H.S. Estelle Camp Combines Learning and Fun

Article by: Gloria J. Mosby, program director – Communications

Cooperative Extension Program

PRAIRIE VIEW, TX – This year’s H.S. Estelle 4-H & Youth Camp had a new feature added to its regular activities of swimming, ROPES, arts and crafts, nutrition education and nature trails—“kayaking”. The Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University provided camping experiences to five hundred eighty-six young people from across Texas this summer at its annual camp located in Huntsville, Texas.

“Our goal is to always find ways to introduce more learning experiences for the youth who attend the H.S. Estelle Camp,” said Sonja Davis, program specialist – 4-H & Youth and interim camp director. “Many of our participants have not attended camp before, so in addition to the emphasis we place on teamwork, good nutrition and creativity, we introduced them to kayaking to teach them about various sports they can pursue in the water in addition to swimming.”

First time H.S. Estelle campers Rekita Payne, Angellika Salazar, Gabriel Villarreal and Kyron Jones of Harris County said that they really enjoyed attending camp this summer. “I liked swimming and arts and crafts the best,” said Rekita. Angellika and Gabriel said they also enjoyed swimming and walking the nature trails at camp. “The best thing about the camp to me was meeting new people, riding in the kayak and playing sports like basketball and volleyball,” said Kyron. “I also learned a lot of things from the camp counselors.”

Counselors are an integral part of making sure that the youth are involved in all of the educational workshops and activities offered at camp. “This is my first year serving as a camp counselor,” said Victor Manor Jr., a senior at Prairie View A&M University. “Some of my nieces and nephews attended this camp in previous years, and I’ve found that dealing with the kids has helped me become more patient. This camp is a great way for youth to educate themselves about the outdoors and nature.”

For Dennis Watkins, a Prairie View A&M University graduate, it was not only his first time being a camp counselor, it was also his first time attending a camp period. “The H.S. Estelle 4-H & Youth Camp is a wonderful opportunity for youth. It’s fun and you get to spend a lot of time interacting with young people.” Imani Wright, from Harris County, said the second year at camp was better than the first. “I liked fishing, swimming and socializing with new friends,” said Imani. “I will definitely encourage my friends back home to come to camp next year.”

The H.S. Estelle 4-H & Youth Camp was organized in 1948 when the Texas Home Demonstration and State Agricultural Councils recognized the need to locate a place to assemble youth, who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to experience a traditional camp. Through a concentrated effort of the two groups, 53 acres of timberland were purchased in order to supplement 4-H club programs.

In 1972, the Cooperative Extension Program began implementing the low-cost camping program at the H.S. Estelle Camp with specific emphasis on limited resource youth from all ethnic groups in Texas.

For more information about the H.S. Estelle 4-H & Youth Camp, interested persons can contact Sonja Davis at 936/261-5134 or e-mail sdavis@ag.tamu.edu.