Build Skills for a Lifetime at 4-H Summer Camp | UGA Extension Forsyth County

Heather Haines, 4-H Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County

A young boy learning about herpetology by touching a baby alligator. — 4-H’er learns about alligators during herpetology class. Photo by Heather Haines.

In a typical summer, over 8,000 youth ages 9 to 18, accompanied by over 1,000 adult and teen leaders, travel to Georgia’s five unique 4-H centers for a week of camp that will be remembered and cherished for years to come. The opportunity to attend summer camp is beneficial for youth in numerous ways. For example, 4-H camp provides youth with a structured environment where they can interact with peers and counselors, helping them develop crucial social skills like teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution. Sending your child to summer camp also helps young people gain independence. Being away from home in a supportive environment encourages independence and self-reliance. Children learn to make decisions, manage their time, and take responsibility for themselves. Camp experiences can teach children valuable life skills such as resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving, which are essential for success in various areas of life.

Every 4-H camp offers adventure and outdoor activities to help get kids off their devices over the summer and help kids engage in real-world interactions while giving them the chance to connect with nature, fostering an appreciation for the environment.

Forsyth County’s Cloverleaf Campers (current 4^th– 6^th graders) will be traveling to Wahsega 4-H Center in Dahlonega July 8-12, 2024. The cost for camp is $440. The cost covers transportation on a Forsyth County School bus, lodging, meals, activities, a camp t-shirt, and insurance for the week. Tentative activities during the week include swimming, high ropes courses, herpetology, tubing, stream ecology, and outdoor recreation.

Two youth wearing helmets climbing a rock wall. — 4-H’ers climb the rock wall at Wahsega 4-H Center. Photo by Josie Smith.

Junior Campers (7^th and 8^th grade) will have the opportunity to travel to Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island June 10-14, 2024. During the week, campers will have the opportunity to visit Fort Pulaski, go to the beach, tour the lighthouse, learn about marsh ecology, and so much more! The cost for camp is $540 and youth must be active 4-H’ers to participate. Transportation to and from camp is included in the camp fee.

Additionally, camping opportunities include Wilderness Challenge Camp at Wahsega 4-H Center (6^th-8^th grade), Senior Camp at Wahsega 4-H Center (9^th-12^th grade), and Senior Extreme Camp at Frank Fitch Pioneer Camp on the Rock Eagle Campus (9^th-12^th grade). For all of these camping experiences, youth must be active 4-H’ers. To learn about how to become an active 4-H’er email Ms. Heather at heather.haines@uga.edu.

Registration will be held on the Forsyth County Extension website. Scan the QR code to go directly to the summer camp page and get registered! Registration is open now, and space is limited! To hold your child’s spot, you must pay a nonrefundable deposit.

In addition to all of these exciting residential camping opportunities, the local 4-H program will also be offering one day educational events throughout the summer.