The Kentucky 4-H Foundation is thrilled to announce that the first part of Phase II of the Camp Improvement and J. M. Feltner Memorial 4-H Camp campaigns were successful. We surpassed our initial goal of $280,000 and raised the $25,000 match for the Farm Credit Mid-America matching gifts program. In total, we raised $288,045 for the Feltner 4-H Camp. On top of the Farm Credit Mid-America donation, we had 50 individuals and businesses, 12 county 4-H councils, and three County District Extension Boards make donations. On behalf of the Foundation, I want to extend a special thank you to the Knox County Extension District Board for their significant commitment to the campaign.
We cannot thank our donors enough. Their investment in the J.M. Feltner Memorial 4-H Camp will pay dividends by preparing today’s youth to be the leaders of tomorrow – as business people, farmers, civic leaders, and well -rounded citizens. Not to mention it will provide thousands of campers with a fun and safe place to make unforgettable camping experiences. We are forever grateful for your generosity.
The J.M. Feltner Memorial Camp is situated in the scenic foothills near the Daniel Boone National Forest and Levi Jackson State Park. The camp serves 32 counties in eastern and southeastern Kentucky.
Since 1955, The J.M. Feltner Memorial 4-H Camp has served thousands of Kentucky 4-H youth. After almost 60 years, the cabins at Feltner required replacement. The estimated cost of building the first new cabin, as well as a much-needed storm shelter underneath it, was $280,000.
The Kentucky 4-H Foundation, in coordination with the Kentucky 4-H Program at the UK College of Agriculture – Cooperative Extension Service, launched Phase II of the Camp Improvement Campaign last year. The campaign will last until December 2016. In the first year of Phase II, the focus was the J.M. Feltner Memorial 4-H Camp near London.
In Phase II of the Foundation’s Camp Improvement Campaign, the goal will be to replace all camp cabins with attractive, redesigned, modern structures that will be energy-efficient and more user-friendly. All cabins will have front porches, bathrooms, and capacity for 48 campers per cabin.
Big Thank You to Farm Credit Mid-America
We want to give a HUGE thank you to Farm Credit Mid-America. We are so thankful for their generous support of our Camp Improvement Campaign.
Farm Credit Mid-America stepped up to kick off Phase II and the initial Feltner project with a $50,000 donation from its Community Giving Program. In addition, the agricultural financial services cooperative offered to match gifts from other donors up to $25,000, along with a $2,500 donation from its Regional Stewardship Funds. Their donation will make a big difference in the lives of Kentucky 4-H members for years to come and it is truly appreciated. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Status of Feltner and Phase II Campaign
As of right now, architects and engineers are working to finalize the design and preparing to release the project for bids. The goal is to begin construction this year after the summer camping program in early August. We couldn’t be more excited!
The West Kentucky 4-H Camp at Dawson Springs is the focus of second part of the campaign in 2013. I recently met with the West Kentucky 4-H Camp Improvement Committee in preparation to launch its fundraising efforts. Look for news on the West KY 4-H Camp campaign later this spring.
Again, a heartfelt thanks to Farm Credit Mid-America and all of our donors. There has never been a better time or a better reason to support Kentucky 4-H.
