Dependents of military service members are invited to apply to attend five different week-long camping experiences coordinated by the University of Georgia’s 4-H program at no cost. These camps, summits, and retreats are open to dependents ages 12-18 of military members currently serving in active, guard reserve components. Additionally, special camps are being offered for Army dependents whose parents were mentally, emotionally, physically wounded due to service along with Gold Star families. Camp fees, including a transportation stipend, are covered through grant funds.
“These experiences offer military dependents an opportunity to build leadership and life skills in a high adventure environment,” said Laura Goss, Georgia 4-H Military Camp Coordinator. “Youth have the opportunity to have fun while connecting with teens to better understand their parent’s military service through targeted lessons, social interactions, and service member volunteers. Youth gain independence, mastery, and belonging.”
The University of Georgia operates two summer camps through the Military Teen Adventure Camps initiative. This is a partnership between the Office of Military Community and Family Policy and the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, funded by the Department of Defense through a cooperative grant agreement with Purdue University. Additional camps are made possible by The National Military Family Association, Kansas State University, and the Army Child and Youth Program.
Georgia 4-H has coordinated military camping opportunities since 2010 at locations in Georgia, Colorado, and Florida. This year, all camps will occur at Georgia 4-H facilities. The full list of opportunities is as follows:
Joint Extreme Summit – June 20-24, 2022
Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, GA
Open to All Service Branches
Ages 14-18
Outdoor Connection Retreat June 26-28
Wahsega 4-H Center in Dahlonega, GA
Open to Army Active-Duty Dependents
Ages 12-14
Outdoor Military Connection Retreat June 29- July 1
Wahsega 4-H Center in Dahlonega, GA
Open to All Service Branches
Ages 14-18
Warrior Summit July 10-15
Fortson 4-H Center in Hampton, GA
Open to Army Wounded Warrior Dependents and Gold Star Families
Ages 12-14
Interested applicants can learn more online at the Georgia 4-H Military Partnership Camp website at www.georgia4h.org/militarycamps. Applicants should carefully review the application instructions and deadlines per camp type due to varying requirements.
Camp fees, lodging, activities, and on-site meals are all covered through the available grants. Parents and/or guardians are responsible for transportation to camp and expenses for in-transit meals and on-site optional purchases. More information will be provided to selected applicants.
Youth are supervised during the week by professional staff who are trained in youth development and camping protocol. Adult volunteers will aid the paid camp staff and often include many service members, spouses, and family members. All paid and volunteer staff complete youth protection training and undergo a background investigation in accordance with University of Georgia policies. Military spouses, current military members, and retired military members are all encouraged to apply to serve as volunteers. Volunteers play a major role at these camps as they participate in activities, supervise youth, chaperone cabins, and assist with workshops and classes.
To apply to be an adult volunteer, download an application from the GA 4-H Military Webpage volunteer page. For more information, email milcamps@uga.edu.
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