

Learn more at: http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ or call (515) 294-1537

Wanted: CAMP STAFF

2012-01-18T14:08:00.003-06:00

Are you still looking for an awesome summer job -- well look no further as the Iowa 4-H Center is hiring for the 2012 camp season.

We will be hosting two interview days at camp on Saturday February 18th and Saturday March 24th. Come and meet past & returning camp staff, get a tour of the 4-H Center, get a taste of a day at camp, and get interviewed. The interview days will start at 1 p.m. and go till 5 p.m. Come at any point or stay the whole afternoon. It's a great way to find out if the Iowa 4-H Center is the right place for you!

Please email Abbie (Iowa 4-H Center Program Specialist -- aeparker@iastate.edu) if you are interested in coming or if you would like more information.

In the meantime, check out this cool video about our camp staff and what you get to do all summer!!

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Save the Date!

2012-01-17T11:23:00.005-06:00

We hope you have January 20th saved -- if not SAVE THE DATE!

Join us for Friday Night Flicks at 7:00 p.m. We will be showing:

We hope to see you, your family, or your club at Friday Night Flicks!

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Friday Night Flicks

2012-01-10T13:00:00.000-06:00

Friday Night Flicks

At the Iowa 4-H Center

January 20^th: Smurfs

February 17^th: Dolphin Tale

March 30^th: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Saturday April 28^th: Cars 2

(The movie night is also the date of the camp’s volunteer day)

4-H Membership is not required, all ages welcome!

Free will donations accepted at the door

1991 Peach Ave. Madrid, Iowa 50156 · www.iowa4hcamp.com

Immersion in Wellness Camp Experience

2012-01-09T11:45:00.002-06:00

NEW this summer is an opportunity for youth to have fun with food and physical activity during their camp experience.

This camp experience is part of a research study and participants will receive up to a $65 camp scholarship.

Participating youth will:

· care for the camp garden

· harvest garden produce

· handle produce in a safe manner

· prepare produce in a safe manner

· be active and have fun

To learn more, visit www.iowa4hcamp.com and click on the "immersion in wellness camp experience" link.

Guess what?!

2012-01-06T13:00:00.000-06:00

It's time to register for camp 2012!

On-line registration is now available at www.iowa4hcamp.com and with only 148 days till the 2012 camp season I highly encourage you to register early!

Why register early you ask, well here are my top three reasons why:

3. Early Bird Discount -- this discount is earned for overnight camp registration if deposit and registration are received by April 1, 2012. You can get up to $20 off!

2. It's less stressful -- by registering now you don't have to worry about doing it later, you have months to get the paperwork done, and it's one less thing on your to-do list!

1. It's the cool thing to do! -- Camp 2012 is going to be awesome and we want you there!

There are over 30 specialty camps to choose from, with 7 new ones added to the mix. There is even a camp for the whole family! To check out all the cool camps for 2012 download the camp sessions click here for OVERNIGHT CAMP or DAY CAMP.

I can't wait to see you for camp 2012.

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Oh What Fun...

2012-01-03T10:56:00.000-06:00

Winter Hullabaloo was such a blast. Here is the last of the pictures -- this little piggy was tired from all the camp activities that I had to give myself a vacation. Enjoy the rest of the pictures and just think summer camp is only 155 days away!!

Making Sock Snowman

Glitter glue for the nose!

Check out that fun sock hat!

Hard at work making snowmen masterpieces

Tada!

This is fun

Creating our own snowstorm by making snowflakes

A colorful snowflake

A great snowflake creation

Enjoying those sugar cookies -- now frosted and decorated

Yummy!

Ice Skating Extravaganza!

2011-12-30T17:09:00.000-06:00

Yesterday afternoon we headed into Ames to go ice skating at the ISU Hockey arena. It was great fun!

Winter Hullabaloo -- What we've done so far

2011-12-29T14:04:00.000-06:00

Winter Hullabaloo campers arrived at 6:00 p.m. last night and boy have we already had so much fun.

Last night we went on an awesome night hike, the sky was clear so lots of stars could be seen. Then we had a campfire and roasted some s'mores. Yum Yum! After s'mores the counselors put on a few skits for us and led us in campfire songs.

This morning we have done all sorts of things.

Making some yummy sugar cookies

These guys can't wait to decorate those cookies

Putting some muscle into rolling out the dough

Sugar cookies ready for the oven -- decorations to come later!

Making tortilla snowflakes for a yummy snack

I wonder what design this will turn out to be?!

Some pretty cool snowflake making

Hard at work

Cutting is almost as fun as eating

The finished product!

Now off to go ice skating. Check back for more pictures later.

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Only 4 days left....

2011-12-19T13:34:00.000-06:00

There is still time to sign-up for Winter Hullabaloo at the Iowa 4-H Center. Go to www.iowa4hcamp.com and sign up today for this winter wonderland celebration.

Highlights of the camp will be:

Snowman building (outside if there is snow, inside as a fun craft if no snow!)

Finding the big dipper on a night hike

Baking some yummy cookies

Some crazy games -- minute to win it style

Snow tubing at Seven Oaks in Boone

Plus much more! Winter Hullabaloo is for youth ages 8-12, costs $110, and it will be the highlight of winter break. Registrations are open till Friday December 23rd -- you can register online now! We hope to see you at Winter Hullabaloo.

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Friday Night Flicks

2011-12-14T11:49:00.000-06:00

Friday December 30th will mark the first Friday Night Flicks! Join us at camp for a movie, some popcorn, and seeing camp friends.

This month's movie is

This family friendly flick will be fun for all ages. Friday Night Flicks is a FREE event and we encourage families and friends to come, 4-H membership is not required.

Join us at 7:00 p.m. on Friday December 30th for this fun event.

Hope to see you there!

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

There is still time...

2011-12-12T15:09:00.002-06:00

Are you dreading the "I'm bored" statement from your child this winter break? Sign them up for Winter Hullabaloo at the Iowa 4-H Center to help cure the winter blues.

Youth ages 8-12 can join us for a winter wonderland celebration, camp style December 28-30th. Campers will enjoy snow tubing, winter night hikes, lots of crafts, games, and more. They will stay in heated cabins and hang out with awesome counselors.

Register Today for Winter Hullabaloo!

Fee: $110, includes everything

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Peachy Adventures -- a visit down under to New Zealand!

2011-12-09T14:59:00.000-06:00

Peachy has just returned from visiting a former staff member in New Zealand -- looks like he had a grand time. Here is what Lucy said about Peachy's visit:

I took some photos when Peachy and I were back in Auckland at my family home by the beach! He was able to see my house, he met my dog Otto and ate some yummy home made bread! We went for a walk to the sea and enjoyed the lovely sunshine! It is now summer in New Zealand so we will be swimming a lot and eating strawberries from the garden. I have just finished my first year of primary school teacher training!

