Virginia 4-H Camping

Virginia 4-H Camping includes residential 4-H camps and day 4-H camps. Residential 4-H camps are events in which campers stay overnight, generally from two to five days, and most last five days with campers staying overnight for four nights. Day 4-H camps are learning activities held throughout the day without an overnight stay.

Programs

• 4-H camping — Youth 5-18; Cloverbud 4-H camps are for youth 5-8 years of age. Residential Junior 4-H camps require youth to turn 9 between October 1 and September 30 of the following year and not have reached 14 years of age. Teens 14-18 may be trained as camp counselors. · Virginia 4-H camping includes both residential and day camps. Residential 4-H camps generally run two to five days; most last five days with campers staying overnight for four nights.
• Residential 4-H camps — Youth 5-18; Residential Junior 4-H camps at the 4-H educational center in your geographic area require the age criteria stated by the program. · Programming events in which campers stay overnight, generally from two to five days. Most last for five days, with campers staying overnight for four nights.
• Day 4-H camps — Youth 5-18 · Programming events in which campers participate in learning activities throughout the day, but do not stay overnight.
• Cloverbud 4-H camps — Youth 5-8 years of age. Youth must meet the minimum age of 5 between October 1 and September 30 of the following year, and must not be older than the maximum age. · Programming events for youth 5-8 years of age.
• Special interest 4-H camps — Different age-group requirements are offered for these camps. · Programming events focusing mainly on a specific project or theme area.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old

About the provider

For more than 80 years, Virginia 4-H camping has been used to teach youth life skills. The program is recognized throughout the nation as a leader in 4-H camping programs, and each of the six Virginia 4-H Educational Centers has American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation.

4-H camp is open to any youth in Virginia. Youth do not have to be 4-H members to attend 4-H camps; however, they will be given the opportunity to join. Adults have opportunities to volunteer their services as camp staff for a week of 4-H camp through their local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.

Last updated October 28, 2026.