Classes

REVIEW CLASSES PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

On Tuesday through Thursday at camp, campers participate in four camp classes. Upon registration, each camper is prompted to rank their top twelve camp classes for consideration. We will do our best to accommodate those top requests as space allows. 

Archery: Are you ready to unleash your inner Katniss or Robin Hood? In archery, you will discover the thrill of aiming, drawing, and firing with precision and safety. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced archer, this class will teach the fundamentals and help you master your archery skills. From the safe use and handling of bows and arrows to fun, friendly shooting competitions, this class has something for anyone interested in archery!

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

Backyard Sports Bonanza: Have a ball as you take part in some of our camp games that you can recreate in your own backyard.  Including, but not limited to, flag football, whiffle ball, gau-gau, kickball, and more! Perfect for those who want to learn the basics and rules of the games. 

*Closed-toe shoes required.

Basic Horsemanship: Saddle up for the perfect class for first-time horse riders! Participants will have the opportunity to interact with our horses to increase comfort levels, ride a horse at a walking speed (with instructor control), and dive into the basics of horsemanship safety and riding. Additionally, participants will learn how to provide proper horse care including feeding, watering, grooming, and conditioning. Join us as we lace up our boots, grab our helmets, and experience an exciting class you won’t forget! 

*Participants required to wear closed-toed shoes (boots or tennis shoes). Crocs not allowed.

*Participants required to wear long pants.

Basketball: Campers will learn the fundamentals of basketball; improve their shooting, ball handling, and footwork skills - all while having a blast and shooting hoops!

Camp Tok: Not your typical multimedia class! CampTok includes filming, video production, and media management. Participants will design, create, and edit videos to make reels that will be used to advertise for 4-H camp! CampTok is the ultimate adventure in creativity that allows you to combine your skills in fun and unexpected ways with a team of creative masterminds. This is where imagination meets technology and allows you to become a certified W.E. Skelton content creator!  

Canoeing: Join us for a boatload of fun in the sun! Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned boater, our instructor will have you paddling like a pro and mastering basic canoe strokes. Feel the thrill of successfully steering a boat, racing your friends to the next buoy, and discovering the secrets of balancing on the water in a relaxed, fun, and safe atmosphere. Come navigate the wild, wonderful waters of our beautiful Smith Mountain Lake shoreline with us!

*Spare shoes and bathing suit recommended

Centerstage: Lights, Camera, Action! Show your dramatic side while learning various aspects of performing arts including costuming, improvisation, and the use of props. Develop your skills and talents in this class designed to increase self-confidence as well as positive group interaction. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in the weekly camp talent show. 

Challenge Course: Working with other campers you will tackle elements on our challenge course as a group. Teamwork, communication, and fun are a must for this class! Build confidence and feel a sense of accomplishment by completing our tricky elements with your team…just be careful not to get stuck in one of our Spider Webs! 

*Participants are required to wear closed-toed shoes

CIT [Counselor in Training]: This class designed specifically for CITs (Counselors-in-Training) teaches the necessary skills to become camp leaders. Encouraging both team and individual growth, this class focuses on promoting feelings of personal accomplishment, confidence, responsibility, leadership, and self-worth. 

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

*Participants must be 13 by 01/01/2025

*This is a two-period class.

Climbing: Using our outdoor climbing wall participants will learn the basics of climbing and belaying. The importance of climbing safety and proper equipment will be taught as well. By encouraging safe, appropriate risk in a caring environment, participants will develop self-confidence while climbing to new heights. 

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

Cooking Around the World: Discover the kitchen through the lens of various cuisines from three countries around the world.  Have fun learning new cooking techniques and eating tasty treats!  

Craftin’ & Creations: Unleash your inner artist! Participants will dive into the world of art and explore the creative process, develop their artistic skill, and experiment with different techniques and materials 

CSI: Camp Scene Investigation: Our brand-new class explores the world of forensic science and crime scene investigation. Participants will become our camp sleuths and work together to solve a camp whodunnit mystery while building important critical thinking skills.  This class has it all…mystery, science, teamwork, logic, and fun! 

