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National Accreditation
Virginia’s 4-H camping program is recognized throughout the nation as a leader in 4-H camping programs. Each of the six Virginia 4-H Educational Centers has achieved and maintains American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation.
Parents and guardians should always look for the ACA seal when selecting a camp for their child to attend. Only about 25 percent of all camps in the nation are accredited by the ACA, the recognized camp accreditation organization in the United States. Having ACA accreditation means that the camp meets the highest standards for safety, food service and staffing, health care, and program quality.
Each 4-H Educational Center maintains these standards annually. Additionally, all 300 standards are reviewed every three years for reaccreditation. Each 4-H center program staff person, as well as the adult and teen 4-H volunteers who participate in camp, are carefully selected and trained prior to the camping event.
What is the purpose of 4-H camping?
4-H camping is cooperative group living in a natural environment that focuses on developing life skills, social, spiritual, mental, and physical development, in young people.
4-H camping emphasizes “learning by doing.”
Who participates?
More than 6,100 youth ages 5 to 18 are involved in the W. E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center programming each year.
872 teen and adult 4-H volunteer leaders support, supervise, and teach those youth.
How are youth involved?
The W. E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center provides opportunities for youth in four ways: 4-H residential camping, 4-H specialty/day camping, 4-H school enrichment, and environmental education based upon the Virginia Standards of Learning.
What type of educational programming is provided?
The W. E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center programs include leadership development, environmental and aquatic science, performing arts, shooting education, forestry, outdoor adventure, computer science, low ropes course, climbing, primitive skills, arts and crafts, horsemanship and animal science, journalism and broadcasting, wildlife, canoeing, fishing, outdoor sports, ceramics, and swimming.
How do youth benefit from 4-H camping?
Youth have the opportunity to learn and have fun in a safe environment while surrounded by caring adults.
4-H camp participation helped youth to learn to:
Make new friends,
Develop new skills, and
Become more independent and able to take care of themselves.
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
COVID Policy items to note before you register:
Currently all COVID mask restrictions have been lifted for 4-H Camp.
However, we will continue to monitor COVID-19 Community Levels and follow mask guidance in accordance to local and CDC mask guidance. Community level ‘High’ = mask required indoors for all 4-H programs. Community level ‘Low/Moderate’ = personal preference.
The COVID-19 Community Level data is updated once per week and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) faculty/staff organizing events will include expectations for mask/face coverings in event details. Creating a sense of belonging and a welcoming environment is a foundational principle of 4-H positive youth development. To that end, we will support and make all individuals that choose to wear a mask/face covering feel welcome.
Note, a daily Health Check will occur on the morning of Monday, June 1, before we leave for 4-H Camp and will also occur every morning while at 4-H Camp. Those experiencing signs of illness, fever or COVID like symptoms, will not be allowed attend and/or to stay at 4-H Camp. We strongly discourage attendance by anyone sick or showing signs of illness within the last 14 days.
We appreciate your understanding and your commitment to providing a safe camp experience for your child. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions. Questions be directed to Chris Lichty, 4-H Extension Agent, clichty@vt.edu and Cynthia Hurst, 4-H Program Assistant, cyhurst@vt.edu. Or call us at 540-980-7761.
2023 4-H Camp Summer Menu
Camp Menu 2023.pdfSuggested Packing List
2023 W.E. Skelton 4-H Camp Suggested Packing List.pdf2022 Skelton 4-H Camp Country Store Pricing (will be updated once 2023 prices released)
2023 Country Store List.pdf2022-2023 Code of Conduct.pdfcell phone policy form 2022.pdf2022 4-H Camp Dress Code Guidelines.pdfTax Credits for Child Care During 4-H Camp
Each year the State 4-H Office receives questions from parents/guardians who want VCE’s federal tax identification number so that they can claim a child-care tax credit for the time that their child/children attended 4-H camp. (The logic seems to be that “any child care provided so that parents can work can be claimed.”)
However, IRS Publication 503 clearly indicates that overnight camp is not considered child care. Specifically, IRS Publication 503 states that “The cost of sending your child to an overnight camp is not considered a work-related expense.”
Overnight 4-H Camp does not qualify as a tax credit.
For more information about the W.E. Skelton 4-H Center and their facilities visit: https://skelton4hcenter.org
For more information about the W.E. Skelton 4-H Center and their facilities visit: https://skelton4hcenter.org
If you have questions about the Pulaski County 4-H Camp, please contact Pulaski County Cooperative Extension.
If you have questions about the Pulaski County 4-H Camp, please contact Pulaski County Cooperative Extension.
Chris LichtySenior Extension Agent, 4-H Youth DevelopmentVirginia Cooperative ExtensionPulaski County143 Third Street, NW, Suite 3Pulaski, VA 24301Phone: 540-980-7761clichty@vt.edu
Cynthia HurstProgram Assistant, 4-H Youth Development Virginia Cooperative ExtensionPulaski County143 Third Street, NW, Suite 3Pulaski, VA 24301Phone: 540-980-7761cyhurst@vt.edu
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