KEYSER - Going off to camp for the first time to stay in a strange place can be a daunting experience for youngsters.

However, of the 75 4-H Club campers ranging in age from 9 to 12 and currently staying at Camp Minco, the handful of newbies are transitioning quite smoothly, according to junior counselors.

Burlington resident Kieran Warner, 9, said so far her favorite activity has been playing "Capture the Flag."

Although she does feel a little homesick, she is really excited about the upcoming craft projects, particularly working on a scrapbook.

"I love to scrapbook - I do that at home," said Warner.

Nine-year-old Aaron Borho belongs to the largest, most organized tribe - the Seneca.

Although he has been involved in 4-H for five years, this is his first year participating in the weeklong camping adventure.

"I'm looking forward to the dance on Thursday night," said Borho. "I like to break dance."

A.J. Logsdon, 10, joined 4-H to enter his chicken in an agriculture contest at the Mineral County Fair.

He was told by his cabin counselor if he ate a tiny pestering insect that constantly flits through the air, he would earn points for his tribe.

"I'm not eating no gnats just for points," he said matter-of-factly.

Along with the new campers, two 4-H alumni joined the ranks of junior counselors for the first time this summer.

Sixteen-year-old Alicia Taylor said the experience is harder and much more work than most people think.

"People say you always have fun, you never have any trouble and you don't have to worry about the kids, but you do have to make sure they're OK," said Taylor. "When one comes to you in the middle of the night and says they have to go to the bathroom, you can't just roll over and sleep, you have to get up and take them."

Tiana Warner, 15, of Burlington, said junior counselors have to possess a love for children as well as such characteristics as enthusiasm, excitement and responsibility.

During a one-day training session last Saturday, Taylor and Warner learned how to make the campers feel safe, spread enthusiasm about camp and make sure all members are included in activities.

Wanting to become a junior counselor since she was a camper, Warner is fulfilling her dream of working with the young 4-H'ers.

"I like playing games and getting to know the kids," she said.

Unlike school and athletics where students are judged by their intelligence and physical abilities, the 4-H Club focuses on each individual student's strength and builds on that, said adult counselor, Melanie Hesse.

Involved in 4-H for the past 17 years, Hesse describes 4-H as a "confidence builder" that opens the doors of "self awareness and self understanding" for members.

"It's a great way for a child to feel truly accepted," said Hesse. "It's amazing how much they change from Monday to Friday. On Monday they are shy and nervous, but by the end of the week they are in front of everybody leading a song."

Bobbie L. Carpenter can be reached at bcarpenter@times-news.com.