Epic Explosions: Welcome to the most fizzling, sizzling, explosive class the 4-H Center has! With instructor support, participants will get to make their own incredible explosions using every day materials.  The importance of proper safety equipment, precautions, and supervision will be taught, and participants will get their own book of explosions they can try at home (with adult supervision, of course!). Who knew science could be so awesome? 

Fishing: Let’s get reel…we are hooked on fishing! Participants will learn the basics of freshwater lake fishing, equipment, and safety. Smith Mountain Lake is known for its wide variety of fish such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, striped bass, perch, blue gill, and more! 

Golf: FORE! Participants will learn the fundamentals and fun of golf on our covered outdoor driving range. The class will feature instruction on putting, dynamics of the golf swing, distance control and chipping, and fun golf games and challenges to put new skills to use! 

High Ropes: Participants will learn belaying skills, climbing techniques, and safety while developing self-confidence and teambuilding skills 60 feet in the air! Elements include a catwalk, postman’s walk, horizontal ladder, and multi-line traverse. 

*Participants must be 12 years of age by the start of camp and are required to wear closed-toed shoes 

*This is a two-period class.

Kayaking: Grab a kayak, paddle, and life jacket and head out in our cove to learn about different paddling strokes, water safety, and the parts of the kayak and paddle. Participants will practice paddling, wet-exits and T-rescues, and learn how to recover a capsized kayak in shallow water. 

*Participants must pass the swim test to take this class

*Spare shoes and bathing suit recommended

Leathercraft: Get ready to imagine, hammer, and create in this hands-on leathercraft class. Learn the basics of tooling, stamping, and leatherworking as you transform raw leather into custom nametags and keepsakes. Participants will explore the creative process, develop their artistic skills, and experiment with different techniques and materials. The supportive environment encourages positive self-expression and will have participants designing like a true artisan. No experience needed – just creativity!

Reading and Relaxation: Take a step back from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the serenity of camp.  Campers will have time to sit, relax, and read a book!  

Ready, Set, Grow!: Through hands-on activities participants will discover where foods come from, get outdoors, explore nature, and more!  

Riflery: Ready, Aim, Fire! Participants will learn the fundamentals of firearms safety and basic rifle marksmanship including aiming, shooting, and proper firing techniques using .22 caliber rifles in our state-of-the-art shooting sports complex. 

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

Skelton Spa: Join us in exploring the art of styling hair, nail care, and overall self care. In this class you will leave feeling pampered while learning how to make bath bombs. 

Small Animals: Participants will learn about animals essential to Virginia’s farms and agricultural economy. Skills such as identifying animal breeds and how to feed and properly care for farm animals will be taught in addition to what products are derived from them. Participants will get hands-on experience with our calf, goats, pigs, and other livestock! 

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

Snack Attack: Dive into the world of foods by getting hands-on experience creating some easy snacks!  Leave camp with quick and easy recipes you can recreate at home.  

Snorkeling: Grab your mask, fins, and sense of adventure - it's time to dive beneath the surface! In this fun-filled class for first-time snorkelers, campers will learn the basics of snorkeling, from mastering their gear to gliding effortlessly through the water. This class is your ticket to an unforgettable underwater adventure. Let’s make a splash!

*Participants must pass the swim test to take this class

Soccer: Participants will learn the basics of soccer including dribbling and passing while playing scrimmages and practicing skills.

*Participants are required to wear socks and tennis shoes.

Swimming: A class specifically for our beginner swimmers! Full of water games and fun activities focused on developing participants’ skill level, this swimming class aims to build confidence while increasing comfort levels in the water. 

*No swim band required

Tie-Dye: Campers will have fun learning how to design their own clothing with bright colors and patterns through tie-dye!  They will make a minimum of three creations through various techniques and designs.  

Wilderness Survival: Do you love backpacking, hiking, or just enjoy being outdoors? Participants in this new camp class will learn basic techniques and skills to survive in the wilderness including fire building, shelter building, knot tying, navigation, foraging for food, and safe water consumption. Leave No Trace principles will also be taught with the mission of educating participants on minimum impact practices in the outdoors.

Yoga: Find your center and stretch! Yoga is great for people of all ages and abilities, it increases strength, flexibility and coordination. 4-H even has its own yoga program! Come experience the fun of yoga and find a little peace and relaxation at camp.