Why should my child attend 4-H Overnight Camp?

There are few tools as powerful as the camp experience to positively impact the lives of young people. Whether it’s through nurturing social skills, building self-confidence, re-connecting kids with nature, or supporting positive peer-to-peer relationships, North Carolina 4-H Camp has the power to transform the lives of every child that walks through our doors.

What will my child do at 4-H Camp?

Your child can look forward to a week of making new friends, swimming, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, games, campfires, sleeping in cabins, and much more. The life skills they learn at camp, including responsibility and independence, will help them in school, when they attend college, and in their first jobs.

What will my child learn at 4-H Camp?

When & Where is 4-H Camp?

Buncombe County 4-H will be camping at Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H Camp, June 14-19, 2026!Learn more about Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H Camp.

Who can attend 4-H Camp?

Youth ages 8-12 can attend traditional 4-H camp. Limited spaces are available for 13-14 year-olds in the Adventure and Trekker programs.

• Ages 8-12- Traditional Campers
• Ages 12-13- Adventurer Campers
  • This special program for older campers focuses on developing outdoor living skills and includes a two-night on-site camp out on Tuesday and Wednesday night. In addition to regular residential camping activities, Adventure campers learn fire building, orienteering, outdoor cooking, tent set-up and have the opportunity to go down the zip-line at high ropes. During the campout, Adventure campers stay in a single-gender tent, they learn to set-up themselves. They prepare and cook their own campfire meals.
• Ages 13-14- Trekker Campers (participate in an overnight, 
  • Trekkers participate in an overnight, off-site camp-out and trip that includes rock climbing at Pilot Mountain State Park and river tubing, led by the Madison Mayodan Recreation Commission, on the Dan River.
• Ages 15-17- LIT's (Leaders in Training)
  • The LIT program is designed to help older campers develop leadership skills. Assigned to a staff mentor for the week, LITs spend part of their time working on program set-up and behind-the-scenes details. They also receive specialized training and participate in team-building activities, high ropes, and other leadership opportunities. LIT's must go through an application process prior to being accepted for the program. 

How much is 4-H Camp?

The 4-H Camp tuition is $555 for Traditional and Adventure campers, and $605 for the Trekker program, which is all-inclusive of your child’s six-day experience at an ACA-accredited camping center. FULL AND PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR 2026! Contact Jordan for more information.REGISTER TODAY! Reserve your space with a $75 deposit, non-refundable, which goes towards the camp total. Spaces are limited, so register early!

Want more information about 4-H Camp?

Contact Jordan English, 4-H Agent, if you would like more information about reserving a space for your child at 4-H Camp this summer! If you are interested in camp but need financial assistance, contact Jordan to request a scholarship application. 828-255-5522 or email jordan_english@ncsu.edu.

Upcoming Deadlines & Dates

• 4-H Camp Orientation – May 2026
• Camp Forms & Final Payment Due – May 2026