Walking to the Beach (I love visiting during Iowa's winter!)

Hanging out with Lucy!

Lucy's house in Auckland

Otto wasn't so sure about my visiting

Yummy bread that Lucy made and shared with me

The beautiful view, I might stay here awhile!

Lucy worked at the Iowa 4-H Center for two summers -- one summer as a counselor and the other summer as a Day Camp Team Leader. She is now going to school to be a teacher! Thanks Lucy for taking Peachy on an adventure.

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Winter Hullabaloo -- REGISTER TODAY!

2011-12-06T09:35:00.002-06:00

Winter Hullabaloo will be the event of winter break to attend. No more cries of "I'm bored" as campers will enjoy snow tubing, winter night hikes, lots of crafts, games, and more. Winter Hullabaloo is a winter celebration, camp style!!

You can now REGISTER ON-LINE! So in a few quick and easy steps you can be registered for the winter wonderland celebration December 28-30th. All youth ages 8-12 are invited (4-H membership is not required) for this 2 night, 3 day camp.

I hope to see you at Winter Hullabaloo during winter break. We are going to have so much fun!

Sign up today -- 4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Boone Holiday Lights Parade

2011-12-02T13:28:00.000-06:00

Jess putting a pretty scarf on me

Jess & Bill putting the final touches to the float

Isn't my scarf grand!

A few of the other floats

Look Santa even came!

Here I come, down main street. Thanks Kenton for being a good driver

I like my holiday look

Aren't I just a pretty sight

There I go

What a great time!

My friends at R & W

Thanks for helping get our float ready!

The Boone Holiday Lights parade was last night and I had a blast. Thank you to my friends Bill, Jess, Drew, and Kenton for helping out. Thanks Abbie & Nate for taking my pictures and bringing me home. It was a great night full of friends and holiday spirit.

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

The Best Summer Job on the Planet

2011-11-30T15:00:00.003-06:00

Join our summer staff! Applications are available December 1.
www.iowa4hcamp.com

Come Say Hi!

2011-11-30T08:37:00.001-06:00

It's the annual Holiday Lighted Parade in Boone and I am going to be in it!!

Come say hi to me and some other 4-H Camp friends during the parade through downtown Boone. The event starts at 7 p.m. and goes till 7:30 p.m. on Thursday December 1st.

I'm going to be all dressed up in holiday lights, check back for pictures, but even better come get your picture taken with me :)

I hope to see you there!

PS If you would like to be in the parade with me, contact Abbie today! 515-795-3338 or aeparker@iastate.edu

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Happy Turkey Day!

2011-11-24T09:45:00.018-06:00

I'm thankful for not being a turkey today.....

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Iowa 4-H Center. We are so very thankful for our camp family. From the bottom of my pig heart, THANK YOU, for your continued support of camp. We truly appreciate you and your families.

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Give the Gift of Camp

2011-11-23T15:30:00.001-06:00

A visit to Oak...

2011-11-21T09:32:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Oak!

Welcome to Twin Oak!

With a newly remodeled kitchen, Oak is a favorite year-round rental.

It's comfy and cozy for family get togethers

I love these leather couches, a perfect place to sit and relax!

Oak sleeps 16 people and Twin Oak sleeps 20

One of my favorite places to hang in the winter, Oak Village. It is a comfy cozy place to spend time in. Plus it has a brand new kitchen for me to whip up my favorite treats in!! Check it out for your family getaway this year (or any event you have you planned).

Come visit soon!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

A visit to Elm...

2011-11-18T09:31:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Elm Lodge! This lodge is open year-round and a perfect place to host a family getaway

This village can sleep up to 72 people or as few as 24.

-- there are 3 building in this village: Main Elm, South Elm, and North Elm. Each building sleeps 24 people.

. They can be rented as a whole unit or individually.

Main Elm has a big kitchen, while South & North Elm have smaller kitchenettes.

When planning your winter getaway think of visiting the Iowa 4-H Center. We host family reunions, retreats, church groups, birthday parties, corporate events, and more. We are open year-round and I would love the company!!

Hope to see you soon.

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Top 5 Reasons To Give the Gift of Camp to Your Favorite Camper

2011-11-16T09:48:00.002-06:00

5. The AWESOME counselors and camp staff -- they are the best Caring Adults in the world and know how to make camp fun.

4. The chance to take HEALTHY risks, alongside those AWESOME Caring Adults.

3. The ability to try NEW things (or trying things in a different way). Camp is a great place for a camper to push outside their comfort zone and try out something new.

2. To get your camper OUTSIDE -- they will have the chance to learn healthy lifestyles by running, playing, getting dirty, and enjoying the great outdoors.

1. They can just be a kid and have FUN!!!!

Give the Gift of camp TODAY! You can find a gift certificate application at www.iowa4hcamp.com or call 515-795-3338 and request the gift of camp.

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

P.S. Have you signed up for Winter Hullabaloo yet? There is still plenty of time. SIGN UP TODAY!

Peachy Adventures -- a visit to Zambia

2011-11-09T15:00:00.002-06:00

Hello from Zambia!

I have started on my adventures around the world by visiting a former staff member (’05,’06) who was also a camper before my time at the Iowa 4-H Center. Mary Fuller worked for two summers and we spent a lot of time together when I lived out at the Farm Camp Site. She was even there the first time I climbed to the top of the tower! Now Mary lives and works in Zambia, which is located in south central Africa. It took over twenty hours in an airplane to get here!

Mary has been working as a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) for about two and a half years. She is currently working at a place called Kasanka National Park, which is located in the middle of the country. Kasanka is home to lots of great animals – antelope, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and even my cousin, the warthog! She works with the Community Relations Project, which basically means she works with the communities around the park to promote wildlife conservation, income generation and food security issues. They also work with schools to do educational programs, both within the area and for visiting groups. I was lucky this week; there was a school group visiting from Lusaka. Thirty-three kids from a 6^th grade class came to visit the park for the week. It was just like being at camp again!

During the week, we did lots of fun activities and saw some great things. By visiting in November, I was able to see one of the biggest mammalian migrations in the world – that of some five million straw-colored fruit bats. These bats come to Kasanka every year on their way across Southern Africa. Each night at sunset for about a month the sky is filled with these bats as they make their way to look for food. It was amazing to see! We also went on a game drive through the park and saw different kinds of lots of antelope, including puku, common duiker, bushbuck, and sitatunga. We also saw lots of birds, crocodiles, and warthogs!

We went to visit the David Livingstone Memorial. Dr. Livingstone died in a village near Kasanka in 1873. His heart was buried there, while his body was then carried across Zambia and Tanzania to the coast. We stopped at a nearby school to visit the kids and play some games. The kids from Baobab had held a fundraiser and brought some school supplies to donate to this school. The school was visited is a community school, which means that the community supports the school, including paying the teacher salaries and all the other costs for the school. These schools are the ones that are most in need of donations and the schools that we try to support the most. We played soccer and netball with the school kids and I think that everyone enjoyed the day.

