Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) about
4-H Camp for Parents/Guardians

• What are the eligibility requirements for 4-H camp? Does my child have to be a 4-H member in order to attend 4-H camp?
• How do I register my child for 4-H camp?
• What is the 4-H camp mission, philosophy, and program emphasis?
• At which 4-H Center does my child camp?
• Are the 4-H Centers accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA)?
• Who is the 4-H camp director during my child's week of camp?
• What is the counselor-to-camper ratio at 4-H camp?
• How will my child be supervised while at 4-H camp? Is there ever a time when my child will not be supervised?
• How will my child be supervised at night and during ³free-time?²
• What percentage of 4-H camp staff are volunteer and what percentage of 4-H camp staff are paid? What are their ages?
• How are 4-H camp paid and volunteer staff screened?
• What training do paid 4-H camp counselors receive? How many hours?
• What training do volunteer 4-H camp counselors receive? How many hours?
• How are paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff trained to prevent and/or report child abuse?
• What qualities do seek when hiring 4-H camp staff?
• How are paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff supervised?
• What percentage of the 4-H camp paid and volunteer staff returned from last year?
• How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled at 4-H camp?
• What methods do you use to make your paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff sensitive to the needs and concerns of children?
• My child has special needs (i.e., physical, emotional, dietary, etc.). Who do I contact to discuss my child's participation in 4-H camp?
• How are 4-H camp staff trained to deal with homesickness?
• This will be my child's first time attending 4-H camp. How can I prepare my child for this experience?*
• What are your policies regarding parent-camper communication and/or visitation while attending 4-H camp?
• What items should my child pack for 4-H camp and what items should be left at home?
• What happens if my child is injured at 4-H camp? What insurance will be used to pay for the medical expenses?
• What is the nature of the 4-H camp programs and activities? In other words, what will my child be doing at 4-H camp?
• If 4-H camp must end at a time other than the scheduled conclusion (for example, due to a multi-day power outage), how will I be notified?
• Will my child be allowed to keep his/her medication while at 4-H camp?
• How are medical needs handled at 4-H camp?
• What is the 4-H camp refund policy?
• Can my child bring his/her personal sports equipment, computer, cellular phone, etc to 4-H camp?
• What are the 4-H camp's ³lost and found² procedures?
• What are the daytime and nighttime security procedures at 4-H camp?
• How can I receive references from other parents/guardians who children have attended 4-H camp?
• My teen is interested in being a counselor at 4-H camp? What does he/she have to do?
• I would like to be an adult volunteer during the same week that my child will be attending 4-H camp? Who do I contact?

What are the eligibility requirements for 4-H camp? Does my child have to be a 4-H member in order to attend 4-H camp?
4-H camp is available to both male and female youth. A young person does not have to be a 4-H member in order to attend 4-H camp. Some types of 4-H camps are designed for youth of a specific age. For more information, contact your local 4-H Extension Agent.

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How do I register my child for 4-H camp?
Junior 4-H Camp, which occurs each summer, is coordinated through your local Cooperative Extension office. You should contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information.

Additional 4-H camps may be available throughout the year at the 4-H Center that serves your county or city. To learn more about these 4-H camps, contact the 4-H Center Program Director. Click here to see a map if you are not sure which 4-H Center serves the county/city in which you live.

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What is the 4-H camp mission, philosophy, and program emphasis?
The mission of the Virginia 4-H camping is the same as the overall 4-H mission- "To assist youth and adults working with those youth to realize their full potential-becoming effective, contributing citizens through participation in research-based, informal, hands-on experience."

4-H camping is a proven and effective way of reaching and teaching youth educational programming. Virginia 4-H camping programs are used to enhance life skill development using hands-on learning in a cooperatively environment.

The camping philosophy in Virginia 4-H is dedicated to the positive individual development of youth through experiential learning to promote advancement in life skills-knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes that will enable youth to become self-directed, contributing members of society. This supports the Œlearn-by-doing' philosophy of 4-H.

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At which 4-H Center does my child camp?
There are six 4-H educational centers (i.e., 4-H Centers) in Virginia. Each 4-H Center has a specific service area based upon its geographic location. Youth attend 4-H camp at a specific 4-H Center based upon where they reside. Click here to see a map if you are not sure which 4-H Center serves the county/city in which you live.

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Are the 4-H Centers accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA)?
Each of Virginia's six 4-H educational centers has received American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation. ACA Accreditation indicates that the camp's administration has voluntarily allowed its practices to be compared with the standards established by professionals in the camping industry (ACA, 1998, p. 4).

ACA Accreditation assures parents/guardians that the 4-H Centers have had a regular, independent safety audit that goes beyond most state regulations. Many parents prefer an ACA accredited camp over other camps that are not ACA accredited.

Each 4-H Center is visited every three (3) years and must comply annually with ACA standards in order to maintain accreditation.

