As the final bell rings in Kentucky schools for another year, thousands of young people will continue the learning process through 4-H camps.Close to 9,000 youngsters will be attending one of the state’s four residential 4-H camps this summer. Another 15,000 will participate in county day camps held at various local sites across Kentucky.“The 4-H camping experience emphasizes personal development and having fun. It is truly a community setting in miniature,” said Donna Fox, Extension 4-H Youth Development Associate with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. “Young people will be able to develop and practice social skills, experience leadership roles and make friendships that sometimes last a lifetime.”If you haven’t signed up yet, there may still be some camp openings in your county.“Sign-up times vary widely across the state,” Fox said. “Some camp slots have been filled for weeks and other counties are just beginning the sign-up process, so it is important to check with your local county Cooperative Extension 4-H agent to find out about available slots and camp activity details.”More than 3,000 volunteers help direct campers. Each camp also is staffed with emergency medical technicians, certified lifeguards and instructors for nature and recreation and more.4-H Camp provides young people with a chance to learn lifetime hobbies. Some will learn to swim, paddle a canoe or square dance. Crafts, nature study, fishing, archery and shooting sports also are a part of the long list of activities available to keep youngsters involved throughout the day.The camps are located near the communities of Carlisle, London, Jabez and Dawson Springs. They range in size from 300 to 1,500 acres and all have modern facilities including cabins, dining halls, swimming pools and lakes for canoeing and fishing.Costs of the four-day or five-day residential camps vary from county to county. Camp scholarships are offered in many counties.“All of Kentucky’s 4-H camps participate in the federally funded Summer Food Service program, operating under guidelines similar to public school lunch programs,” Fox said.Free meal service is based on family size and income. For a family of one, the base yearly income is $17,705. The yearly income base increases $6,031 for each additional family member.Contact your local county Cooperative Extension office for additional information on day and residential 4-H experiences offered in your area.Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.