It was a great week to visit Kasanka National Park and it was fun to see Mary again! Zambia is an interesting country, and I fully enjoyed my visit.If you want to know more about Kasanka, visit their website at www.kasanka.com. If you are interested in making a donation to the school please contact Mary Fuller at maryefuller04@gmail.com.

Thank you to Mary for letting Peachy come explore Zambia with her. If you are interested in taking Peachy on an adventure, email us at iowa4hcamp@gmail.com.

4-H CAMP LOVE,

PEACHY

Winter Hullabaloo

2011-10-26T15:00:00.003-05:00

Have you heard?!

Have you heard about Winter Hullabaloo?!

It's going to be the best thing since sliced bread -- or at least that is what CIT Bill keeps telling me.

Winter Hullabaloo is the Iowa 4-H Center's winter camp! Campers age 8-12 can come and spend three days, two nights at the 4-H camp during their winter break. This celebration of winter wonderland will take place December 28-30, 2011 and cost $110 for the event.

Campers will enjoy snow tubing (weather pending), a winter night hike, lots of crafts, games, and more. It will celebrate winter, camp style!

Registration forms can be found at www.iowa4hcamp.com. We will accept registrations up till December 23rd, but register today as spots will be limited!

Now you've heard -- sign up for Winter Hullabaloo.

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

camp adventures ...

2011-10-25T18:25:00.000-05:00

Hi friends!

It was another lovely, warm fall day at camp today ... one of the last, I'm afraid! :( I'm trying to finish up my exploring before it gets too chilly outside. Once that happens, I'll have to find a warm spot to curl up for the winter.

Anywho, I visited Sand Cabin today. Sand is only a few feet away from Mockernut and also only a few feet from Hickory Lodge.

A counselor, with the help of Design Star campers, remodeled Sand last summer. I love the calm blue paint that covers the walls inside the cabin, as well as the beautiful curtains that cover the windows ... they give Sand a very peaceful aura.

The light covers, made out of dangling ribbons, are also really fun.

I also really enjoy how close the cabin is to the lodge Lodge ... it's always nice to only have a few feet to go after a shower! :)

Check out the pictures; hopefully you'll feel the same way about Sand that I do!

Cheers,

*THE PIG*

camp adventures ...

2011-10-24T18:43:00.000-05:00

Hi friends!!!! :)

I did some more adventuring at camp today ... it was another gorgeous fall day out here. I stopped by Mockernut Cabin and captured some indoor and outdoor pics to share with y'all.

Mockernut is relatively near the last cabin we explored (Big Bud). It also only a few feet away from Sand Cabin! I really enjoy Mockernut's spacious atmosphere; the beds are laid out in an open way that really appeals to me.

Also, I love the cabin's closeness to the trail; it makes it easy for me to wake up early and go for a brisk morning hike.

When Mockernut was remodeled earlier this year, the 4-H group added lots of fun, small paintings to the walls that help create a warm, friendly aura in the cabin.

Check out the pictures and let me know what you think! :)

Cheers,

*THE PIG*

Camp Travels ... :)

2011-10-18T17:23:00.000-05:00

Hi friends!!!!

I did some more adventuring around camp today .. I'm over half way through the Hickory Cabins! :( Today, I stopped by Big Bud cabin ... home of last summer's epic man cave.

From what I could tell ... all evidence of the man cave has disappeared. Except for the rather manly painting on Big Bud's wall. ;)

Big Bud is the only Hickory Cabin that has a porch, and is also the only Hickory Cabin that is surrounded on all sides by trees! I really enjoy spending time on the porch when I'm at Big Bud ~ it gives me a chance to experience camp life from my own front door and I love it.

Check out the pictures and stay warm ~ it's starting to get chillier outside!

Cheers,

*THE PIG*

Extreme Cabin Makeover -- Take 2

2011-10-18T14:30:00.001-05:00

I have been visiting the Hickory Cabins lately, showing you around, but did you know that they were part of the Extreme Cabin Makeover? Well they were such a success that we are doing a second round and need clubs to help!

What is Extreme Cabin Makeover you ask? After a fun camp in 2010 that re-did Sand cabin in Hickory, the staff at the 4-H Center decided that Hickory cabins could all use some love and attention. They challenged 4-H clubs in the area to participate in Extreme Cabin Makeover to re-do a cabin for the 2011 camp season. Clubs came together, adopted a cabin, and then started to work.

All the cabins received a fresh coat of paint (or varnish), some fun designs, and a deep cleaning. Some clubs put in new lighting, carpet, storage systems, and more. It was so cool to watch the process from start to finish. Most clubs did all the repairs and additions through funding through a grant (called Reach out Iowa) or by fundraising.

With such success of this project, the Iowa 4-H Center is challenging all groups to help make a difference in our facilities at camp. You can find out more information here: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/applications-available-2012-iowa-4-h-center-extreme-cabin-makeovers You can also find pictures on our facebook group (search for The Iowa 4-H Center) and here on the blog (scroll to past posts!).

I hope that you and your club participate. It's so much fun and you get to make a HUGE impact on camp. Contact Abbie (at aeparker@iastate.edu) if you are interested.

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Camp Travels ... :)

2011-10-17T16:38:00.000-05:00

Hi friends!!!!

Sorry it's been so long ... I've been traveling around camp, but it's been so gorgeous outside that I haven't spent much time inside blogging. Anywho, I visited Carolina Cabin and have some pics and such to share with y'all! :)

Carolina Cabin is one of my favorite Hickory Cabins ... hands down. Although who am I kidding ... I love all of the cabins in that village!

Hope the pics give you a taste of what Carolina is like ~ come visit sometime so you can join me on one of my adventures!!!!!

Carolina is the only cabin with a natural wood interior instead of a painted wood interior and it really makes me feel closer to the outdoors. :) Carolina is located near the center of Hickory Village and I really enjoy being close to the lodge, the inspiration point, and all the other cabins.

Also, since it's recent remodel, Carolina has the amazing camp song "Linger" printed on the walls ... and that always puts me in a reflective sort of mood and reminds me why I love camp so much.

Cheers,

*THE PIG*

THANK YOU

2011-10-14T13:32:00.000-05:00

Thank you to the volunteers who came out and Made a Difference on October 8th. Over 50 volunteers helped us some big projects. Those included:

* Roofing Linden Lodge
* Restocking Wood Bins
* Closing down Maple Cabins
* Moving the pool reels
* Cutting firewood
* GPSing routes for the adventure race (more info on that later!!)
* Cleaning up program areas

And many, many more. We are so thankful for all the helpful hands. Without our volunteers we couldn't get a lot of these things done. It's amazing what one day with many hands can do for camp. From the bottom of my pig heart, I THANK YOU!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Don't Forget!!

