4-H Camp improvements made possible with grants and donations

Improvements are on the way for the Indian Hills 4-H Camp near Pleasant Hill, thanks to grants, donations and $485,000 from Miami County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Funding approved so far will help with the implementation of a $1.5 plan for capital improvements at the camp property, started in 1962 and owned by the county’s 4-H clubs.

The plan follows the replacement of a number of camp board members and what current board members described in discussions with commissions as years of underutilization and facility deterioration.

“Our goal is to get this camp brought back to where it needs to be to be a fully functioning camp. There have been some things that have been neglected over the years. It is time to quit putting Band-Aids on these projects and to restore and preserve the history,” said Jessica Adams, an educator in 4-H youth development with Miami County’s Ohio State University Extension Office.

Major projects in the camp plan are replacing windows and siding at the camp lodge, 10 cabins, and a bridge; construction of a new pool; and updating multiple restrooms.

Foundation grants were awarded this year for cabin replacement and new camp mattresses.

The only stipulation on use of ARPA funds is that they go toward capital improvements, not operations, said Michael Clarey, commissioners’ administrator. As they have with other contributions using the ARPA funds, the commission encourages other sources of money in addition to the county dollars toward projects funded, said Michael Clarey, commissioners’ administrator.

Commission President Greg Simmons said the commissioners visited the camp and saw the various needs. He said the change in leadership has been good for the camp.

“They are going to be self-sufficient, but they needed a boost. We are hoping that by giving that money, there will be some others who will step up as well,” Simmons said.