Originating in 1989, the innovative camp provides an opportunity for single parents to spend quality time with their children in a non-threatening, less stressful atmosphere than might be perceived at home. The camp demonstrates a team approach utilizing Extension professionals in 4-H youth development and family and consumer sciences. To help offset financial obstacles, numerous civic and service organizations contribute money annually to assist with camp costs, registration fees, scholarships, group camp activities and guest speaker honoraria. To keep costs to a minimum, the weekend camp is held at an established 4-H camp with a permanent staff. The goal of Single Parent Family Camp is to provide age- appropriate educational opportunities for parents, children, and families.
Children participate in nature walks, board games, crafts, story telling, and clowning.
Extension personnel, volunteers and former campers coordinate the weekend activities and interact with participants. Both parents and children complete a questionnaire following camp. Evaluations indicate that both groups had excellent opportunities to share and develop quality time, increase self- esteem and develop better communication skills in their families. Perhaps the most important impact was revealed through qualitative data collected via informal interview. I feel like we're a big, silent majority that no one really pays attention to.