The early beginnings of the Iowa 4-H Foundation began around a campfire, with a simple question, “What’s your wish for 4-H?” The answer, a 4-H camping facility, led to a state-wide fundraising effort with a goal to raise $500,000. Nearly seventy-five percent of the funds came from farm families and 4-H members with 4-H’ers going door to door, asking for dollar contributions.
The first tract of land for the camping center was purchased in 1950, and the dream came true in the summer of 1952 when the first group of 4-H members camped at the site.
While for many years, the Iowa 4-H Center was a priority for the Iowa 4-H Foundation, the desire to increase support for Iowa’s youth expanded the focus of the Foundation to include scholarships, county endowments and program support.
Today’s 4-H’ers have more opportunities than ever to explore their passions and pursue their dreams, all thanks to the thousands of supporters whose gifts of time, talent and treasure make those opportunities possible.
Though it looks different than it did that day nearly 75 years ago, the Iowa 4-H Foundation remains committed to the ideal of dreaming big and uniting support from individuals and partners, all for the betterment of young people through 4-H.
