(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by the Benton County 4-H.)

The recent Benton County 4-H Camp Benton SURVIVOR was a complete success with lots of smiles, laughs and campers learning survivor skills. Many were concerned if residential Camp Benton was going to be as much fun since it is typically an overnight camp, but Camp Benton even without an overnight was extraordinary.  Fifteen camp counselors participated, with four of them new to the camp counselor role. The camp counselors exceeded all expectations with their commitment to preparations to ensure a fun and educational week, hard word and endless energy during the camp, awesome social skills as they built relationships and mentored campers, dedication to the 4-H motto and positive spirit throughout each step. The campers came ready to learn and have fun. The campers’ excitement simply fueled and enhanced the experience even more.

During the two jam packed days for each camp, the campers learned about different survival skills. Special speakers were highlighted in six different sessions. 

Session One was the Sauk Rapids Firefighters. Captain Steve Ellson, Firefighter Kaden Cahill and Firefighter Deelia Guite spoke to the campers about fire prevention and survivor strategies. The campers had a chance to tour the firetruck, learn about all of the gear they use and ask questions.

Session Two was the Sauk Rapids Police Department with Officer Tim Sigler who arrived in a brand new police car that hadn’t been out on a call yet. The campers learned about all of the specifics of the new vehicle and all the fancy gadgets that it had. The vehicle even smelled brand new. Camper Jasmine Brenny of Rice said, “Well at least with a brand new police car, the people that get arrested get to have a nice new car smell.” 

Session Three, the campers learned outdoor cooking, fire building safety for survival from counselors and made a sandwich. 

Session Four was led by the camp counselors where the campers solved a survivor breakout mystery.

Session five, the campers made their very own compass. 

Session Six, the camp was thrilled to have past 4-H camp counselor Danielle Belanger and her friend Austin Ironi, with the Army National Guard. They shared about survival facts, what to do if you get lost, different survival tools and supplies, built a tent and answered lots of questions.

The campers were separated into five tribes with specific camp counselors for their days at camp. They created skits as a tribe with random items they received and then performed in front of the group, they competed as a tribes in a survival relay, enjoyed skits and songs with the counselors, played an intense survival challenge game, had a dance and so much more.

Joseph Achen, 11 th grader from Little Falls, new camp counselor and new this year to Benton County 4-H said, “I wasn’t sure at first about being a counselor. I had no idea how much fun this would be and how great the campers would be. I am so glad I decided to do this.”

Adult 4-H Volunteers made sure that campers and counselors were well fed and looked after. A huge thank you to Bonnita Bernhardt, Russ Beauchamp, Nancy Zupan and Joyce Belanger. 

4-H organizers wished to say, “We also want to thank Benton County 4-H Summer Intern Rachel Danielson for helping facilitate and assist camp counselors. The Benton County 4-H Camp Benton would not be possible without financial sponsors Clear Lake Lions, Becker Lions, Rice Lions, Sauk Rapids Jaycees, Arnold’s Equipment for sponsoring the t-shirts and the Benton County Ag Society for the use of the Benton County Fairgrounds.”

To learn more about Benton County 4-H and how to be involved in experiences like this, contact Benton County Extension Office at 320.968.5077.