On June 4th 4-H Camp Palmer began their 67 year of resident summer camp for youth from northwest Ohio. So far over 920 campers have had the joy of attending camp. The season began with over 120 youth enjoying the 25th year of science camp, 150 youth from Williams County, 120 youth from Auglaize County, 212 youth from Fulton County, 205 youth from Henry County and over 120 youth from Allen County.
This past April the 4-H Camp Palmer board made it official that the camp’s original pool built in 1957 would be used for the last season and the new one would be in place by summer of 2015. Some recent donations that are making this possible included the Helen Sell Estate Bequest of $54,372, Defiance Area Foundation grant of $10,000, Cooper Farms Foundation of $5000 and a number of other donations, including the new brick memorial patio/flagpole.
This memorial patio was dedicated with a blue ribbon cutting on June 14. Several of the brick donors attended the event and enjoyed seeing Fulton County youth enjoying camp activities. Special recognition was given to Lyle and Hilda Spiess for sponsoring a $5000 donation to this project to pay for the concrete slab and the purchase of 1089 bricks!
A 22 ft. by 22 ft. patio now surrounds the camps flagpole at the center of camp. Dedicated 8” by 8” bricks can be purchased by individuals or businesses. Individual, family or non-profit youth group can order one for $100.00 or business can purchase a brick for $275 to advertise as thousands of youth and adults will walk by the patio at the center of camp. The next set of bricks will be installed before the camps annual Celebrate Open house program scheduled for Sunday, October 5.
Some other programs coming up this season include a new Family Camp open to the public for August 2-3. Families can camp in our cabins and participate in canoeing, swimming, zipline, campfire as well as enjoy the annual fireworks display at Harrison Lake State on August 2. Also, our present camp pool will be open for a final swim for alumni, former campers, families on August 10th-1:00-3:00 p.m.
Some people may be surprised to learn that after 4-H Camps, Camp Palmer will host 6 band camps/retreat from the following schools: Eastwood High School, Elida High School, Start High School, Rodgers, Woodward and Bowsher High School. Other programs include family reunions, special camps, leadership retreats, competition fun shoot, church picnics and retreats, fall outdoor education school programs and more!
Thanks on behalf of 4-H Camp Palmer for the generous gifts from Helen Sell Estate, Defiance Area Foundation, Cooper Farms Foundation, Lyle and Hida Spiess and many other. For more information on ways to support 4-H Camp Palmer pool project or order your memorial brick please call 419-237-2247 or email 4hcamppalmer@gmail.com
