Henry Balvin showcases his weaving project during Haven Day Camp held south of Chelsea this past June. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNY HULME

TOLEDO – From fishing poles to paintbrushes, LEGOs to recipes, Tama County 4-H offered a whirlwind of summer adventures that brought youth together for hands-on learning, laughter, and leadership. Thank you to the youth and partners who participated!

This year’s lineup of camps and workshops welcomed nearly 950 participants from across the county – no 4-H membership required – and featured something for every curious mind including the following programs.

Colorful Creations Art Camp. Held June 18 and 20 at the Tama County Extension Office, invited kids to explore vibrant techniques and unleash their inner artists.

Books for Cooks. On June 26, budding chefs gathered at the Traer Public Library to read, cook, and learn about nutrition and kitchen safety — with plenty of tasty results.

LEGO Engineering Camps. In June, introduced kids to ocean exploration through hands-on builds using LEGO SPIKE kits, blending imagination with early STEM concepts.

Henry Kopriva pictured using the Bee-Bot programmable robot during Tama County 4-H’s summer visit to the Traer Public Library. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNY HULME

Mechanical Makers. Future engineers and designers tackled creative problem-solving during an engaging craft and design day.

Epic Epoxy Workshop. designers built custom lazy Susans

Babysitting Basics. Thanks to a community grant, teens attended a free workshop on June 30 to gain confidence and skills for caring for younger children.

Critter Camp. Held July 2 at Toledo Heights, this camp focused on flying creatures through stories, games, and crafts.

Adventures Unlimited Overnight Camp. Campers spent June 10-11 at Pilgrim Heights, bonding over outdoor challenges, crafts, and team-building activities.

Haven Day Camp. On June 6 and 19, kids stepped back in time to the Old Haven Schoolhouse, experiencing a day in a historic classroom setting.

Library Visits in Traer, Gladbrook, Garwin, Dysart, and Tama. Tama County 4-H brought interactive programs to five local libraries, engaging youth in hands-on activities that blended learning with fun. Each visit featured a story, educational content and craft tailored to the library’s summer reading goals – reinforcing the joy of discovery and the power of community partnerships.

Tama County Fair (July 14-20). Capping off the season, the fair in Gladbrook showcased 4-H and FFA projects, livestock shows, and community fun – from kiddie tractor pulls to Bingo.

The fun doesn’t stop in the summer! 4-H programming continues all year long for youth in K-12. For details on how to join future programs or the 4-H program, visit the Tama County Extension Youth Programs page https://www.extension.iastate.edu/tama/youth-programs or jhulme@iastate.edu.