Delaware 4-H Camps Help Youth Find Their Spark (2025)
Delaware 4-H Camps Help Youth Find Their Spark (2025)
Written By: Jenny Trunfio | Collaborators: Kristin Cook, Jill Jackson and Kaitlin Rogers
RELEVANCE
A “spark” is something that excites a young person — a passion, interest, or activity that gives them energy and purpose. Sparks are one of the most essential components of 4-H programs. They help youth grow and thrive. When youth discover what they care about, they find meaning in what they do. This provides them with direction, motivation, and confidence to set and achieve positive goals. Young people who know their sparks are often more curious, creative, and persistent. They are more likely to stay involved in school, 4-H clubs, and community activities because they enjoy what they’re doing. When youth use their sparks to help others, they feel valued and capable of making a difference. When adults and teen mentors notice and support a young person’s spark, it builds trust and a sense of belonging. These caring relationships help young people thrive.
RESPONSE
Delaware 4-H offers teen-led day camps in every county. Teens receive counselor training throughout the year and are encouraged to develop their sparks in leadership and project areas. With help from 4-H educators, teen counselors plan and lead the camps. They choose classes to teach based on their interests and what they think younger campers will enjoy. Teens create lesson plans, prepare supplies, and work in teams to lead activities. Campers select from a range of classes and participate in several workshops each day. County educators and counselors also plan large group activities to help campers try new things and explore their sparks. Both campers and counselors have the chance to discover new interests and build skills in a fun, supportive environment.
RESULTS
Delaware 4-H hosted seven week-long day camps over the summer. Seventy-nine campers completed a survey after camp. The results show that 4-H Day Camps help youth explore their sparks and build positive connections:
- 90% were given the chance to explore something they really care about.
- 94% were passionate about the things they did at camp.
- 90% wanted to keep learning about topics they discovered at camp.
Campers also reported strong relationships with adults and teen counselors:
- 99% felt like they mattered in the program.
- 95% said adults and counselors invested time in them.
- 100% said adults and counselors showed interest in them.
- 88% said adults and counselors helped them see future possibilities.
- 88% said adults and counselors challenged them to grow in new ways.
One camper said, “The most important thing I learned at 4-H Camp is that being kind and being enthusiastic about learning new things and making new friends is very healthy.”
RECOGNITION
Funding provided by: USDA/NIFA, State Of Delaware, New Castle County Community Services Department and the 91ԭ.
References:
- Search Institute. (2019). Discovering and developing sparks: How caring adults can help youth thrive. Minneapolis, MN: Search Institute.
- Arnold, Mary Elizabeth and Gagnon, Ryan (2012) "Positive Youth Development Theory in Practice: An Update on the 4-H Thriving Model," Journal of Youth Development: Vol. 15: Iss. 6, Article 16.
PUBLIC VALUE STATEMENT
Delaware 4-H Day Camps help young people discover their “sparks” — the passions and interests that inspire learning and growth. Through hands-on activities and teen-led experiences, youth build confidence, purpose, and strong relationships with caring mentors. These experiences create motivated, capable young people who contribute positively to their schools and communities, strengthening Delaware’s future.