2011-10-07T09:08:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is Make a Difference Day at the 4-H Camp. I hope to see you there!!

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call and let us know you are coming (that way we have enough food!!) 515-795-3338.

2011-10-03T22:53:00.000-05:00

Hi friends,

I went on another hike today and explored our next Hickory cabin. I’m so excited to share some fun facts about the cabin and some pictures with all of you! :) It was a glorious day at the 4-H Camp today – I think the temperature was over 80 degrees!!! Now if only there was some mud for me to roll around in … ;)

Anywho … forget about the mud … I probably shouldn’t be rolling around in the mud while I’m exploring the spectacular Hickory cabins. I would probably forget to wipe my feet and make a muddy mess … and with all the beautiful weather we’ve been having … I definitely do NOT want to be stuck inside cleaning up after myself!

Back to today’s hike and my explorations – the cabin I checked out today was Swamp cabin! :) It is the largest cabin in Hickory and has recently acquired a rather nautical feeling – the walls are covered in fresh white paint and bright blue and white striped curtains cover each of the windows.

Swamp is also the only cabin with a couch and I love it!!! It's such a wonderful place to take a nap when I don't feel like curling up on my bed. And ... it's also a wonderful spot to sit during cabin chats over the summer.

I really enjoy the bright, cheerful atmosphere inside Swamp, as well as how clean and spacious it feels. Swamp is also near the center of Hickory village, so I enjoy spending time at this central location during the summer months so I can keep up on what’s going on with all the campers in Hickory. Lastly, I like that Swamp is right next to the trail to the Hickory inspiration point – it makes it easy for me to tag along for night hikes and touching cabin chats.

Check out the pictures and see if you agree with me about Swamp – talk to you soon! :)

G’night,

*THE PIG*

2011-10-01T20:32:00.002-05:00

Heya pals!!!!

Today was another gorgeous, sparkling fall day here at camp, so I decided to explore another Hickory cabin. I spent some time in Shellbark and also enjoyed tagging along on a hike to Richardson’s Creek. I’m afraid I forgot my camera for the hiking trip, though, so you’ll have to wait for pictures of the creek area.

As for Shellbark, I really enjoy the camouflage theme inside the cabin … it creates a cozy atmosphere and helps me feel close to the outdoors. Also, Shellbark’s location on the edge of the forest really appeals to me because it means that I can wake up near the immense amount of wooded area that makes camp beautiful.

In addition, I love the bright orange cabinetsinside the cabin … they demonstrate the team spirit of the group who decoratedShellbark and show camp’s willingness to embrace individuality and creativity.

That’s all for now friends … I’ll share more HickoryCabins with you soon!!!!

Cheers,

*THE PIG*

A day in life beyond the camp season. Guest Blogger: Drew Demery

2011-10-01T10:30:00.000-05:00

...Well here I am again, back at camp for the afternoon and fall has definitely settled in. It's quiet here at Oak Inspiration point, except for the distant hum of insects buzzing and a crow calling. The leaves under my feet are beginning to crunch, but the trees are still full and green. I've already seen 3 separate deer in the last 15 minutes.

It seems I can never fully leave this place, it draws me back year after year. It's in my day dreams, never far from my thoughts, but these moments when I get to come back are what I cherish most. A memory with every step I take. Children playing, laughter all around, and some of the most peaceful times I will ever be part of. What a journey it has been. It's because of this place, the people I've met here, and the most touching moments one can experience that I now know what the saying "Home away from Home" means.

This place is special because it is home to so many. It embraces you, nurtures you, and you really feel the caring attitude. Coming to camp is a new beginning for anyone who enters. Camp has definitely filled a void in my life that I didn't even know existed. A place to be accepted, loved, and embraced. It has given me a chance to be myself...in every way I could ever want. I've been goofy, I've been brought to tears, I've been outside and indoors, slept under the stars, and in almost every cabin here at camp. In the last 6 years I've been given the opportunity to be myself like no other place in the world.

Now that camp is done my life is kinda dull. I stay busy, but this type of busy can't compare to the busyness that I had at camp, where every moment was an adventure. As autumn comes and the sun moves across the blue sky, all I feel is a deeply rooted passion to linger a little bit longer...

Drew is a 6 year staff member and past camper. He has done about everything at camp and is currently working and living in Boone, Ia. Thanks Drew for sharing your camp story!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

2011-09-29T18:43:00.003-05:00

Hi friends!!!!

While I wait for Peachy to get back from his adventures,I decided to do some traveling of my own. I’m going to visit each of thevillages and other interesting spots around camp and share some pictures andfun facts with all of you. Enjoy! :)

Today, I stopped by Hickory Village. Hickory is a really special place to me – a lot of our overnight campers stay in the Hickory cabins during the summer, so I usually spend my days chilling inside the lodge or outside a particular cabin. Campers and especially the CITs enjoy using me to play lots of CA (camp appropriate :) ) pranks on each other and I love it!

Anywho, I’m rambling – I apologize! I visited Shagbark Cabin today. Let’s just say, it felt good to be back.

The cheerful zebra curtains do an amazing job of making the cabin’s atmosphere “bedazzly” and bright, and the beds in there always look so comfortable! And, of course, I love how close Shagbark is to Hickory Lodge and the GaGa pit. More on the GaGa pit later …

I can’t wait to show you the remaining cabins in Hickory,as well as the rest of camp! Be looking for more posts later this week!!!!

Cheers,
THE PIG

Make a Difference Day

2011-09-28T14:30:00.004-05:00

It's almost time for Make a Difference Day!! I hope you have saved October 8th in your calendars will make your way out to camp to help us. Many projects will be done and we need our terrific volunteers to get them done.

Check out the details here:

Make a Difference Day Information

Hope to see you there.

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Let's go on some adventures!

2011-09-26T08:59:00.000-05:00

Hello -- how is everyone doing this sparkly, sunny fall day?? It has been beautiful out here at the 4-H Camp and I am enjoying watching the trees change with the fall season. I invite you all out here to the camp to check it out too. It really is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, if I do say so myself!

I would like to introduce you to someone special in my life that is going to help me embark on some new adventures. Meet Peachy the Pig – this friendly pig is going to travel the world and help me explore outside the 4-H Camp. My size and love for camp makes it pretty hard to leave, so I’m sending Peachy on some adventures.

Peachy is going to be mailed to staff, CITs, and campers who are doing cool 4-H things or visiting interesting places. Once Peachy arrives in the mail (or as an email, we try to be techy around here too) the recipient will take me with them to a 4-H activity, fun new spot, or something that they want to share with their 4-H camp family. The recipient will take a picture of Peachy enjoying the adventure. Then, they will print out the picture and mail the picture (and me!) to my next destination. I’m really hoping that I get to travel abroad ~ maybe I’ll go to Scotland to see Gabby or Australia and New Zealand to see Caitlin and Lucy. Or maybe I'll stay right here in Iowa and get to help Drew make some pottery, go to a football game with Rob & Michael, or learn some new dance moves with Leslie & Danielle. The sky is the limit!!

