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Camp Farley is a private, independent, not for profit organization with a long tradition of providing a '4-H'
based camp experience to youngsters each summer. Camp Farley receives no government funding, but does incorporate
"4-H" concepts via the federally, state, and county supported UMass Extension and its Massachusetts 4-H Program.
Together, we strive to provide youth with fun, safe, and educational experiences based on 4-H values and ideals.
Children do not have to be, or are under no obligation to become, 4-H members to attend Camp Farley.
Camp Farley's joint mission with 4-H is to create a supportive environment for culturally diverse youth and adults
to reach their fullest potential by:
- providing a safe, enjoyable outdoor learning experience,
- providing opportunities to develop leadership, social and group living skills while fostering creativity, independence and responsibility,
- offering a choice of age appropriate programs that build confidence and self- esteem,
- encouraging an understanding and respect for the environment, animals, agriculture, and natural resources,
- building an appreciation and acceptance of the differences in people, and
- developing a caring community.
Whether at the club level (overseen by the Massachusetts 4-H Program) or at Camp Farley, youngsters learn
through experiential or "hands-on" learning and gain valuable life skills needed to be successful - as children
and adults. These skills include communication, decision-making, problem solving, sharing, and conflict resolution.
They gain these skills at Camp Farley from traditional and contemporary camp activities, social interaction
with other children & staff, and the unique experiences inherently found at a traditional summer camp.
In keeping with the 4-H mission, Camp Farley shares the goal:
- to have fun,
- to learn about the outdoors,
- to learn to live, work and play with others,
- to learn self-reliance,
- to learn to get along away from home,
- to increase confidence and self-esteem,
- to develop some new skills and interests.
The most readily identifiable educational objectives for Camp Farley are the processes related to the following
five life-skill areas:
- Self-Understanding - acquiring secondary skills which support the development of self and which aid others in pursuit of personal potential;
- Communicating - artfully exchanging thoughts or information verbally and non- verbally to enhance cooperation and learning;
- Decision-Making - recognizing life as a sequence of events, a pattern of steps, or a progression of challenges that require choices at each level; learning to learn; using the scientific method; fostering a spirit of inquiry to lead one around, over, or through obstacles encountered;
- Managing Resources - using acquired knowledge to contribute to humanism while preserving and protecting the natural environment;
- Coping - contending with difficulties which may arise unexpectedly in our changing environments and learning to act in order to survive those challenges without physical, social, or psychological suffering and with possibilities for growth in any or all of those areas.
Camp Farley also has a strong commitment to provide children with new discoveries, improved relationships, and
increased skills. The 4-H mission, pledge, motto, and slogan help provide the basis for maintaining many of
Camp Farley's rich traditions.
4-H Motto: "To Make the Best Better"
4-H Creed: Learn By Doing
4-H Pledge: I pledge... My Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to
larger services, and my Health to better living, for My Club, my Community, my Country, and my World.
These traditions enhance and expand the Camp Farley experience. The four 'H's' (Head, Heart, Hands, and Health)
serve as the basis for forming decisions about daily living, while the four areas (Club/Camp, Community, Country,
and World) serve as reminders of the many facets of our interaction with our surroundings. Our weekly overnight
camp format affords a perfect vehicle for incorporating 4-H values in the daily life of campers. Sunday evenings
serve as an introduction to the pledge, Mondays highlight Head and Club, Tuesdays for Heart and Community, Wednesdays
for Hands and Country, and Thursdays for Health and World.
Head: Learning to think, make decisions, understanding "why's"
and "how's," and gaining new and valuable knowledge.
Heart: Being concerned about the welfare of others, accepting
responsibilities as citizens, determining values and attitudes
by which we live, and learning how to live with others.
Hands: Gaining new skills, perfecting skills already known,
develop respect for work and pride in accomplishment.
Health: Practicing healthful living, protecting the well being
of self and others, and making constructive use of leisure time.
Every week for overnight campers concludes on Friday with a 7 PM Candlelight Ceremony. Parent and friends
are invited to join campers for staff introductions, a couple of camper performances, the awarding of
"colored beads" to campers who participated or excelled in various activities. At the conclusion of this
short program, four children are recognized for exemplifying each of the four "H's" and two children (one
boy and one girl) are chosen to receive the "Camp Spirit Award". Campers recognized as Camp Spirits are
awarded a certificate and free week of camp valid for the following summer.
Camp Farley and UMass Extension are equal opportunity providers and employers. Camp Farley (along with the
University of Massachusetts and the 4-H Program) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities
on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, marital or family status. Contact Camp Farley to discuss disability considerations and the Camp
or Extension Director (413-545-4800) regarding any complaints related to discrimination.
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT UMASS & 4-H PROGRAMS
Please visit www.mass4h.org for more information regarding UMass
Extension, Massachusetts 4-H Program,
details about 4-H and how to become involved, and how to contact your local 4-H Educator.
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