Friends and Families –

As we are facing an unprecedented time of uncertainty in our country and world, we wanted to take a moment to share with you our plans for the 2020 summer 4-H camp season. 

NC State University suspended on campus academic and study abroad programs for the summer 2020 and made the decision to suspend all face-2-face, non-academic summer programs, as well. This includes our 2020 summer 4-H residential camps at our three 4-H Centers: Betsy-Jeff Penn, Eastern 4-H Center, and Millstone 4-H Camp. This decision was based on the health, safety, and well-being of everyone as the top priority and in an effort to help prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. This is an unprecedented situation. North Carolina 4-H has hosted residential 4-H camps every summer since our first camp at Swannanoa 4-H Camp in 1929. While this was a difficult decision, it was in the best interest of everyone. 

We realize this leaves a hole during the summer months for the 4-H’ers and youth we serve during our summer camp season. Therefore, it is our goal and intention to develop, implement, and offer some virtual summer camp opportunities for youth this summer, to still be able to connect youth with camp and the outdoors through the use of technology. We will communicate those plans and opportunities over the coming weeks. 

Many parents and caregivers have already registered their youth for camp this summer and have already paid a $50 deposit. Given the unprecedented circumstances, we have made the decision to waive our non-refundable deposit policy. This means that any deposits and payments toward a summer camp session in 2020 will be fully refunded. If parents or caregivers prefer, they may apply the deposit to a 2021 4-H camping experience or donate the funds to our camps. 

Following NC State Extension’s announcement on March 21, 2020 to cancel and suspend all non-essential Extension programming for 60 days, as well as the university’s decision to suspend all summer programs, all programming and user groups at our three 4-H Centers will be cancelled through August 7, 2020, or until NC State Extension lifts its restrictions on programming, depending on the situation with COVID-19. 

In closing, we ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate unprecedented times that are changing by the hour and we appreciate your continued support. While we are disappointed that we are unable to provide camp physically this summer, the health and safety of our youth is our top priority. For any questions or concerns regarding these decisions, you may contact NC 4-H Camping Specialist, Dave Herpy, at (440) 537-3658 or via email [email protected]. For questions related to refunds, please contact BJP Center Director Stacy Burns at [email protected]. Thank you for your support and understanding!

Sincerely,

The NC 4-H Camps team