Prince William/Stafford
4-H Camp Q&A

 • What is the policy on cell phones for campers?

4-H camp participants are prohibited from bringing cell phones or other electronic communication devices to 4-H Camp. Bringing and using these devices is very disruptive to the camping experience in several ways.

1.      For the protection of all camp participants, due to the prevalence of social media and the ability for most cell phones and other electronic devices to be used as cameras, these devices are not allowed at camp. This is an attempt to prevent unauthorized use or inappropriate photos being taken and/or uploaded to the internet.

2.      Campers who experience mild homesickness and have access to a cell phone will call home. Once that connection is made, the parents almost always end up coming to camp to take their child home. The same camper without access to that phone will be over their homesickness in 24 – 36 hours and have a wonderful camping experience.

3.      Other campers who do not have access to cell phones but see others using them often feel as if they are being treated unfairly even though they are the ones who choose to follow rules. Seeing this can also incite homesickness where it otherwise might not occur.

4.      4-H Camp is designed to be a place for youth to have a safe and fun learning experience away from home and their parents. Having direct contact with parents/family/friends throughout the week interferes with and even negates the developmental benefits that the camping experience is designed to provide.

 • If cell phones are not allowed, how and when are campers able to contact their parents?

The mailing address at camp is provided in the camp newsletter. Family and friends are encouraged to send letters, notes, and care packages to camp. We suggest you send your child to camp with self-addressed, stamped envelopes for their use. Consider 4-H camp as a learning experience. It is an opportunity for your child to explore a world bigger than his/her neighborhood and a chance for your child to develop autonomy and a stronger sense of self, make new friends, develop new social skills, learn about teamwork, be creative, and more.

 • How are sleeping arrangements organized? What is the sleep supervision situation?

Each lodge has rooms with bunk beds that hold between 4-5 campers and one counselor. Some rooms will also have a counselor-in-training. There is at least one adult in each lodge.   

 • Will there always be adult supervision present in the lodge at night? What is the supervision like during the day? 

Yes, there is always at least one adult in each lodge and one counselor in each room. Campers follow the “Rule of 3”; they always walk in groups of at least three people and will NEVER be with an adult alone. 

 • What is the shower situation like for campers?

The girl lodges have private bathrooms in each room. The boy lodges have dorm-like hallway showers with private stalls. Campers take turns at night or in the morning individually showering.   

 • Are background checks conducted on all adult chaperones and staff? 

As required by our ACA accreditation, every adult at camp has completed a background check. In addition, all 4-H camp adults must complete an application, participate in an interview, submit references, and sign a voluntary disclosure statement. Junior 4-H camp uses a combination of paid summer 4-H camp staff (who are employed and trained by each 4-H Center) and 4-H camp teen and adult volunteers (who are recruited and trained by each local Extension office). Paid staff are generally ages 18 to 24 years old. Teen volunteers are ages 14 to 18, and adult volunteer staff are 19 years old and older.

 • What training do 4-H camp staff receive?

Paid summer 4-H camp staff members-who are employed all summer at each 4-H Center-receive approximately 10 days or more of training prior to camp. Included in this training are topics on risk management, safety and emergency procedures, youth behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate staff behavior, expectations for supervision, expectations for teaching, instructional techniques, and program development.

 • What training do volunteer camp counselors receive?

Volunteer 4-H camp counselors receive approximately 24 hours of training prior to camp. Topics covered include expectations for youth supervision, developmental characteristics of youth, safety and emergency procedures, child abuse prevention, basics of risk management, appropriate volunteer and camper behavior, dealing with sensitive issues, and strategies for making camp an inclusive environment.

 • What is the protocol in case of a medical emergency?

Each 4-H Center employs trained medical staff who respond to all accidents, incidents, and illnesses. If your child is injured at 4-H camp, medical assistance will be provided by the 4-H Center medical staff. If the injury requires emergency services, you will be contacted by the 4-H Center medical staff and/or your Extension representative.

 • How do you handle situations where a child may experience homesickness and/or want to leave camp early?

Counselors and 4-H camp staff are trained to address homesickness by providing a caring, understanding environment and through involvement. Many 4-H campers are able to adjust to homesickness by being paired with a "camper buddy" or "staff buddy" and through encouragement and support. In instances in which these techniques are not effective, parents/guardians are typically contacted to discuss other options.

 • What is the counselor-to-camper ratio for Junior 4-H Camp?

The counselor-to-camper ratio for Junior 4-H camp (which serves youth ages 9-14) is 1:8 or better. In many instances, this ratio may be 1:7 or 1:6 because of additional trained 4-H camp counselors. These ratios are consistent with the standards established by the American Camp Association.