Summer Camp Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

WVU Extension Camps Offer Summer Activities For All Ages

There are countless opportunities for youth throughout the state to attend summer camp, from statewide to specialty county camps, and everyone is welcome.

Youth from across the state are headed to West Virginia state 4-H camps this summer.

There are countless opportunities for youth throughout the state to attend summer camp, from statewide to specialty county camps, and everyone is welcome.

WVU Extension offers five statewide camps. The new Camp Jump Start for youth ages 10 and 11 is a weekend camp that introduces younger campers to a statewide camping experience.

Junior Firefighter Camp for youth ages 14-17 provides classroom education and practical training to further students’ knowledge and skill in firefighting and emergency operations.

The Older Members Conference is open to anyone ages 14-21 to learn leadership and civic engagement skills by leading camp activities and discussing current issues.

Alpha I and Alpha II are also camps for anyone ages 12-21 where campers are divided into age-specific groups to participate in workshops and learn about teamwork and leadership.

Each county also offers some type of camping program for youths in their community, including day camps and overnight camps.

4-H membership is not required to attend camp.

Costs for each camp vary, but financial assistance is available for some programs. For more information about WVU Extension 4-H camp opportunities, visit the 4-H Camp website or contact your local WVU Extension office.

If you want to learn more about WVU Extension, visit their website or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.

W.Va. Summer Camps Receive COVID-19 Test Kits

Summer camps across the state are set to receive free COVID-19 test kits to help prepare for the busy season.

As of Friday, the state’s Center for Threat Preparedness has given more than 18,000 rapid test kits to 32 camps.

“We actually had an inquiry from one of the camps here in West Virginia about what they can do to be a little safer when you’re bringing camp members and staff members into their camp this year,” said Tim Priddy, the center’s director. “Through a discussion between myself and the state epidemiologist, we took a look at what we can do to best serve our camps, campers and staff members.”

Priddy says the decision to distribute the tests came about as more programs reopen their doors to campers.

“Letting them socialize and interact with each other was important,” Priddy said. “And seeing the camps were willing to go on this year where some did not last year and the summer previous, we wanted to make sure that we did our part to help do that safely.”

Priddy says the center is willing to send more kits to camps as needed.

“The arrangements that we made with the camps were that they were to request all of the test kits that they would need to test every camper and every staff member,” Priddy said.

He also reminds campers to follow COVID-19 guidelines as best as possible.

Summer camps interested in receiving test kits can contact their local health department.