In January, friends of Jackson County’s beloved Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp gathered to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Two hundred and fifty people attended the banquet to celebrate the history of the Elizabeth L. Evans Outdoor Education Center and Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp and support their 75th anniversary fundraising campaign, “$75,000 for 75 Years.”
During the banquet, Fred Deel, president of the Canter’s Cave Camp Board, and Dave Samples, lifetime member of the Canter’s Cave Camp Board, shared the history Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp and the property’s life before it became a 4-H summer camp.
Jackson County Commissioners, Paul Haller and Donnie Willis, read a proclamation recognizing the historical achievement of Canter’s Cave’s 75th anniversary. Maddie Allman, Jackson County 4-H Extension Educator, served 
as the evening’s emcee and welcomed several award winners to the podium to be recognized.
The first award of the night was the Coyle, McGuffey, & Smith Founders Award for Friends of Canter's Cave 4-H Camp, named in honor of 4-H Extension Educators Charlie Coyle, George McGuffey, and Bill Smith who pioneered camping at Canter's Cave 4-H Camp and laid the foundation for 75 years of successful 4-H summer camping programs in Southeast Ohio.
Those nominated for the Founder's Award should exemplify meritorious service and dedication to Canter's Cave 4-H Camp that will benefit Canter's Cave for years to come. This year’s recipients were Bob and Jewell Evans, and Stan and Doris Harrison.
For their great milestone, the Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp Board also recognized individuals and organizations that “put their hands to larger service” 
for Canter’s Cave with Outstanding Camp Community Service Awards. Recipients of these awards included Dave Sech and the United States Navy.
The final award of the evening was the Champion Donor Award, presented to Ohio Valley Bank in recognition of their generous support of Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp’s summer camping programs and the 75th anniversary celebration.
Unveiled during the banquet was a new fixture for the Main Lodge’s entrance—a beautiful wooden tree carving on the wall, recognizing the top donors of Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp. The donors listed on the Donor Recognition Tree have donated at least $1,000 in support of Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp.
To learn more about Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, or contribute to the 75th Anniversary giving campaign, visit the Canter's Cave 4-H Camp webpage. You can also support Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp by making a gift to the Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp Fund today.