About
The Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center is North Carolina 4-H’s premier camping institution in the state, serving over 7,000 young people every year. Nestled on nearly 200 acres of forests, lakes, streams, and fields in the North Carolina Piedmont, the Center is proud to provide research-based educational experiences that help develop and promote the life skills necessary for youth to become productive members of society.
Located in Reidsville, NC, the outdoor retreat and education facility was given to the citizens of North Carolina by Betsy Penn, who constructed and then donated the facility to North Carolina 4-H in 1964 in honor of her late husband, Jefferson Penn. BJP is owned and operated through North Carolina State University. The Center is managed by a full-time Center Director, supported by Program Directors, facility maintenance staff, food service providers, and seasonal camp and education staff to provide safe and exceptional programs. The center is accredited by The American Camping Association, ensuring BJP adheres to the highest standards for safety, operations, and program quality.
Reasons to come to BJP
01
Learn by doing
BJP’s mission is to provide youth with opportunities to develop critical life skills using the experiential learning model. Learning by doing means that all youth that visits our center gain knowledge through hands-on learning that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of a modern, global society.
02
Summer Camp
Tens of thousands of young people have benefitted from the life-changing summer camp experience at BJP since the center opened in 1964. Our overnight camp offers programs for campers age 8-14, with Leader-in-Training (LIT) programs for older campers age 15-17.
03
Educational Field Trips
We run 1 to 3-day programs in the spring and fall for schools in North Carolina and Virginia that want to enhance their school’s curriculum with hands-on, experiential learning utilizing the center’s nearly 200 acres as an outdoor classroom. Classes are aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Check out our Soaring Thru Spaces, Environmental Education, and O.R.I.E.N.T. programs for more information.
04
Outdoor Conferences & Retreats
We provide a tranquil setting for conferences and retreats for a variety of user groups. Team building programs for adults and corporate groups use our team course and high ropes facilities. Lodging, meeting space, wifi access, AV support, and healthy meals are provided. Special pricing is available for groups associated with NC State University, Cooperative Extension, and NC 4-H.
Testimonial
Coming to BJP showed me that there are people out here who want to help you, there are people who want to change your life every day, there are people who are going to pick you up.
Joey Garron. Camper and Camp Counselor
Testimonial
At first, I was afraid to talk, and I was shy. Now I can talk and be myself.
Camper
Testimonial
Everybody makes it so that every week is the best week of your life here and that’s really special.
Camper
