New Pond Adds Value to North Dakota 4-H Camp

This summer, youth attending North Dakota 4-H Camp have a new opportunity for learning and recreation with the addition of a new pond for aquatic activities and programming.

The 1-acre pond allows youth to fish, kayak, canoe and swim.

“Campers are loving the opportunity to cool off on a hot day,” says camp counselor, Brianna Mohs. “The pond gives kids a camp experience they won’t forget.”

North Dakota 4-H youth development staff are working on additional programming opportunities, including topics such as aquatic life, water quality, watersheds, conservation and ecosystems. Eventually, North Dakota 4-H plans to extend the camping and rental season to include winter months and activities such as ice fishing and ice skating.

The pond started as a dream of being able to offer aquatics programming without the added cost of transporting youth to another location. Last summer, a team of agents and specialists began working to develop a detailed proposal and secure funding.

After hours of research and writing, the team submitted their proposal to the AO1 Foundation and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Both organizations recognized the potential impact for North Dakota youth and supplied a significant portion of the funding for the project.

With funding secured, the North Dakota 4-H Camp partnered with Scott Elstad, aquatic habitat supervisor with the North Dakota Game and Fish department, to make the dream a reality. Elstad helped ensure the pond would be successful by determining the best location, proper slopes and other details.

“We are grateful for the support of all those involved from design and construction expertise to financial contributions,” says Leigh Ann Skurupey, North Dakota 4-H Youth Development assistant director. “Thank you especially to the AO1 Foundation, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the North Dakota 4-H Foundation for seeing the opportunity to invest in exciting experiences for our future leaders.”

The pond will also be available to outside groups renting the camp facilities throughout the year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

ND 4-H Youth Development Camps

Leigh Ann Skurupey, 701-231-7253, leighann.skurupey@ndsu.edu

To book the North Dakota 4-H Camp for your next event, contact Mark Lelm at 701-460-0145.