Please help me start camp family adventures by submitting a request to have Peachy come visit ~ I really hope you’ll invite Peachy to come and spend a few days with you!!!!! You can send your requests to iowa4hcamp@gmail.com or post a comment below.

I am so excited to visit new places and see new things via Peachy!!!! 

Cheers,
THE PIG

Skills you learn at camp

2011-09-20T13:13:00.001-05:00

At camp so many skills are learned and this article that I read from the American Camp Association hit the nail on the head. Our counselors do many of the same things with the kids that come to camp!!

http://www.campparents.org/newsletter/1109/bringing-it-home-camp-learned-skills

I hope that all the campers learned something at camp, even if it was that being clean helps win the cleanest cabin!!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

What we did at camp this summer!

2011-09-13T15:21:00.000-05:00

Save the Date!

2011-09-07T14:29:00.000-05:00

Save the date and come visit me at camp on October 8th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mark your calendars and join us at the Iowa 4-H Center for Make a Difference Day. This volunteer day will be held rain or shine! Come for the morning, the afternoon, or stay the whole day. Volunteer as a family, or friends bring your 4-H Club, or invite your co-workers for a great day of service.

A continental breakfast will be served in Linden Lodge at 9 a.m. where daily projects will be announced. Lunch will be provided at noon. Please call the camp office to confirm if you are coming and how many in your group so we can plan accordingly for food. We appreciate this!

Overnight lodging is available if you would like to make this a weekend affair. For 4-H Clubs the overnight rate is $7 per person for Friday or Saturday night. Space is limited so please call the camp office to reserve a spot today!

Some of my summer travels...

2011-08-18T14:03:00.000-05:00

So blogging in the summer was not my first priority -- sorry guys! I hope to get better at multitasking (or should I call it pig tasking?!) in the future, I just had so much fun with all my new friends that it was hard to stop all the fun and write it down. Hopefully a few of my camp friends will help me share stories from this past summer though.

I wanted to share some fun pictures of my journeys around camp this summer....

Getting buried by some new friends and CITS

Looking pretty cool with a sweet Lei

With a little help from my friends I can go anywhere around camp

Hanging out with a new friend and one of my favorite counselors, Andrea

It was a tight squeeze!

Everything Campers moving me to the pond!

If anyone else has pictures/adventures to share please post them or email them to my assistant Abbie (aeparker@iastate.edu) We would love to share them all with our 4-H Camp Family!

I hope you have enjoyed a glimpse at my crazy life, more tales to come!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

I've Been Busy...

2011-07-14T11:39:00.001-05:00

So sorry for the lack in posting. Since the last post we have had a least 300 kids come to the 4-H camp and they have been keeping me SO BUSY!! I hope to get back on track now though.

I wanted to share a few adventures that have happened this week.

* Two counselors decided to become ULTIMATE Harry Potter fans and declared it Harry Potter week at camp. We have played games of Quidditch, dressed up like characters to the camp dance, have wands, and casting spells all over camp. It has been a lot of fun! I just hope Voldemort doesn't cause any issues, this little piggy likes living at the 4-H Camp!

* Outdoor Iron Chef is my new favorite camp! There is still another session this summer and I HIGHLY suggest signing up for it. These campers have made some tasty treats and are having a lot of fun.

I hope that everyone is checking out our Youtube channel for the fun videos that get posted. There have been a lot of fun things going on these past few weeks.

Check back later for another report about camp!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Took a little Dive

2011-06-14T14:12:00.000-05:00

Late last night I decided to go for a swim, so some friends of mine helped me get to the pool. They helped me get on the diving board! What a fun adventure. Pictures will come later :)

Second Week of Camp Starts Today

2011-06-12T14:09:00.000-05:00

It is our first FULL week of camp, but second week all together. Boy are we ready, but the weather doesn't seem to be. Say some extra wishes for a good weather week -- that storm last week was a big one (blew me over actually!) and camp doesn't need any more rain. My piggy toes are filthy and wet, yuck mud!

This week we will be hosting campers participating in Operational Military Kids camp (or OMK as we call it around here) and Southwest Iowa. A great bunch of kids that always get me jazzed. Our own state campers will be participating in Ready-Aim-Shoot, UnCamp, Super Soaking, Horse'N Around, Everything Camp, and Creative Camp. Plus day camp. Wow, I'm already exhausted from all the fun I know we are going to have.

Here's to good weather, fantastic campers, and loads of fun!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Where did the H's Go?!

2011-06-06T19:55:00.000-05:00

The H's have all been stolen from the 4-H camp...and nobody knows who did it! For evening program the campers are out asking all the staff who stole the H's to figure out this mystery. I know that I didn't do it. A big blue pig would be pretty noticeable stealing the H's from the dining hall. Maybe it was Michelle, she did spend a lot of time there.....

Hopefully we will figure out who done it so we can once again be complete. We can't be the 4-H camp with out our head, heart, hands, and health.

Check back later for a fully report, I think I might have a few guesses who the caper is.

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

First Day!

2011-06-06T08:24:00.001-05:00

It is the official first day of camp and boy is it HOT, but I'm loving seeing the counselors and kids smiling from ear to ear happy to be here.

The kids sang all the way to the pool last night on their trek around camp. Make sure you check out Bunk 1 for pictures all this week! The campfire was a lot of fun too. We sang songs, listened to a story, had a good laugh at a skit, and ate some yummy snacks. Then off to bed!

Have you seen the new parent page on the 4-H Camp's website. Go here: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/center/ParentPage.htm to get updates about what is happening around camp, some daily pictures/videos, and quick links to other links (such as my blog). You can also find the check-in/check-out information, weather updates, and construction issues here. A great resource so check daily!

Today is a busy day for the new bunch of campers. Technomania campers will be going on a GPS hike, Try it Out campers will be doing archery and crafts, and day campers will be getting buggy by creating some cool insect habitats. What a fantastic day!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Meet the Camp Staff

2011-06-01T18:02:00.002-05:00

Open House: Thursday June 2

2011-06-01T17:03:00.000-05:00

Come visit us at the Iowa 4-H Center tomorrow June 2 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. We will serve dinner at the BBQ shelter for free for all those who come.

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/see-extreme-cabin-makeovers-4-h-center-open-house

Check it out!

A peek inside Staff Training

2011-05-31T09:48:00.000-05:00

I thought I would give an inside look at what the camp staff do during staff training. It's pretty exciting stuff! They get a two-week immersion into camp life and they have a lot of fun, learn lots, and try out almost everything camp has to offer. Here is a sneak peek into camp life during training:

Learning how to work together as a team

Getting silly and having fun in a mock camp dance

Learning to trust each other

Continue to work on that teambuilding

This week they are continuing to have fun and learn while getting ready for campers arrival on Sunday. Check back for bio's, more pictures, and other exciting news. I'm busy writing all sorts of things down of camp adventures so there will be lots to share this summer. Visit often!!

