4-H Junior Camp

Teen Camp Counselors must be ages 14–19. Counselors typically pay half the camper fee to attend camp. Scholarships are available as needed and require a completed application submitted by the selection deadline. All scholarship requests are confidential. Selected Teen Counselors are required to attend all mandatory training, which begin shortly after selection. Training completion is required to meet American Camping Association (ACA) standards.

More information and the Teen Counselor application can be found on our Google Site:https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/jcc4hva/4-h-camp-volunteers

Counselor-in-Training (CIT)

The CIT Program is open to youth ages 13–14 who are interested in building leadership, responsibility, and camp counseling skills. CITs participate in a training class at camp and assist staff and counselors in a limited, supervised role. Serving as a CIT is strongly recommended for youth interested in becoming a Teen Counselor in future years.

CIT Responsibilities

• Serve under the supervision of Teen Counselors, adults, or camp staff

• Assist with group activities, meals, and recreation

• Model positive behavior and leadership

• Support campers without serving in a supervisory role

• Promote the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship

CITs do not need to complete an application at this time. For additional details, visit our Google Site: https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/jcc4hva/4-h-camp-volunteers

PLEASE READ THE REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Registration for campers will open at 8:30am on the Friday nearest to Valentine's Day. Registration will only be collected through our online form on the JCC4HVA Google site. 

The registration forms can be found at the following link: https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/jcc4hva/camp/4-h-junior-camp/registration-enrollment/

Once you have submitted the registration, you will need to review the confirmation message at the end of the form - this will help indicate if you will receive a registration confirmation email or if you are waitlisted. 

Registration confirmation does NOT guarantee a spot at camp! Spaces are limited. You will receive a "Camp Admission" email once you have received a slot. 

If you do not have access to a computer or the internet and as a result cannot complete online registration, please contact our office (757-564-2170) before registration opens.

Once you receive your "Camp Admission" email, you must mail in or drop off at the office a monetary deposit (declared through email) within 10 business days, or your spot in camp will be given to someone on the waitlist. You are not fully registered until we receive your deposit (or the full camp fee if you choose per camper).  There is a $50 charge on all returned/bounced checks.

Mail payment to:

VCE-James City County

Attention: Junior Camp Registration for __________

PO Box 69

Toano, VA 23168

Or you may bring your deposit into our office at 3127 Forge Road, Toano, VA, 23168.

Once your deposit has been received, a digital receipt via email will be sent to you with additional information and instructions for the remainder balance.

We can accept cash or checks made payable to VCE-James City County.  Put your camper's name in the memo line of all checks or attach a note with your camper's name to any cash payments. Deposits must be received two weeks after you receive notification or your spot in camp will be given to someone on the waitlist. You are not fully registered until we receive your deposit or the full camp fee, if you choose, per camper).  The remaining camp fee balance (if any) will be due one month before camp begins.

Camp spots are first come, first fill. Overflow will be placed on a waitlist and notified. We will contact you by phone if and when a spot opens up. If you are on the waitlist, you do NOT need to mail in a deposit. Your deposit will be due if a camp spot opens up for your child. If a spot opens for your child, you must respond yes or no within 24 hours, or we will contact the next family.

James City County's spots for 4-H Junior Camp fills very quickly. For questions regarding camp registration, please call our office at 757-564-2170.

Fees & Due Dates

The cost to attend camp will be shared yearly. A deposit is due within 10 days after you receive your “Camp Admission” email.  The remaining camp balance is due one month before camp begins or by a set deadline by the unit office.

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance is available to youth with financial need. If you plan to apply for financial assistance, you should still register online like everyone else. 

NEW - Financial Aid & Scholarship Form: https://forms.gle/UyhPwvUXv6SqgWnS7

The entire form must be completed for local JCC 4-H scholarship consideration. The honest and true disclosure of information is considered sensitive and confidential. Only the necessary VCE 4-H faculty and staff will review submissions for eligibility. For questions or help completing this form, contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension - James City County office.

In order to clarify confusion concerning the Virginia 4-H age policy for campers, counselors-in-training, teen counselors, and adult leaders, as well as eligibility for attending 4-H camps at the 4-H educational centers, the 4-H leadership council enacted the following policy in February of 2000:

The 4-H year is October 1 through September 30.

If a child is 13 years of age, but will become 14 years of age during the 4-H year in which a 4-H junior camp is held, they are eligible to attend a 4-H junior camp as a camper. [NOTE: this covers the upper maximum age requirement].

This does not change the age requirements for a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) or a Teen Counselor. In order to be a 4-H Camp Counselor-in-Training, a youth must be at least 13 years old by January 1 of the 4-H year. In order to be eligible to become a 4-H Camp Teen Counselor a teen must be at least 14 years of age or older by January 1 of the 4-H year. However, it is highly recommended that Teen Counselors be at least 15 years of age when assuming supervision roles.

Examples:

a. Age on January 1 of the current year:

i. 13 years of age may attend 4-H camp as a camper (or Counselor-in-Training)

ii. 14 years of age may attend 4-H camp as a Counselor-in- Training or Teen Counselor

b. Age at the birthday on January 2 through to and including on September 30 of the current year:

i. 13 years of age may attend 4-H camp as a camper

ii. 14 years of age may attend 4-H camp as a camper (or Counselor-in-Training)

There are some special circumstances where 15-year-old campers may end up being a counselor-in-training based on their maturity level and the combined decision of the 4-H agents, but this is very rare.

The classes and evening activities offered at camp vary from year to year. An example of classes offered include: swimming, water polo, archery, air rifle, canoeing, kayaking, low ropes course, robotics, videography, art and crafts, outdoor living skills, and marine science.

Youth will select the classes that they are most interested in on the first day of camp. Evening activities may include outdoor games, carnival games, a pool party, and a talent show.

We try to make sure there is something for everyone at camp!

Adult Volunteers help us provide a safe, supportive, and fun environment for our campers. Serving as an Adult Volunteer is an incredibly rewarding and fun experience.  Adult volunteers serve as caring adults for the campers, and have the opportunity to experience many of the camp classes and activities.  During the week, Adult Volunteers assist with classes and activities as needed, but mostly serve as adult chaperones and role models for all youth at camp.

Adult Volunteers camp for free and volunteers that stay all 4 nights of camp receive a full discount on the camp fee for one camper if they have a related youth attending camp.

Adults Interested in voluntering must:

• Complete Adult Volunteer Application
• Submit to and pass a background check
• Attend an in-person interview
• Complete Civil Rights Training
• Attend Teen and Adult pre-camp trainings

Requirements

Adult Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age by October 1st and must also complete training prior to camp. The hours of training can be a combination of online and in-person training.

Volunteer positions are filled on first-come-first serve basis.  Volunteers will be selected based on application, reference checks, an approved background check, and the interview.

To inquire about serving as an Adult Volunteer for 4-H Junior Summer Camp, please reach out to the office. 757-564-2179.