Staff Report
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A record number of children attended the Kentucky National Guard Youth Camp in Nancy, Ky., July 21-25, 2014. More than 200 kids from across the commonwealth enjoyed a week of outdoor fun and education at the 4-H camp on Lake Cumberland. (Photo by Alli Burton)
NANCY, Ky. -- More than 200 military children enjoyed a fun-filled week at the Kentucky National Guard's annual Youth Camp on the banks of Lake Cumberland July 21-25. The camp in Southern Kentucky offered the kids a variety of unique experiences such as zip-lining and archery along with age-old summer favorites like swimming and fishing.
Children of Soldiers and Airmen came from across Kentucky to share in the camaraderie and education at the camp which has become a highlight event for the Kentucky Guard's Family Programs.
Cindy Culver, Coordinator for Child and Youth Services said in the camp's 12 years it has only grown and takes a lot of organization and volunteers to operate, but it is all worth it each year with so many thankful and enthusiastic children. She said more kids attended this year than ever before and it only goes to show that something must be going right.
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I have seen how camp has changed since 2003 as far as the camp settings and how we run the youth camp and there has definitely been lots of improving, but one thing that hasn't changed is the impact that camp makes on our military youth," said Culver.
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When you have a camper attend youth camp at the age of 9, continue until the age of 14, come back as a youth volunteer, then join the Kentucky National Guard and come back as a Platoon Sergeant this proves that this camp is making a positive impact on our youth by providing a lifelong learning experience as the campers transition into adulthood. All by having a fun filled week at youth camp."
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Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini greets a platoon of military kids during his visit to the Kentucky National Guard Youth Camp in Nancy, Ky., July 21, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
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Archery at the Kentucky National Guard Youth Camp. (Photo by Alli Burton)
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Swimming and diving at the youth camp. (Photo by Alli Burton)
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Shooting sports at the youth camp. (Photo by Alli Burton)
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Each camper was given the opportunity to climb the rock wall and zip line back down. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
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Campers were organized into platoons and marched together to and from activities. (Photo by Alli Burton)
Check out the video from Alli Burton.
http://youtu.be/fJOOmmcyloM
Visit the Kentucky National Guard Family Programs Facebook page for more photos.