4-H camp love,

THE PIG

Camp Staff

2011-05-29T09:34:00.000-05:00

Check back later for a quick meet and greet of the 2011 summer staff. They are a great bunch and I'm excited to have so much enthusiasm and love for camp here again. Only a week till the kids start to show!!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

National Shooting Sports

2011-05-18T10:38:00.000-05:00

Bang Bang is all I've been hearing for the last few days. The 4-H Center is hosting the National Shooting Sports workshop this week. I've seen people from all over the USA this week which has been a lot of fun.

These adults have traveled to Iowa to become certified shooting sports instructors in all sorts of shooting disciplines. They will then take this back to their home state to teach other instructors who will pass it on to youth involved in 4-H shooting sports. I have seen them participate in muzzleloading, shotgun, archery, hunting, and more. It's pretty cool.

Camp has been busy with this group in and I've enjoyed all the people. Must mean that camp is just around the corner!

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Wall & Waffles, What a Success!

2011-05-18T10:30:00.000-05:00

I'm a little behind the times as camp has been buzzing with activity, but I did want to update everyone on the success of Wall & Waffles. We had over 130 people come and raise $1,048.00. WOW! For a first time fundraiser we were all very excited. Here are a few pictures from the weekend:

Enjoying some yummy waffles!

Climbing the 50 foot tower

Climb Away

Getting ready to zip

What a view from the Mega Zip!

Saturday be there or be square!

2011-05-06T09:21:00.000-05:00

Saturday is the 4-H Camp's first Wall & Waffles fundraiser. Everyone should come check it out. You'd be silly not to -- it's suppose to be blue skies, in the 70's, and camp is getting very green. It's one of my favorite times of the year at camp (well other than when the first campers arrive, that's just exciting...oink oink!).

The other great thing about this fundraiser is the fact that a lot of new and past camp staff are coming to help. Your favorite counselor might be here! I know that Abbie rumored that Jackye, Eddie, Drew, Leah, Victoria, Dave, Abby, Rob, Leslie and Mackenzie will all be here. That's pretty neat that they would come back and help. I sure hope that they do!!

Hopefully I will see lots of new faces tomorrow as well as old. Bring your friends and family and show what camp is all about. Donate a little too. Your donation could positively impact a kid's experience at camp. Wouldn't that be cool!

This could be you....

2011-05-04T09:01:00.002-05:00

Come to the first Wall & Waffles fundraiser at camp on Saturday May 7th and this could be you...

Whoa, that looks like fun. I've been to the top of tower but I've never done the zip line. Maybe I will try it out on Saturday. You should come join me!!

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Pictures from Spring Volunteer Day!

2011-05-03T15:38:00.000-05:00

A Richland Royal club leader showing off the new curtains for one of the Hickory Cabins. The Richland Royals club is one participating in the Extreme Cabin Makeover!

Filling in the trench with dirt.

Check back later for even more fun pictures of this day!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Wall & Waffles Fundraiser

2011-05-03T12:00:00.004-05:00

Check out this great story about the fundraiser that is happening at camp on Saturday:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/iowa-4-h-center-hosts-first-wall-and-waffles-fundraiser

We hope to see you there! Check back each day for more information about this event.

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

THANK YOU!

2011-05-03T08:57:00.001-05:00

A very big thank you to all the volunteers who came out on Saturday. I couldn't have asked for a nicer day. A lot was accomplished and I know the staff is very thankful for all the helping hands.

Here a few highlights of what got done:

* 8,000 day camp brochures were counted, labeled, and bundled (Abbie delivered them to schools yesterday!)

* Where electrical lines were trenched, dirt was filled back in. A HUGE project!

* The swimming pool is sparkling (and ready for water to be put in)

* Trails were tidied up and downed trees where cut out of the way

* Smiles, stories, and laughs were had by all!!

It was successful. I know that I had my picture taken quite a bit, so if you would like to share those on our facebook page please do so. Find our facebook page by searching "The Iowa 4-H Center".

THANK YOU!!! Check back later for some pictures of this great event.

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

More on Spring Volunteer Day

2011-04-29T10:11:00.000-05:00

Spring Volunteer Day is TOMORROW! Very excited for all the new and old camp friends to come see me. I will post lots of pictures next week of all the hard work done to get camp ready.

John and Abbie filled me on a few of the projects that will get done tomorrow so I thought I would share some of them with you too.

* Camp Brochure Distribution: Abbie has two schools that have requested over 8,000 brochures and she needs your help bundling them and getting them ready for Monday morning to take to the schools. A great indoors, sitting down job. Also a great way to chat with others (just don't lose count!!).

* Dirt Filler-in-ers: What a description that is?! I don't know what else to call it.... As the job titles says these volunteers will help fill in dirt where the new electrical line was placed in Hickory.

* Cleaning Crew: Help get cabins back into a clean condition.

* Program Sheds: Help inventory, clean, and organize the program sheds around camp.

* Goals & Nets: Put up soccer goals, volleyball nets

* Trail Clean-up: Help get the trails into a better condition. Clean up larger sticks that may in the way.

* Weed pullers: Clean up landscaping around Linden

* Staining & Painting: Enough said....

This is a short list but a good idea of the type of projects available. We hope that you can find something fun and enjoyable to do!

Bring a friend, share your camp experience with them, and enjoy a great day at the Iowa 4-H Center.

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

PS Don't forget to RSVP by calling 515-795-3338 or emailing at 4hcentermail@iastate.edu

Spring Volunteer Day

2011-04-26T09:25:00.001-05:00

Come help us make a world of difference on Saturday April 30th. Rain or shine this event is a great way to give back to camp. There will be projects for all skill levels and food for all.

Plus you can come get your picture taken with me! I'll be sure to travel around camp and supervise all the fun projects. I hope that you come.

Please RSVP so we know how much yummy food to make. Call the camp secretary at 515-795-3338. The volunteer day starts at 9 a.m. and goes till 3 p.m. Volunteers may come and go as they please.

THANK YOU for all you do for the Iowa 4-H Center.

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

PS you can also check out this way cool press release for more info: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/article/spring-volunteer-day-iowa-4-h-center

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T14:31:00.000-05:00

Go splash in a mud puddle, enjoy the outdoors, do something to give back to Mother Nature, HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Sneak Preview

2011-04-21T09:24:00.000-05:00

The sun came out for a little bit yesterday so I decided to trot on down to Hickory village and check out the progress of the Extreme Cabin Makeover. WOW! Have these 4-H clubs made some great progress and the cabins are starting to look so cool. Here are a few pictures to give you a first sneak peak at all their hard work. Can you guess which cabin is which?!

