Archery, swimming and roping.

About 200 4-H youths across the state got to enjoy the summer camp experience Friday and Saturday during the 2007 4-H District Retreat at the Craig Holiday Inn.

“It’s something that the kids really look forward to,” Moffat County 4-H extension director Elisa Shackelton said.

Shackelton said this event marked the 14th retreat held in Craig. A retreat, she said, that keeps the youth coming back.

“We’ve got chaperons now that used to be (attendees) here,” Shackelton said.

Starting with registration Friday afternoon, the youth listened to a barrage of speakers before hitting the sack late that night.

Saturday was all about workshops and meeting new people.

From learning to glass etch to studying horse first aid, meat quality assurance to rock climbing, the retreat had something for everyone.

“It meets the needs of lots of different kids and leadership development,” Shackelton said.

The kids weren’t the only ones going to workshops either.

4-H leaders sat in on training sessions as well, something Shackelton said is invaluable.

“I would guess it’s very empowering to sit with other people who are doing the same thing,” she said. “It’s a good place to network and get resource ideas.”

Logan County presenter Faith Poet said it was her second time attending the retreat, and she believes it’s one of the largest and most well attended around.

Shackelton said she was happy to see youth returning to the retreat year after year.

“4-H just keeps cycling through generations, and it gets better and better,” Shackelton said. “The more years a family is in 4-H, the more you get out of it.”

John Henry can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 209, or jhenry@craigdailypress.com.