'Paving the way to a new destiny'
By Cheryl McCormack
Editor
The North Dakota 4-H Camp, spanning 84 acres along the banks of the Missouri River near Washburn, will begin welcoming campers as early as May 30 this year – come rain or shine, old bunk beds or new.
The North Dakota 4-H Foundation kicked off its "Paving the Way to a New Destiny" fundraising campaign last Friday, stating the camp's "immediate need" for $60,000. Their ultimate goal is to raise $400,000 to put towards new indoor and outdoor furnishings, equipment and program amenities.
A new multipurpose facility, the Johnsrud 4-H Education Center, is currently being constructed at the camp. Four pre-existing structures – the dining hall and three cabins – are also undergoing major renovations. Work at the camp is scheduled to be completed by April 30, 2015.
Duane Hauck, North Dakota 4-H Foundation director, said, "Come May, we'd prefer to put new bunk beds in these newly-renovated cabins, rather than repopulating them with old stuff that's eventually going to need replacing."
Brad Cogdill, chair of North Dakota State University’s Center for 4-H Youth Development, said, "All of these improvements will help enhance our learning environment, increase our capacity to accommodate larger youth groups, provide access to people of all abilities and ensure a safe camping facility."
