Searching for an affordable, one-of-a-kind experience for your children this summer?

Look no further than North Carolina 4-H camps.

At five 4-H camps and centers spread out across the state, children can participate in everything from sailing near the coast to negotiating ropes courses in the foothills. Programs range from traditional camp activities such as swimming and horseback riding to environmental education and creative writing. They’re tailored for boys and girls ages 5 to 17. And recent sweeping renovations to all of the camps include major structural upgrades and new facilities.

Options are available for full- or half-day camping, as well as residential camping. Membership in 4-H is not an enrollment requirement. 

“Our goal is to create unique, meaningful camp experiences that will not break the bank,” said Larry Hancock, Extension 4-H specialist whose work focuses on 4-H camps and centers. “Our camps boast a rich history that dates back to 1927, and we are proud to continue offering exceptional, diverse camping opportunities in beautiful environments throughout the state.”

A quick glance at the N.C. 4-H camps:

Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center
Reidsville, N.C.
www.bjpenn4h.org
Features: high ropes course, climbing wall, adventure programs, rock climbing, orienteering, canoeing, environmental education, horseback riding, swimming, archery

Eastern 4-H Center
Columbia, N.C.
www.eastern4hcenter.org
Features: sailing, kayaking, canoeing, high/low ropes course, wetlands boardwalk, shooting sports, ecology, environmental education

Millstone 4-H Center
Ellerbe, N.C.
www.millstone4hcamp.org
Features: horseback riding, canoeing, shooting sports, fishing, orienteering, high ropes course, wildlife biology

Sertoma 4-H Center
Westfield, N.C.
www.campsertoma.org
Features: high/low ropes course, creative writing, public speaking, horseback riding, environmental education, financial literacy, dancing, computer literacy, arts and crafts

Swannanoa 4-H Center
Swannanoa, N.C.
www.nc4h.org/centers
Features: archery, craft, swimming, Appalachian heritage, environmental education, orienteering, teambuilding, adventure programs

4-H is N.C. Cooperative Extension’s youth development program, serving more than 219,000 youth across the state with the help of 21,000 4-H volunteer leaders. For more information about 4-H camps or to register online, visit: www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fourh/centers.