Why is Camp So Expensive?

We frequently get questions (and a few complaints) about the cost of camp.  While 4-H is part of Virginia Cooperative Extension (a state agency), we do not receive state funding for programs.  4-H programs have to be self-sustaining.  That means we have to charge fees, find grant funding, and/or solicit donations to cover the cost of programs while, at the same time, making those programs accessible to all.  Here's what that looks like for 4-H camp:

Campers pay the $325 fee for camp.  Of that money, $300 goes to Holiday Lake 4-H Center to cover lodging, food, staff, and facilities costs.  The remaining $25 per camper is used by Mecklenburg 4-H to pay for:

• Transportation (We are very fortunate that MCPS works with us to provide buses for camp.  We pay the drivers and the cost of fuel.  Many counties either do not provide transportation or have to charter buses, greatly increasing the cost of camp.)

• Class supplies for any class not taught by Center staff 

• Training costs for teen and adult volunteer leaders

• Multi-level background checks for every person at camp over the age of 18

• Camp t-shirt 

• Some money is used to offset the cost for teen leaders to attend camp.  We pay the 4-H Center a minimum of $160 for each teen that we take to camp.  ("Extra" teens above the ratio of 1 teen to every 8 campers cost us more.) Teens work very hard leading up to camp and are "on duty" the whole time they are there.  For that reason, we allow teens to attend at a discounted rate.  We also use grant funds and scholarship funds to offset their costs. 

We do not receive government funding for camp scholarships.  All of our scholarship money is generously donated by local individuals and organizations that want all children to have the 4-H Camp experience.  Our scholarship money is limited and is distributed based on the family's financial need.  No one receives a full scholarship for camp.   

Cell Phone and Electronics Policy

Across the Commonwealth, 4-H Camp is deliberately designed to be an UNPLUGGED experience.  Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed at camp.  We believe this provides participants with an opportunity to take a much-needed break from social media, video games, and other electronic distractions.  If campers violate this policy and bring electronic devices, they will be turned in to the 4-H Agent to prevent damaged or lost property. Devices may be picked up at camper check-out on Friday.  So please keep cell phones at home!  If there is a true emergency, you may call the 4-H Center and we will put you in touch with your camper.  

Camp Refund Policy

If camp is canceled for any reason by Virginia Cooperative Extension, fees will be fully refunded. 

Through May 8, the fee for 4-H camp is refundable less the deposit amount.  Cancelations made after May 8 are non-refundable.  Exceptions will be considered for significant, documented medical reasons only.

Refund requests must be made in writing.  Refunds are processed by Virginia Tech and may take up to 30 days. 

Camp No-Show Policy 

In recent years, we have had an increasing problem with "no-shows" for 4-H Camp and other programs.  These are youth who are registered for a program or event but cancel at the last minute or do not attend.  No-shows are particularly problematic for Junior 4-H Camp for the following reasons:

• We meet with the 4-H Center two weeks prior to camp.  At this meeting, we are required to turn in all of our paperwork and guarantee our camp numbers.  We are required to pay for the number of beds that we guarantee whether they are full or not.  If a child no-shows for camp, we still have to pay the 4-H Center for their spot.  If that child happened to be a scholarship recipient, that is money that could have been used by another family in need.

• Our allotted camp spaces fill very quickly, and we have a lengthy waiting list. A no-show camper essentially takes a spot away from a child on the waiting list who would otherwise have had the opportunity to participate.
  
  

For these reasons, if a registered participant fails to attend camp and does not notify our office a minimum of two weeks in advance, that camper will not be allowed to register for Junior 4-H Camp the following year.  This policy will be enforced in 2026 without exception.