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The 4-H summer camp at Camp Grant Walker is a time-honored tradition that generations of 4-H’ers have grown to cherish. From lifelong memories to meaningful connections and new opportunities, there is truly something for everyone to experience.
Even though I was a former 4-H’er, I had never attended camp. Now as an extension intern with LSU AgCenter Communications, I got the opportunity to visit camp in session.
With more than 100 years of history, Camp Grant Walker is rich with traditions and stories passed down through generations. Many of these memories center around iconic locations on the grounds, from the Greek amphitheater, where campers gather for meetings and celebrate competition winners like “cleanest cabin,” to the dance pavilion, where junior counselors and staff, many of whom were once campers themselves, teach line dances to newcomers.
Christine Bergeron, the director of the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center said each camper can explore their interests through a variety of educational tracks. According to Camp Grant Walker’s website, there are seven tracks to choose from: Food and Fitness; Outdoor Adventures; Explore Louisiana: Wetlands, Wildlife and You; Water Safety; Science, Engineering and Technology; The Artist Within and Gardening. Each track offers daily hands-on activities that engage campers, spark curiosity and provide plenty of fun in the sun.
For many campers, these activities quickly become the highlight of their week.
Audrey Glossop, of Pointe Coupee Parish, said some of her favorite activities included swimming and arts and crafts.
“My favorite was when we made the clay eye molds,” Audrey said. “They were just so fun.”
Harley Carter, of Bienville Parish, also enjoyed the educational side of camp.
“The reason I like 4-H camp is because they teach you a lot of things like nature,” Harley said.
Campers show off their alien eye art projects that they created the artist within track at Camp Grant Walker. Photo by Shelly Kleinpeter/LSU AgCenter
Beyond their chosen track, campers enjoy recreational time that allows them to make the most of their stay.
It seems the biggest hit by far is anything involving water. Whether swimming in the pool, floating down the creek or paddling across the pond, nearly every camper I spoke with said that swimming was their favorite part of camp.
Malaysia Gibson, of Bienville Parish, said she especially enjoys making new friends and swimming during her time at camp. Harley also said that swimming is one of her favorite camp activities as well.
Opportunities for hands-on learning are everywhere, offering something different from other camps of this kind.
“One of the main things is that with our camp, even though we have our educational tracks, it’s hands-on learning,” Bergeron said. “Our camp in general is pretty much 98% outdoors.”
That outdoor environment is one of camp’s greatest strengths. Lana Craig, a member of the camp staff, believes the experience gives youth an opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.
Campers and staff play games and chat with each other at the Greek Amphitheater as they await the results of “cleanest cabin’” and delivery of mail. Photo by Shelly Kleinpeter/LSU AgCenter
Campers sit and enjoy a snack that they created during their time in the outdoor adventures track at Camp Grant Walker. Photo by Shelly Kleinpeter/LSU AgCenter
“I think everybody here at camp is invested in some way. It’s seeing those familiar faces with those parishes, and they’re just like, ‘Oh, we’re still going to volunteer,’ because they’ve established that relationship with the agent and the youth coming in behind their kids,” Bergeron said.
That tradition of giving back is reflected in the camp staff. Kaeli Bourgoyne, better known as K.G., attended Camp Grant Walker as a camper and junior counselor before joining the staff as a lifeguard and outdoor adventures instructor.
“I absolutely love working here — getting to give back to the kids the same experience that I had,” Bourgoyne said. “It gives the kids an opportunity to learn how to do new things and make new friends.”
Some of the friendships she formed at camp, she added, have lasted a lifetime.
As I walked around Camp Grant Walker, I found myself reflecting on my own 4-H journey. Growing up, I competed in 4-H contests and attended 4-H University, experiences that helped shape my interests and skills. However, I never had the opportunity to travel to or attend 4-H camp.
Visiting Camp Grant Walker gave me a firsthand look at a part of the 4-H experience I had only heard about from others. Thanks to the foundation that 4-H and other youth agricultural organizations provided, I have now been able to explore the camp through my work. Seeing campers learn new skills, build friendships and create lasting memories helped me better understand why so many people speak so fondly of their time at Camp Grant Walker.
Camp Grant Walker isn’t just a place, it’s a legacy — through outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, new friendships and traditions passed down from one generation to the next. Whether experiencing camp as a camper, counselor, staff member, volunteer or even a first-time visitor, it is easy to see the impact it has on the lives of those who pass through its gates. For generations of Louisiana 4-H members, Camp Grant Walker remains a place where memories are made, confidence is built and lifelong connections begin.
