By Blake Jackson
More than 140 young people from across Pennsylvania recently came together at Penn State’s University Park campus for the 4-H Animal Science Camp, a multi-day experience focused on hands-on learning, academic exploration, and career development in animal agriculture.
Organized by Penn State Extension, the camp welcomed 149 youth from 40 counties, along with 13 screened 4-H volunteers.
Participants, ages 13 to 18, chose from three educational tracks dairy, equine, and livestock and engaged in immersive activities led by extension educators, faculty from the College of Agricultural Sciences, and industry professionals.
"The focus of the camp is to teach youth more about the science aspects of their 4-H animal science projects," said Kirsten Dubbs, 4-H animal science program specialist with Penn State Extension.
Workshops included classroom sessions, labs, and field trips. The livestock track featured a “Workshops on Wheels Day,” with visits to Nicholas Meats, Schrack Farms, and Wenger Feeds.
Dairy participants explored the role of artificial intelligence in modern dairy production and visited advanced farms like Dotterer Dairy, which also hosts agritourism.
In the equine track, students studied horse biomechanics through dissection, while livestock participants learned about the goat gastrointestinal system in a hands-on lab.
Another livestock session focused on agricultural advocacy, where youth completed research projects and debated issues such as animal rights and environmental perceptions of agriculture.
"We always try to make our workshops as hands-on as possible," Dubbs said. "We use as little lecture format as we can and immerse youth in labs, barns, working with live animals, doing lab work, dissections, and so on."
Participants also experienced college life by staying in dorms, eating in dining halls, and touring the campus. Faculty from Penn State’s Department of Animal Science led sessions using adapted undergraduate course content, helping youth envision a future in agriculture.
"Every year, 4-H families reach out and say, 'My teen applied to Penn State, was accepted and is attending the College of Ag Sciences directly as a result of Animal Science Camp.'" Dubbs said.
"Faculty also tell me they see first-year students in their classes who attribute their decision to attend Penn State to their experience at the camp."
Supported by organizations like the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the camp strengthens life skills and career pathways in agriculture while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Photo Credit: penn-state-college-of-ag-sciences
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education