Frequently Asked Questions about  4-H Camp

Our week of 4-H Camp, which occurs each summer, is coordinated through the local Extension offices. Please call us in Gloucester at 804-693-2602, in Essex at 804-443-3551, and in Middlesex, 804-758-4120 if you have questions. Your child does not need to be previously enrolled to participate, but you must complete 4-H enrollment online prior to camp.

The mission of the Virginia 4-H camping program is the same as the overall 4-H mission- "To assist youth and adults working with those youth to realize their full potential-becoming effective, contributing citizens through participation in research-based, informal, hands-on experiences."

4-H camping is a proven and effective way of reaching and teaching youth educational programming. Virginia 4-H camping programs are used to enhance life skill development using hands-on learning in a cooperatively environment.

The camping philosophy in Virginia 4-H is dedicated to the positive individual development of youth through experiential learning to promote advancement in life skills-knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes that will enable youth to become self-directed, contributing members of society. This supports the learn-by-doing philosophy of 4-H.

Each of Virginia's six 4-H educational centers has received and maintains American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation. ACA Accreditation indicates that the camp's administration has voluntarily allowed its practices to be compared with the standards established by professionals in the camping industry (ACA, 2012). ACA Accreditation assures parents/guardians that the 4-H Centers have had a regular, independent safety audit that goes beyond most state regulations. Many parents prefer an ACA accredited camp over other camps that are not ACA accredited.

Each 4-H Center is reaccredited every three (3) years and complies annually with ACA standards.

Krista Gustafson, Extension Agent 4-H-- Youth Development, is the Camp Director for the Gloucester-Essex-Middlesex week of camp.

All 4-H Camp adult (over 18yrs.) volunteers are required to complete an application, participate in an interview, submit references, and sign a voluntary disclosure statement. In addition, each applicant is required to complete a criminal background check annually.  

4-H Camp Teen Counselors receive approximately 24 hours of training prior to camp. Our week participates in overnight training at Jamestown 4-H Center as well as monthly zoom trainings and additional weekend in-person trainings. 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, strategies for making camp an inclusive environment, and how to help youth who may be missing home.

Paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff members are taught to identify the indicators of child abuse and maltreatment and the procedures for reporting child abuse. If a paid and/or volunteer 4-H camp staff member reports a suspicion of child abuse and/or maltreatment, the 4-H Extension Agent (or other adult serving as 4-H Camp Director) and/or the 4-H Center Program Director will report the suspicion to the Department of Social Services. 

Behavioral expectations and consequences are communicated through the 4-H Code-of-Conduct, which campers and parents/guardians must sign prior to camp. During camp, expectations for behavior are reviewed the first day, and positive behavior is facilitated through positive reinforcement and role-modeling. Corporal punishment is never allowed in 4-H camp. If you have questions, please direct them to Krista Gustafson, Gloucester, 804-693-2602.

For Junior 4-H camp, you should contact your local Cooperative Extension Office or the Gloucester Extension Office at 804-693-2602  to discuss your child's needs. We will do our best to accommodate.

If you are a person with a disability and desire assistance or accommodation, please notify your local Extension Office by phone or TDD* during business hours.
*TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

Paid and volunteer 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. Contact Krista Gustafson 4-H Extension Agent, at 804-693-2602 for more information regarding this question. 

Consider 4-H camp as a learning experience. 4-H camp is an opportunity for your child to explore a world bigger than his/her neighborhood and a chance for you and your child to practice "letting go." The process of "letting go" allows children to develop autonomy and a stronger sense of self, make new friends, develop new social skills, learn about teamwork, be creative, and more. "Letting go" also provides parents/guardians with the opportunity to take care of themselves so that they feel refreshed when their child returns home from camp.

Prepare for 4-H camp together. Pre-camp decisions-such as signing up for 4-H camp classes and deciding what to pack--should be shared experience (based upon your child's maturity.) If your child feels a part of the decision-making process, his/her chances of having a positive experience at 4-H camp will improve.

Discuss any concerns that your child might have with going to 4-H camp. As the first day of 4-H camp nears, some children experience increased uneasiness about going away from home. Encourage your child to talk about these feelings rather than acting on what you think his/her feelings may be. Communicate confidence in your child's ability to handle being away from home.

Have realistic expectations for the 4-H camp experience. 4-H camp, like the rest of life, has high and low points. Not every moment will be filled with wonder and excitement. Encourage your child to have a reasonable and realistic view of 4-H camp. Discuss both the ups and downs your child may experience. Your child should not feel pressured to succeed at camp. The main purposes of 4-H camp are to learn, have fun, and to relax.

* Adapted from the American Camp Association, 2004.

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. 

When emergency services are provided, all expenses will be paid by parents/guardians' insurance that is identified on the camper's completed 4-H Health History Report Form. Any additional charges will be paid through American Income Life insurance that each 4-H Center has purchased.

All medication for 4-H campers and teen counselors  and adult volunteers must be turned-in to the 4-H Center's medical staff person according to the Virginia 4-H camping medication policy. In addition, a completed "Medication Form" must be submitted for all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) to include vitamins, and the instructions on the form must match the instructions on the bottle.

The exception to this policy occurs in situations involving campers or teen counselors who have severe allergic reactions. In these instances, campers or teen counselors may be allowed to keep inhalers and other similar medication/devices with them in the event of an emergency.

Contact us for more information regarding this question (804-693-2602).