Many of the cabins have new celing fans and light fixtures!

Most of the cabins have a theme!

Some way cool wall art

Can't wait to make some camp memories this year!

Look at all the work that has been done!

Have you guessed yet which cabin is which?! I'm so excited to see how things finish up. You can come see Hickory cabins completed on June 2nd at the Camp Open House. Many of the clubs will be here to give a tour of their cabin, show pictures of before the makeover, and share how they did things. I am so proud of all their hard work and can't wait to share the completed results with all the campers this summer!

4-H CAMP LOVE,

THE PIG

Extreme Cabin Makeover

2011-04-18T08:18:00.001-05:00

Whew! What a weekend. Even though it was blustery, cold, and a little rainy 4-H Clubs working on their cabins have done some FANTASTIC work in Hickory.

Have you heard about Extreme Cabin Makeover?! It's an awesome service-learning project that launched last fall. Eight 4-H clubs have adopted one of the Hickory cabins and are doing a makeover on it. They have written grants, designed plans, and asked for some great help from caring adults. It has been so cool to see all the progress they have made. Hickory cabins are going to look so great for the summer -- I hope that the campers cannot wait to sleep in newly decorated cabins and renovated cabins. I know that I can't wait!

Cabins will be revealed on June 2nd at the Camp Open House, so put that on your calendar's NOW! The 4-H Clubs will share before and after pictures as well as take you on a tour of their cabins. Come celebrate their hard work with us (as well as meet the summer staff and see the other cool things we have new here at camp for 2011).

I can't wait to give you some sneek previews of their hard work. It was a little muddy this morning and I didn't want to get my tooties wet so this afternoon I'll venture out to get some photo's. Check back!!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Gaga Ball -- Lady Gaga would be so proud!

2011-04-11T12:29:00.000-05:00

It was a BEAUTIFUL day here at camp this weekend. Maybe a little windy for this pig's liking but we couldn't have asked for better weather for all the great projects that happened over the weekend. I have so much to share but I thought I'd start with GAGA Ball!

Not quite sure what Gaga Ball is? I wasn't familiar with it either, so I googled it and found this (from Wikipedia of course):

Ga-ga is played in a large octagon called the Ga-ga Pit. Ga-ga begins with someone throwing the gaga ball up into the air. When it bounces the players say "Ga" each bounce for the first three bounces. After three bounces the ball is in play and the game starts. If the ball is caught after a player pops it up (see rule 4 below) then this will repeat. Using the walls of the octagon to aid in jumping is legal as long as the player does not permanently sit on the ledge of the octagon. Sometimes, closed hand hits may be banned. When there is a strong enough pit, some places may allow eliminated players to sit on the wall of the octagon.

Rules

The rules of Ga-ga are as follows:
1.You can scoop the ball to throw it, but picking up the ball and throwing it at a player is not allowed.
2. If the ball touches a player anywhere on or below the knees, that player is eliminated from the game.
3. A player cannot touch the ball two times sequentially, the ball must either hit the wall of the octagon or another player before that player can touch the ball again. If the player violates this rule, it is called a double touch and that player is out.
4. If a player pops the ball up into the air, another player may catch it and ground it.
5. If a player hits the ball out of the court, and the ball doesn't hit anybody or anything first, then the player who hit it is out.

Still not 100% sure of how this game works I then made my way over to youtube and found this video of kids at another camp playing:

WOW -- that looks fun! Sigma Nu fraternity and Phi Beta Chi sorority were looking for something to do as a community service project at camp and immediately I thought of Gaga Ball. What an impact their building of this pit could have on the summer ahead -- they would be famous at camp. So after buying the material and getting it to camp these two Greek houses donated their time, money, and muscles to create the 4-H Center's very own Gaga Ball Pit. Check it out all their hard work:

A big THANK YOU for my new friends in Sigma Nu & Phi Beta Chi. We also want to thank former camp alumni Dave Mason and Victoria Brodersen for bringing this idea to their Greek chapters. It's volunteers like this that make camp the special place it is! THANK YOU for making the Gaga Ball pit happen, check back this summer for our very own youtube videos of campers playing this fantastic game.

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

I < 3 Camp Nurses

2011-04-08T13:34:00.000-05:00

In my last post I talked about how awesome the camp staff are and don't get me wrong, they are awesome but I absolutely LOVE our volunteer camp nurses. They take such a great care of me!! The give up a week of working at their real job to come take care of all the campers at the 4-H camp, what amazing people!

In my mind they have the best job at camp. They get to interact with all the campers, visit all the program areas, and give out hugs to a camper that might have gotten hurt. They know how to fix boo-boos real fast!

Did you know that there are still a few spots open for volunteer nurses? I know that Abbie has been busy trying to fill a few weeks and what a great opportunity. Volunteer nurses get to come to camp for a week, live in the health center, get to play outside (with me, especially) and best of all they get a FREE week(s) at camp for a lucky child in their life. Yahoo, more friends for me to hang out with!!

I think all nurses should come volunteer at camp. If you are interested please check out the website at http://www.iowa4hcamp.com/ or email Abbie, I know she will help you out (aeparker@iastate.edu). I really <3 camp nurses and I'm looking forward to one of them fixing my broken ear this summer...

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Awesome Camp Staff

2011-04-05T09:52:00.000-05:00

60 days till camp and I cannot wait! Last night I was dreaming of all my camp friends coming back and having so much fun -- most of that fun wouldn't be complete without the help of the Caring Adults that get hired each summer to serve as counselors, program leaders, and support staff.

So far I know that these great staff are coming back for the summer:

Leah Whitlatch: Program Assistant, 3rd summer on staff
Michelle Owens: Activity Coordinator, 4th summer on staff
Mason Frank: Head Counselor, 2nd summer on staff
Andrea Hallberg: Head Counselor, 2nd summer on staff
Abby Buenneke: Leadership Mentor, 2nd summer on staff
Ian Wolf: Leadership Mentor, 2nd summer on staff
Drew Demery: Challenge Course & Shooting Sports Coordinator, 6th summer on staff
Leslie Chalfant: Waterfront Coordinator, 2nd summer on staff
Mackenzie Tope: Outdoor Adventure Instructor, 4th summer on staff
Whitney Lenz: Camp Store Coordinator, 2nd summer on staff
Rob Larson: Male Counselor, 2nd summer on staff
James Westfall: Male Counselor, 2nd summer on staff

Wow, that is a lot of experience! I can't wait for more adventures with this already fun bunch. They are really great Caring Adults.

