By Andi Anderson
In 2025, 4-H Camp Conger in North Fairfield, Ohio celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of summer memories, community support, and leadership development for Huron County youth. The camp has long served as a cherished space for learning and connection for generations of 4-H families.
Founded in 1925 on the Conger family farm, the camp’s first session was held in a cow pasture, with campers sleeping in tents and cooking outdoors. Over the decades, Camp Conger evolved through community donations and volunteer efforts.
Permanent structures, including a kitchen in 1927, cabins by 1958, a recreation hall, and even a lake named Wells Lake in 1963, shaped the camp’s expansion.
The camp holds deep meaning for families like that of Kevin Conger, who traces his family’s involvement back to its very first year. “My dad and his sisters were at that first camp,” Conger shared. “It’s been part of our family ever since.”
In 1998, the community raised $230,000 to build the Lewis and Florence Conger Hall, thanks to generous local support. “That shows the respect our community has for the camp,” Conger said.
Camp Conger offers three annual 4-H camps: a Cloverbud day camp, Junior Camp, and Intermediate Camp, serving around 300 youth each summer. According to Haley Palmer, Huron County extension educator, the camp’s local management keeps costs low and participation high.
“Many counties must combine resources, but Camp Conger is right in our members’ backyards,” Palmer said. “It brings our community together.”
With multiple generations attending and supporting Camp Conger, its legacy continues to grow. The centennial not only celebrates its past but also looks forward to a future full of learning, friendship, and 4-H pride.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle