Class Descriptions

Campers will select their first and second choices in each of the following categories, except for High Challenges, due to the two-class-period requirement.

*Only open to youth 12+

*High Challenges: Adventurers can advance their skills through the challenging Eagle Walk, Postman’s Walk, and Vine Walk; sail over 100 feet of forest on the Zip Line, and take a leap of faith on our newest high element. This is a two-period class. Closed-toe shoes required. Participants in this class will be charged an additional $5.00 fee for supply costs. Campers will be notified in advance if placed in this class.

🌲 Outdoor & Adventure 

Canoeing: A paddle, a life jacket, and a canoe – it doesn’t get much better than this!  Come to class prepared to learn some basic canoeing strokes, safety, and have fun as you navigate the wild, wonderful waters of Lake Culpeper!  If you are lucky, you might even get to go for a dip if you choose to tip your canoe on the last day.  *Old shoes, water shoes, or strapped sandals required (Crocs WITH heel strap are okay).  

Outdoor Living Skills: Learn all about the skills it takes to thrive and survive in the outdoors. Pitching tents, hiking, and creating your own water filtration system are all things you will tackle in this class! Oh, yeah, and everyone who takes this class will get to eat s’mores while learning about the stars that exist in the night sky! 

Go Fish!: Campers will learn to bait the hook and cast into Lake Culpeper in this catch-and-release program. The class will incorporate Virginia Conservation information while enjoying the sport of freshwater fishing. 

🏃 Sports & Movement

Fitness Fun: Have a ball as you take part in some of the most popular camp games, including Gau-Gau, four square, basketball, volleyball, soccer, kickball, disc golf, yoga, flag football, and more! Perfect for those who want to learn the basics and rules of the games. 

Swimming: 

Beginner-For campers with little or no swimming experience, or who are not comfortable in depths over 4 feet, this class will help you learn to have fun in the water. Covers basic strokes, learning to swim underwater, floating, and treading water. 

Intermediate - For campers who can swim unaided across the pool and feel comfortable in depths over 4 feet. This class covers more advanced strokes, uses the diving board, and includes other fun water activities.

*Please Note: Only one level of swimming class will be offered at camp, depending on the preferences submitted by campers. 

Low Ropes: Learn to communicate, test your skills, and work together as you tackle elements on our Low Challenge course. Just don’t get stuck in the Spider Web!  Closed-toe shoes required.

🧪📰 Science, Media & Journalism

Multimedia: Lights, camera, action… and byline! In this multimedia class, campers will explore photography and journalism to tell the story of camp. Snap amazing photos, learn how to crop and edit them, and turn your images into dynamic presentations. Then, step into the world of reporting—interview campers, teens, and staff, write articles, and create fun columns for our very own camp newspaper. Your work will be showcased at the camp closing ceremony for everyone to enjoy! 

Newspaper: READ ALL ABOUT IT! Campers will get the opportunity to write and publish our camp newspaper! Each day, campers will report on classes and activities. Interview campers, teens, staff, and adults, and create interesting columns for the entire camp population to enjoy.

Model Rocketry: 3–2–1 Blast Off! Spend the week exploring aeronautics while you build and launch your very own rocket.  

Sudsy Soap Lab: Campers will explore the science and creativity of soapmaking as they design and create their own custom soaps with colors, scents, and fun techniques. Through hands-on activities, they’ll learn safety skills, follow step-by-step instructions, and build confidence as they experiment with different designs. By the end of the class, each camper will have a collection of unique, handmade soaps to take home and share.

🎨 Creative Skills 

Sew Much Fun: Back by popular demand! In this hands-on sewing class, campers will learn how to use a sewing machine with confidence! This is a true-life skill we can all use. We’ll focus on understanding how the machine works—threading, bobbin winding, stitch selection, and troubleshooting—while practicing safety and care. Campers will complete fun, beginner-friendly take-home projects.  No prior experience needed—just creativity and a willingness to learn!

Crafty Campers: Paint, color, craft, and be creative! Arts and Crafts gives you the opportunity to get creative, making art and items with your personal mark on each one. This highly active and creative crafts class allows campers to use their imagination to develop skills and possibly discover a hobby that lasts a lifetime. 

Color Your World: Learn how to tie-dye in this class and go home with some of your own creations! Must bring a 100% cotton plain white t-shirt. Other surprise items will be supplied. Campers will be notified in advance if placed in this class to ensure time to purchase a t-shirt. 

Performing Arts: Let’s take the stage and make some noise! Campers will dive into the world of performing arts through improv games, creative skits, line dancing, and hands-on percussion and music activities. Whether you’re acting out a scene, keeping the beat, or moving with confidence, there’s a place for everyone to shine. Show off your talents during camp showcases or spontaneous performances with friends! Through creativity, collaboration, and performance, campers will build confidence, express themselves, and have a blast.

 🌱🐾Nature and Field Sciences

Animal Science: Get ready to go wild! In this Animal Science class, campers will explore the amazing world of animals—big and small. Observe, investigate, and learn about their habitats, behaviors, and care while getting hands-on with activities like feeding, grooming, and building enrichment for our animal friends. From mammals to reptiles and everything in between, you’ll uncover the science behind the creatures we share our world with—and maybe even discover your inner zoologist! 

Bug Boot Camp: Step into the exciting world of entomology! You'll explore the importance of insects through hands-on experiences such as honey tasting! You will learn how to collect and identify live insects across a range of habitats and using a variety of traps. You'll find unusual and rare bugs that you just can't find at home. This is your chance to explore the fascinating lives of insects and gain valuable field skills at the same time!  

Creeks & Critters: With nature as our classroom, we will spend time investigating Happy Creek, hiking the Appalachian Trail, building wildlife habitats, exploring the diversity of life that Lake Culpeper supports, and discovering cool facts about the day’s “creature feature.” 

🎯 Specialized Class -Limited Space 

Air Rifle: After a few days of instruction, you might be 4-H Camp’s next “Top Shot.” Learn sportsmanship as you compete with your fellow classmates.  This class is taught by a trained, certified instructor and focuses on SAFETY, shooting, and marksmanship skills. Closed-toe shoes required. 

Archery: What do fletching, quivers, and Robin Hood all have in common? Find out when you learn basic archery skills in this class taught by a trained instructor. The class will place a strong emphasis on SAFETY and mastery.  Closed-toe shoes required. 

Campfire Cooking: Going on a day hike or an overnight campout? Campers will learn how to make simple, tasty, and fun foods that will keep them going all day. Learn how to cook over a campfire so you can share your new favorites with friends and family on your next camping trip. Participants in this class will be charged an additional $5.00 fee for food costs. Campers will be notified in advance if placed in this class. 

*Leadership Adventure: Get ready to lead the 4-H way! We'll tackle wild team challenges, crack creative problems, and find out just how powerful your voice can be. Let's laugh, learn, and lead together! This class is required for all CITs. Non CIT campers can attend if over 12 yrs. 

Click here to access the camp class preference and roommate request form.