Residential Summer Camp

Goals & Methods

Beginning with a cookout on Sunday afternoon, and culminating with fond farewells and hugs on Friday morning, a week of camp can be the highlight of a child's summer.  Packed with activity, new friends and new opportunity, the week seems to go by way too fast. 

The Center maintains full 24-hour supervision, with at least a one-to-eight staff-to-camper ratio.  Staff attempt to bring life skills and personal growth into all interactions and activities, while following the methods endorsed by 4H nationally - "learning by doing!"

Campers are placed in single-sex cabins and coed activity groups according to age and

request (when possible).  Activity groups stay together throughout the day, participating in various camp activities and sharing meal times.  Details are available, with a sample schedule.

Leadership

Summer camp staff are dedicated to carrying out the mission of Betsy-Jeff Penn.

They are highly trained, energetic and enthusiastic about both programs and participants.  Staff members are hired locally and internationally, providing a culturally diverse community, and are chosen with an emphasis on experience, attitude and work ethic.  As an operation of North Carolina State University, the camp has yet another advantage—access to the best training on youth development techniques and programming in the state. Background checks are also performed on all program staff. 

Mature, enthusiastic individuals interested in summer camp work are encouraged to

check out our  Employment Opportunities

Young people (15-17) interested in gaining leadership skills and understanding camp/youth development are encouraged to check out the Leader-In-Training (LIT) program.

Facilities, Equipment & Food

Campers sleep in modern cabins with multiple indoor showers and restroom facilities.  Each cabin houses up to 22 participants in three separate rooms, with three counselors available to provide steady and safe supervision.  Campers bring their own sleeping bags or bed linens, as well as clothing and toiletries.  Betsy-Jeff Penn provides all the specialized equipment needed to canoe, climb, negotiate the ropes course, ride horseback, camp out and explore the environment.  Nutritious, balanced menus are served family-style, three times a day.  Snacks and juice are served mid-mornings and evenings. The camp store is also open in the afternoons for ice cream, soft drinks, snacks, and souvenirs.

Registration

All North Carolina youth are welcome at Penn's summer camp sessions.  Some sessions are completely filled by county 4H groups, while others are filled with open enrollment campers and youth who have participated in school programs during the school year.  

To get in on the fun for 2008, follow these simple steps:

1.  See if a county near you is planning on attending a week of summer camp.    

         Transportation may be provided, and discounts may exist for campers visiting with

         their county 4H group.  So first consult the list of 2008 County Reservations,  then

         find the contact information for each county 4H office, here.  

2. If you want or need to use Penn's open enrollment option, download the

         2008 Camp Registration Form, then mail it in with a check for your deposit.