More than 1,200 youth participated in Alaska 4-H camps across the state during the past year.

These included day camps and longer residential camps — camps where youth learn leadership and how to judge a horse, play a bluegrass instrument or ride an ATV safely.

The Military Team Leadership Camp focused on teamwork and skills especially needed during a deployed parent’s absence. Youth in Juneau’s 4-H Sustainable Harvest Camp learned how to harvest, process and eat wild and cultivated Alaska products. Meanwhile, in Cordova, musicians and would-be musicians strummed, played and danced as part of the 18th annual Cordova 4-H Music Camp.

The 4-H philosophy is “learn by doing” and hundreds of youth had fun in Alaska camps doing just that.