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Who is the 4-H camp director during my child's week of camp?
For Junior 4-H Camp conducted each summer, the 4-H Extension Agent (or other Extension faculty/staff person responsible for 4-H camp in your county or city) serves as the 4-H Camp Director. This person works cooperatively with the Program Director at the appropriate 4-H Center to plan, implement, and evaluate 4-H camp.

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What is the counselor-to-camper ratio at 4-H camp?
The counselor-to-camper ratio for Junior 4-H camp (which serves youth ages 9-13) is 1:8 or better. In many instances, this ratio may be 1:7 or 1:6 because of additional trained 4-H camp counselors.

The counselor-to-camper ratio for 4-H Cloverbud camps (which serves youth ages 5-8) is 1:5 or better.

The counselor-to-camper ration for 4-H teen camps (which serves youth ages 14-18) is 1:10 or better.

These ratios are consistent with the standards established by the American Camp Association.

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How will my child be supervised while at 4-H camp? Is there ever a time when my child will not be supervised?
Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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How will my child be supervised at night and during "free-time?"
Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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What percentage of 4-H camp staff are volunteer and what percentage of 4-H camp staff are paid? What are their ages?
Junior 4-H camp uses a combination of paid summer 4-H camp staff (which are employed and trained by each 4-H Center) and 4-H camp teen and adult volunteers (which are recruited and trained by each local Cooperative Extension office). Approximately 1/3 of 4-H camp staff are paid and approximately 2/3 are volunteers. Paid staff are generally ages 18-24 years old. Teen volunteers are ages 14-18, and adult volunteer staff are 19 years old and older. Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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How are 4-H camp paid and volunteer staff screened?
All 4-H camp paid and volunteer staff are required to complete an application and interview. In addition, each applicant must submit references that are checked during the screening process.

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What training do paid 4-H camp counselors receive? How many hours?
Paid summer 4-H camp staff members-who are employed all summer at each 4-H Center-receive approximately 8 days of training prior to camp, including training in risk management, safety and emergency procedures, youth behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate staff behavior, expectations for supervision, expectations for teaching, instructional techniques, and program development.

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What training do volunteer 4-H camp counselors receive? How many hours?
Volunteer 4-H camp staff members-who serve for one week-receive approximately 24 hours of training prior to camp, including expectations for youth supervision, developmental characteristics of youth, safety and emergency procedures, child abuse prevention, basics of risk management, appropriate volunteer and camper behavior, dealing with sensitive issues, and strategies for making camp an inclusive environment.

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How are paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff trained to prevent and/or report child abuse?
Paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff members are taught to identify the indicators of child abuse and maltreatment and the procedures for reporting child abuse. If a paid and/or volunteer 4-H camp staff member reports a suspicion of child abuse and/or maltreatment, the 4-H Extension Agent (or other adult serving as 4-H Camp Director) and/or the 4-H Center Program Director will report the suspicion to the Department of Social Services.

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What qualities do seek when hiring 4-H camp staff?
Paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff are expected to be a positive influence on youth at all times. Because the Virginia 4-H has adopted the CHARACTER COUNTS! program, most paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff are trained in the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. These are the character traits that paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff members are expected to demonstrate and to foster in the 4-H camp environment.

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How are paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff supervised?
Paid 4-H camp staff are supervised by the 4-H Center Program Director (in cooperation with the 4-H Extension Agent or other adult responsible for 4-H camp) through a combination of direct observation, one-on-one meetings, and daily full staff meetings.

Volunteer 4-H camp staff are supervised by the 4-H Extension Agent (or other adult responsible for 4-H camp) in cooperation with the 4-H Center Program Director through a combination of direct observation, one-on-one meetings, and daily full staff meetings.

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What percentage of the 4-H camp paid and volunteer staff returned from last year?
Approximately 40-60 percent of all paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff return from the previous year. Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled at 4-H camp?
Behavioral expectations and consequences are communicated through the 4-H Code-of-Conduct, which campers and parents/guardians must sign prior to camp. During camp, expectations for behavior are reviewed the first day, and positive behavior is facilitated through positive reinforcement and role-modeling. Corporal punishment is never allowed in 4-H camp. Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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What methods do you use to make your paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff sensitive to the needs and concerns of children?
Paid and volunteer staff 4-H camp staff are trained in the developmental needs of youth, particularly the need for contact with caring adults in a supportive environmental that fosters skill-building. Paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff are expected to be aware of their campers needs and concerns and to address these needs and concerns once they are identified. Paid and volunteer staff receive training in limits of authority and appropriate discipline. Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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My child has special needs (i.e., physical, emotional, dietary, etc.). Who do I contact to discuss my child's participation in 4-H camp?
For Junior 4-H camp, you should contact your local Cooperative Extension Office for discuss your child's needs.

