ATHENS, Ga. – Teen dependents ages 14-18 of military service members are invited to apply to three camps coordinated by the University of Georgia.
The University of Georgia 4-H program has coordinated camps such as these since 2010 at locations in Georgia, Florida, and Colorado.
“These camps offer military dependents an opportunity to build leadership and life skills in a high adventure environment,” said Casey Mull, extension 4-H specialist. “Not only do these camps offer teenagers opportunities for personal development, but also they give youth a better understanding of their parent’s military service.”
The University of Georgia operates these three summer camps through the Air Force Child and Youth Programs. Georgia 4-H handles camp related communication with families, the camp schedule, onsite staffing, the educational programming, logistical coordination to and from the airport, and ensure youth have a great time at camp.
Camps are open to dependents ages 14-18 of Air Force members currently serving in active or reserve components along with retired Air Force. Camp fees, including transportation from the closest major airport, are covered through grant funds.
The available weeks follow:
July 7-12, 2019 – Jekyll Island 4-H Center – Air Force Beach Teen Summit
July 21-26, 2019– Wahsega 4-H Center –Air Force Classic Teen Summit
August 5-10, 2019 – Cheley Colorado Camps – Air Force Adventure Teen Leadership Summit
To apply to a residential camp applicants should submit their application to AFFCCSystem.Admin-02@us.af.mil .The Teen leadership Summit applications are due by June 10th. The application is an editable PDF. Air Force Services Youth Programs (AFSVA YP) is handling the registration for the all camps in 2019. Therefore, parents are encouraged to direct registration questions to the AFSVA YP POC, which are:
Ms. Teresa Witschen – teresa.witschen.2@us.af.mil or 210-395-7514
Mr. James Yracheta, james.yracheta.1@us.af.mil or 210-395-7252
Mr. Kevin Hansen, kevin.hansen.4@us.af.mil or 210-3957248
Ms. Mona Hamilton, mona.hamilton@us.af.mil or 210-395-7725
Most expenses (airfare, camp registration) are supported. Parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to the closest major airport, baggage fees, and spending money for snacks, souvenirs, and limited travel day snacks. Also, unaccompanied minor fees are cover on at-needs basis when funds are available. More information will be provided to those accepted to attend.
Youth are supervised during the week by well-trained staff in camping and youth development. Adult volunteers supplement the paid camp staff and include many service members, spouses and family members. All paid and volunteer staff complete youth protections training and undergo a background investigation in accordance with University of Georgia policies. We encourage military spouses, Military members (Retired/current) to apply to serve as volunteers. Volunteers play a major role at camp through participating in activities, supervising youth, chaperoning cabins, assisting classroom time, and other related roles. To apply to be an adult volunteer, download an application from the GA 4-H Military Webpage volunteer page.