I am even more excited to make some new friends with the new incoming staff. I hope you are excited for the following people to join our camp family:

Mindi Daniel: Day Camp Team Leader
Kelsey Reiter: Health Aide
Gabi Watt: Female Cabin Counselor
Caitlin Morgan: Female Cabin Counselor
Carolyn Thorn: Female Cabin Counselor
Danielle Pecaut: Female Cabin Counselor
Annie Tyrrell: Female Cabin Counselor
Zoie Yetley: Female Cabin Counselor
Katie Jo Jerzak: Female Cabin Counselor
Tom Jones: Male Cabin Counselor
Zuby Okoye: Male Cabin Counselor
Mac Kriener: Male Cabin Counselor
Michael Klein: Male Cabin Counselor
Laura Olson: Day Camp Counselor
Thao Nguyen: Day Camp Counselor
Maura Matney: Jr. Staff
Tyler Scott: Jr. Staff

60 days can't come soon enough for me to meet all these fabulous camp staff. The adventures are going to be a plenty and the amount of caring will be through the roof. I love my Caring Adults! I may try to get some piglets out to interview these great staff, so keep on coming back to check things out. I know that many have been introduced on the facebook page too -- hope you are as excited as I am.

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Guest Bloggers

2011-04-04T16:10:00.000-05:00

I am looking for a little help. I love camp a lot and I know that I have many friends out there that have some great camp stories too. If you would be interested in writing down that story and sharing it with the WORLD please leave a comment or email the camp program specialist (Abbie at aeparker@iastate.edu -- just 'cause she's more technologically advanced then myself...) and we will get you blogging for the day.

Maybe you have a great story about a prank you pulled with me (how about the time I made it to the top of the climbing tower?!) or how a great caring adult changed your life. It can be a funny story, a sad story, or just a great overall story about camp.

We also would love to send some piglets outside of camp to share stories of what our camp family does beyond camp. If you would like to document a day with a piglet please let us know. You all live such cool lives and I want to share those stories with our 4-H camp family!

Looking forward to some good stories (and counting down the days till camp with you).

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

I already live in the wilderness, but campers can too?!

2011-04-01T08:46:00.000-05:00

Have you checked out the wilderness trips that are being offered this year? If I wasn't a pig I would totally want to go. They sound so cool and adventurous.

If you are 14-18 years old you should really check them out (especially if you have joined me in the past for Pack'n Paddle or X-Treme Camp).

Wilderness Canoe Trek: Explore the Boundary Waters canoe area wilderness in northeast Minnesota. You will paddle across lakes, portage canoes and packs, fish for fun and food, read maps, use a compass, live in tents without leaving a trace, cook in the wild, and learn about the area's ecology. Tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food, and transportation from the Iowa 4-H Center are provided
June 25-July 2, $400

Youth Backpack Trek: Backpack with us through the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan's upper peninsula. You'll learn about wilderness ethics, outdoor living skills, and natural history while exploring miles of trails. Tents, backpacks, cooking gear, food, and transportation from the Iowa 4-H Center are all provided.
July 2-9, $400

Youth Horsepacking Trek: Wind through scenic mountain trails on the ultimate high country adventure! You will spend four nights in a fully furnished high country camp and five days traversing mountain trails, becoming horse experts and fishing in mountain lakes.
July 23-30, $900

I think I might send a piglet or two on these trips they sound AMAZING! Abbie told me that to sign up for these you need to call the camp office at 515-795-3338 because the space is so limited in them. I better trot on over to the camp office and make sure that there still is space. I can't wait to send off campers and their Caring Adults into the wild!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

8 New Camps you say!

2011-03-31T11:39:00.000-05:00

I was browsing through the camp brochure this morning while sitting in a mud puddle and saw that there are 8 new camps this summer, that's awesome! I wanted to pass along this news to all my 4-H camp friends so you wouldn't miss out on these great new camps.

Nature Investigators Ages 7-9, Week 3, 9 (It's a half-week experience!): Bugs, birds, beasts, and beyond! Come investigate camp with our nature experts.

Mad Science Ages 9-12, Week 3, 6, 8: Create kooky inventions, gooey concotions, and exciting experiments in our camp science lab.

Sports Spectacular Ages 10-13, Week 3, 8: The ultimate sports camp. You'll play everything from soccer to ultimate Frisbee with camp sporting pros.

Outdoor Iron Chef Ages 10-14, Week 6, 8: Learn outdoor cooking basics with a variety of food from cookies to pizza.

You Are What You Eat!Ages 10-14, Week 1, 10 (It's a half-week experience!): Whip up tasty treats and crazy concoctions as you explore 4-H food and nutrition activities in the 4-H camp kitchen.

Star Bizarre Ages 13-15, Week 5 (It's a half-week experience!): Night hikes, star spinning, campfires, and sleeping in during this late night camp.

Anything Goes! Ages 14-16, Week 1, 4, 10 (It's a half-week experience!): Love camp, but just want to hang out with friends? Then make your own plan with help from your awesome counselors.

Leadership Camp Age 15, Week 2, 3, 7, 8, 9: This week long camp provides hands-on training, observations, and practice. You learn leadership skills, safety, youth development strategies, camp operation procedures, and camp traditions. Also participate in advanced camp activities for teambuilding, mega zip line, and outposting.

WOW -- don't all those new camps sound cool. I think I'm going to sign up for a few myself, I hope to see you there too.

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Today is a great day to sign up for camp (and so is tomorrow!)

2011-03-31T09:13:00.000-05:00

April 1st is a big day for registration around camp. It's the last day to get the EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT and I would highly recommend reserving your spot at camp by registering.

In case you didn't get the memo from Abbie (the camp's program specialist) the Early Registration Discount is earned when an overnight camp registration and deposit are received or postmarked by Friday (yep that's tomorrow) April 1, 2011. You can apply a $20 discount for full-week or $10 discount for half-week camps.

How do you register? That's a good question! Abbie told me that you can visit www.iowa4hcamp.com and either register on-line or download the registration paperwork and print it off from there then mail it in. I'm kind of lazy and like registering on-line so that's how I would do it. She promises me that it's really easy and that if you need help to call the camp office at 515-795-3338.

I hope to see you all at camp this summer, so get those registrations in!!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG

Welcome to my blog!

2011-03-30T12:38:00.000-05:00

Hello!

The Pig here welcoming you to my blog. The staff at the Iowa 4-H Camp are so busy planning and running around to share with you the new and exciting things happening at camp that I thought I would take over and start sharing the good news. I hope you visit my blog often and even come out to camp to see me.

Sometimes I am lazy and just like to lounge in the sunshine at the farm site and I may send out one of my piglets to report the news of the day. They may show up in a few pictures, so don't fret that I've been replaced I just like spending my time in the sun and mud more that day :)

I also want to invite you to be a guest blogger and share your 4-H Camp story. Or even better take a piglet on an adventure outside of camp. They would love to see what you do in your community, at a fair, or what your 4-H project might be. Leave a comment if you are interested and someone from the camp will be in touch!

Welcome and I hope you enjoy the Pig Pen!

4-H Camp Love,

THE PIG