Archery: Participants will learn the safe use and handling of bows and arrows. The certified instructor will conduct training and practice in proper methods of stance, aiming, firing, and care of the archery equipment. Instruction will be given in range procedures while firing at foam targets.

*Participants required to wear closed-toed shoes. Crocs not allowed.

Climbing: Using the 25’ outdoor climbing wall campers will learn the basics of climbing safety, equipment, bouldering, climbing, and belaying. Campers will also develop self-confidence and teambuilding skills, all while climbing to new heights.

*Participants required to wear closed-toed shoes. Crocs not allowed.

Swimming: Campers will gain confidence and learn to feel comfortable in the water while developing basic swimming skills. This class is full of water games and fun pool activities focused on developing and advancing the skill level of all beginner swimmers!

*Swimsuit required

Canoeing: A paddle, a life jacket, and a canoe – it doesn’t get much better than this! Come to class prepared to learn some basic canoeing strokes, safety, and have fun as you navigate the wild, wonderful waters of our beautiful Smith Mountain Lake coves and shoreline!

*Spare shoes and bathing suit recommended

Riflery: Ready, Aim, Fire. Campers in this class will learn the fundamentals of firearms safety and basic rifle marksmanship including aiming, shooting, positions, and proper firing techniques using .22 caliber rim-fire rifles.

*Participants required to wear closed-toed shoes. Crocs not allowed.

Cluster-led Class: To be announced.

Advanced Swimming: The goal of this class is to build upon campers basic swimming skills by providing additional guided practice. Designed for campers who feel comfortable in the water, can swim without guidance, and have already learned several strokes. More advanced strokes will be taught as well as diving and swimming time in the deep end.

*Swimsuit required

*Participants must pass the swim test to take this class

Kayaking: Grab a paddle and PFD and have fun learning about paddling and water safety, the parts of the kayak and paddle, and paddling strokes. Participants will practice paddling strokes and how to recover a capsized kayak in shallow water. They will also practice wet-exits and T-rescues.

*Participants must pass the swim test to take this class

*Spare shoes and bathing suit recommended

Cluster-led Class: To be announced.

Multimedia (Graphic Arts): Participants will learn to use video cameras to shoot video images, as well as editing software. They will also design, create, and edit video productions. Campers in this class are responsible for creating the weekly camp video with our multimedia instructor.

Performing Arts: Lights, Camera, Action! Show your dramatic side while learning techniques of the performing arts. Develop your skills and talents in this class designed to increase self-confidence as well as positive group interaction. Campers will also have the opportunity to participate in the weekly camp talent show.

Cluster-led Class: To be announced.

*Must be 12 years of age by the start of camp

Challenge Course/Games & Initiatives: While tackling elements on our low ropes course and other teambuilding challenges and initiatives you and your team will learn communication, leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking.

*Participants required to wear closed-toed shoes. Crocs not allowed.

Climbing: The 25’ outdoor climbing wall offers a variety of challenges for every skill level. Our trained staff create a safe setting in which individuals can explore issues such as risk taking, goal setting, maintaining a positive attitude, and asking and giving peer support. Students will set personal goals prior to climbing the wall and encourage others to work towards the goals.

*Participants required to wear closed-toed shoes. Crocs not allowed.

Collaboration Station: Campers will learn the skills necessary to become camp leaders while collaborating with others to develop life skills. Working in groups on innovative and exciting activities that require thinking outside the box, Collaboration Station will promote teamwork and creative collaboration between campers.

*Participants required to wear closed-toed shoes. Crocs not allowed.

Outdoor Adventure: If you absolutely love the outdoors, then this is just the class for you! Participants will spend time on the 4-H Center’s trails learning the ins and outs of nature excursions, basic orienteering skills using compasses, as well as lessons on basic forestry, local wildlife, and lake ecology. This class also utilizes our beautiful James A. Meador Nature Center and the reptile inhabitants!

*Participants required to wear closed-toed shoes. Crocs not allowed.

Wilderness Survival: Campers will learn basic wilderness survival skills such as shelter building, fire starting, and water collection. In addition to every day tips students will also learn long term wilderness survival skills. Leave No Trace ethics, low impact camping, and safety will also be taught.

*Participants required to wear closed-toed shoes. Crocs not allowed.

Campfire Cooking (may be led by adult volunteers or by 4-H Center staff): Gathered (while socially distancing) around our campfire circle, campers will learn the basics of cooking over a campfire including safe food preparation, following directions and recipes, hands-on cooking with limited equipment and supplies, problem-solving, and meal planning for short-term and extended backpacking trips as well as during power outages or other survival situations.

*Participants required to wear closed-toed shoes. Crocs not allowed.

Wacky Science: Break out your tie-dye lab coats! This class will prove that science is anything but boring! Campers will participate in exciting hands-on science experiments and challenges together while testing out theories and reactions. All safety equipment will be provided, and nothing but educational fun will be had!

Adventure Ecology: It’s time to get out and see science in action! Whether it’s wildlife, a nature hike, aquatics, or a bug hunt, this class is sure to leave your camper buzzing! Campers will get up close and personal with all aspects of nature the 4-H Center has to offer! Activities including aquatic ecology, wildlife ecology, and forest ecology will all be explored.

Cluster-led Class: To be announced.

Basic Horsemanship: Participants will have the opportunity to ride a horse (with instructor control) in the riding ring as well as outside the ring after demonstrating the ability to maintain proper control. Various pieces of horse tack (equipment) and the proper care and use of equine equipment will be taught. Participants will also learn how to provide proper horse care including feeding, watering, grooming, and conditioning.

*Participants required to wear closed-toed shoes. Crocs not allowed.

*Participants required to wear long pants.

Small Animals: Participants will have the opportunity to learn about animals essential to Virginia’s farms and agricultural economy. Participants will learn to identify animal breeds, how to feed and properly care for farm animals, and what products are derived from farm animals.

*Participants required to wear closed-toed shoes. Crocs not allowed.

Cluster-led Class: To be announced.