For other types of 4-H camps conducted at a 4-H Center, you should contact the 4-H Center Program Director to discuss your child's needs.

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How are 4-H camp staff trained to deal with homesickness?
Paid and volunteer 4-H camp staff are trained to address homesickness by providing a caring, understanding environment and through involvement. Many 4-H campers are able to adjust to homesickness by being paired with a "camper buddy" or "staff buddy" and through encouragement and support. In instances in which these techniques are not effective, parents/guardians are typically contacted to discuss other options. Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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This will be my child's first time attending 4-H camp. How can I prepare my child for this experience?*
Consider 4-H camp as a learning experience. 4-H camp is an opportunity for your child to explore a world bigger than his/her neighborhood and a chance for you and your child to practice "letting go." The process of "letting go" allows children to develop autonomy and a stronger sense of self, make new friends, develop new social skills, learn about teamwork, be creative, and more. "Letting go" also provides parents/guardians with the opportunity to take care of themselves so that they feel refreshed when their child returns home from camp.

Prepare for 4-H camp together. Pre-camp decisions-such as signing up for 4-H camp classes and deciding what to pack--should be shared experience (based upon your child's maturity.) If your child feels a part of the decision-making process, his/her chances of having a positive experience at 4-H camp will improve.

Discuss any concerns that your child might have with going to 4-H camp. As the first day of 4-H camp nears, some children experience increased uneasiness about going away from home. Encourage your child to talk about these feelings rather than acting on what you think his/her feelings may be. Communicate confidence in your child's ability to handle being away from home.

Have realistic expectations for the 4-H camp experience. 4-H camp, like the rest of life, has high and low points. Not every moment will be filled with wonder and excitement. Encourage your child to have a reasonable and realistic view of 4-H camp. Discuss both the ups and downs your child may experience. Your child should not feel pressured to succeed at camp. The main purposes of 4-H camp are to learn, have fun, and to relax.

* Adopted from the American Camp Association, 2004.

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What are your policies regarding parent-camper communication and/or visitation while attending 4-H camp?
Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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What items should my child pack for 4-H camp and what items should be left at home?
Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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What happens if my child is injured at 4-H camp? What insurance will be used to pay for the medical expenses?
Each 4-H Center employs trained medical staff who respond to all accidents, incidents, and illnesses. If your child is injured at 4-H camp, medical assistance will be provided by the 4-H Center medical staff. If the injury requires emergency services, you will be contacted by the 4-H Center medical staff person. Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

When emergency services are provided, all expenses will be paid by parents/guardians' insurance which is identified on the camper's completed 4-H Health History Report Form. Any additional charges will be paid through American Income Life insurance which each 4-H Center has purchased.

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What is the nature of the 4-H camp programs and activities? In other words, what will my child be doing at 4-H camp?
Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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If 4-H camp must end at a time other than the scheduled conclusion (for example, due to a multi-day power outage), how will I be notified?
Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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Will my child be allowed to keep his/her medication while at 4-H camp?
In most cases the answer is "no." All mediation for 4-H campers and teen counselors (anyone under 18 years of age) must be turned-in to the 4-H Center's medical staff person according to the Virginia 4-H camping medication policy. In addition, a completed "Medication Form" must be submitted for all over-the-counter medications, and the instructions on the form must match the instructions on the bottle.

The exception to this policy occurs in situations involving campers or teen counselors who have severe allergic reactions. In these instances, campers or teen counselors may be allowed to keep inhalers and other similar medication/devices with them in the event of an emergency.

Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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How are medical needs handled at 4-H camp?
Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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What is the 4-H camp refund policy?
Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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Can my child bring his/her personal sports equipment, computer, cellular phone, etc to 4-H camp?
Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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What are the 4-H camp's "lost and found" procedures?
Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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What are the daytime and nighttime security procedures at 4-H camp?
Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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How can I receive references from other parents/guardians who children have attended 4-H camp?
Contact your local 4-H Extension Agent for more information regarding this question.

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My teen is interested in being a counselor at 4-H camp? What does he/she have to do?
Contact your local Cooperative Extension Office for more information about volunteering at 4-H camp.

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I would like to be an adult volunteer during the same week that my child will be attending 4-H camp? Who do I contact?
Contact your local Cooperative Extension Office for more information about volunteering at 4-H camp.

References
American Camp Association. (1998). Accreditation Standards for Camp Programs and Services. Martinsville, IN: American Camp Association.

American Camp Association. (2004) Parents Guide to Camps. Retrieved on March 14, 2004 from http://www.acacamps.org/parents/.

Garst, B.A. (2004). Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook 2004 (Pilot). Virginia Cooperative Extension. Publication 388-562.

Developed by:
Barry A. Garst, Lance Johnson, Bryan Branch, Chrystle Gates, Andrea Carson, Sue Vezeau, Roger Ellmore
April 2004 Return to top...