The Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center was filled with the energy of 136 camp counselors from across the state of Ohio on February 28–March 1. These camp counselors represented 11 of the 13 4-H camping facilities in Ohio.
Older youth ages 14 to 18 who are planning to serve as camp counselors are invited to join the Making eXtreme Counselors (MXC) workshop each year. Counselors spend two days in Columbus participating in interactive and quick-paced training where they engage with innovative ideas that they can take back to their own camp. Both new and seasoned camp counselors attend this event and return to their home counties with new ideas.
Through attending sessions, counselors will leave the weekend feeling refreshed with ideas and skills that will empower them to assist in their county’s camp program planning and delivery. This year, Jalisa Danhoff, camp director at Camp Newaygo in Michigan served as the keynote speaker for the workshop and provided hands-on activities that prepared counselors for scenarios at camp while also aiding them in building a toolbox of activities that they can take back home with them. 
“As a County 4-H Extension Educator and longtime member of the MXC Planning Committee, I’ve seen the impact of this program firsthand,” said Erin Dailey, Gallia County 4-H Extension Educator. “While MXC provides essential training hours, its true value is in bringing counselors together to collaborate, share ideas, and better understand their role.”
Counselors had the opportunity to dive into several core competencies. These competencies included camp planning, role modeling, communication, understanding organizational and camp environments, and professional development. During the camp planning sessions, each counselor was in a group that planned an activity for the weekend workshop. First, they would learn about the program, gather ideas from the session presenter that they could implement, then together as a group they would come up with a program that they would later implement during the weekend.
“MXC is a great opportunity for camp counselors to explore new ideas and network with other counselors from across the state of Ohio,” said Megan Blanchard, Belmont County 4-H Extension Educator. “Sharing ideas and practicing facilitation skills helps counselors make this summer’s camps the best yet!”
Counselors returned home inspired, equipped, and ready to make this summer unforgettable for their campers. You can help ensure these experiences continue by supporting Ohio 4-H Camps today!