For more than 80 years, North Carolina 4-H camping has taught youth life skills through centers located from the mountains to the sandhills to the coast.
Residential 4-H camps have a long history of providing life-changing experiences that help youth develop valuable lifeskills, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of a global society.
From traditional and specialty summer camps to educational field trips, conferences and retreats, there’s something for everyone at a North Carolina 4-H Camp or Center.
Welcome
Summer Camps and Conference Centers
NC 4-H Camps & Centers
Introduction
All North Carolina 4-H Camps are managed and operated under North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service through the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) at North Carolina State University, one of two land-grant universities in the state.
The NC Cooperative Extension partners with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians.
Each center, in coordination with the State 4-H Camping Specialist and Extension Assistant, are managed by a full-time Center Director and supported by Program Directors, Facility Maintenance Supervisors, Food Service Supervisors, and seasonal team members dedicated to providing safe and exceptional facilities, programs and services for the citizens of North Carolina.
“This year was my child’s very first time at camp. We were both excited and nervous to find out that everything would be okay. My son thoroughly enjoyed himself learning new things and meeting lots of new friends. I am beyond grateful.” -Parent
Mission
Betsy-Jeff Penn: Our mission is to provide educational experiences that help develop and promote the life skills necessary for youth to become productive members of society. Our programs empower youth to gain interpersonal life skills, ecological knowledge and community awareness through experiential learning while creating a positive environment that promotes leadership, social and emotional growth for all youth.
Millstone 4-H Camp: Our mission is to empower youth as they gain interpersonal life skills, ecological knowledge and community awarenes through experiential learning. The camp promotes leadership, social and emotional growth, as well as creates a positive environment that influences lives.
Eastern 4-H Center: Our mission is to provide year-round training and education that promotes lifelong learning through outdoor educational and recreation programs for all.
Vision
It is our vision to inspire and create productive citizens through lifelong learning opportunities that promote diversity and inclusion for all.
Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center
ADDRESS: 804 Cedar Lane, Reidsville, NC 27320
COUNTY: Rockingham
OPENED: 1964
SIZE: +/- 200 acres
PARTICIPATION: 5,000+ participants (1,100+ summer campers, 4,000+ students in OE)
Shingles on the roofs of all seven of the cabins have exceeded their 25 year life span and require replacement.
2. PROGRAM DIRECTOR HOUSING - $200,000
Program Directors are required to live onsite to support the operations and administration of overnight programs throughout the year. Currently, there is not adequate housing available at the camp to support this requirement. New housing is needed in order to stay ACA compliant and attract qualified staff to ensure safe, quality operation of our programs.
3. REPLACEMENT OF THE HIGH ROPES COURSE - $150,000
The high ropes course serves as critical infrastructure in support of our business model, driving attendance from schools, summer campers, and rental groups. The course is over 30 years old and has reached its maturity. To ensure we continue to provide safe, high quality programs and meet revenue goals, the course must be replaced.
4. COMMERCIAL GRADE GENERATOR - $130,000
A commercial grade generator will allow us to keep power on in the Dining Hall during power outages. The generator will power the walk-in cooler, freezer, HVAC, and still allow us to serve meals and shelter children in the event that the rest of the camp is without power. Additionally, this will save us many thousands of dollars in food by keeping our freezer and refrigerator running during outages.
5. REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR OF RETAINING WALL AND STAIRS IN THE CRAFT SHELTER AND COURTYARD - $40,000
The stairs and retaining walls supporting the structure of the Craft Shelter and accessible route to and from the Courtyard are beginning to fail and require repair and replacement.
6. INSTALLATION OF ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM ON THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE WAGONER BUILDING - $35,000
A new bathroom constructed in the lower level of the Wagoner Building will allow campers/students to use the restroom during active tornado warnings and other shelter-in-place events. Currently, the only option for restroom facilities for the designated shelter is in the upper level of the Wagoner Building. Adding a bathroom in the lower level will prevent transporting campers outside during storms.
Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center
ASSET
CABIN
& RENOVATION NEED
CABIN Replace HVAC
CABIN Replace broken sky lights
CABIN Fascia boards on classrooms
CABIN Paint exterior
CABIN Replace door handles
CABIN Add deck on each cabin
CABIN Replace HVAC
CABIN Replace sinks/toilets
CABIN Fire Alarm system blueprints
CABIN Replace cubbies
CABIN Fascia boards on classrooms
CABIN Replace doors & windows
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Low
CABIN Eggress lighting $5,000 Low
CABIN Fire alarm system repairs $4,000 Low
RECREATION HALL
RECREATION HALL Add hot water in Camp Store
RECREATION HALL Replace store floor
RECREATION HALL Replace shingles/flat roof
RECREATION HALL Refurbish ceiling & insulate
RECREATION HALL Overhead fans
RECREATION HALL Redo bathrooms
RECREATION HALL Replace screens & screen doors
WAGONER BUILDING
Moderate
Moderate
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
WAGONER BUILDING Replace Carpet $15,000 HIGH
WAGONER BUILDING Window blinds $4,000 HIGH
WAGONER BUILDING Lower level HVAC $2,500 HIGH
WAGONER BUILDING Replace room dividers/windows
WAGONER BUILDING Replace entrance doors
WAGONER BUILDING Install fire barrier between floors
WAGONER BUILDING Install sprinkler system - lower level
WAGONER BUILDING Update electrical - lower level
Moderate
Moderate
Low
Low
Low
WAGONER BUILDING Renovate restrooms to ADA compliance $6,000 Low
DINING HALL/KITCHEN Upgrade toilet to ADA compliance
DINING HALL/KITCHEN Replace screen door with weather tight
CORN JUG CABIN
CORN JUG CABIN Repair front door
CORN JUG CABIN Split HVAC Unit
CORN JUG CABIN Windows
CORN JUG CABIN Retaining Wall
CORN JUG CABIN Bathroom
CORN JUG CABIN Install HVAC
STAFF HOUSE
STAFF
STAFF
STAFF
STAFF
STAFF
STAFF
ASSET
CANOE LAUNCH AREA
REPAIR & RENOVATION NEED
New truck
Install drainage control measures
New storage building for canoe trailer
CAMP ROADS, PARKING LOT, & GENERAL
Summer Director house
Retaining wall repair courtyard
Housekeeping barn
Land management PLAN
Camp Entrance signs
Vac truck for sewers/flush
Tree removal
Docks at lake
Beaver pond platform
Resurface entire camp roads
Construct Ball Field Bath House
Sidewalks
Purchase John Deere Gator
Salad bar
Docks at lake
Beaver Pond platform
Tractor
Pine forest
Laundry facility
Generator for Waste Water Plant
Zip Line repair/tornado
Toe drain in dam
Pave parking lot and enlarge 100 feet
Tree removal
Septic & overflow parking
Water tower inspection & paint
Corn Jug shed
TOTAL
$35,000 Low
$2,500 Low
$2,000 Low
$70,000 HIGH
$15,000 HIGH
$15,000 HIGH
$10,000 HIGH
$10,000 HIGH
$8,000 HIGH
$5,000 HIGH
$5,000 HIGH
$5,000 HIGH
$60,000 Moderate
$45,000 Moderate
$30,000 Moderate
$12,000 Moderate
$10,000 Moderate
$10,000 Moderate
$10,000 Moderate
$35,000 Low
$20,000 Low
$14,000 Low
$13,000 Low
$12,000 Low
$10,000 Low
$8,000 Low
$7,000 Low
$6,500 Low
$4,500 Low
$3,200 Low
$3,927,100
Contact Angela Brisson, ANGELA_BRISSON@NCSU.EDU, for information on supporting North Carolina 4-H Camps and 4-H programs.
Make an online contribution for Betsy-Jeff Penn at go.ncsu.edu/friendsofpenn
All funds raised on behalf of Betsy-Jeff Penn are collected and managed by the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, tax ID #56-6049304. You will receive an official receipt for your donation
1. FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM IN THE STATE EMPLOYEE CREDIT UNION’S LEARNING CENTER - $250,000
The SECU Learning Center is a large building, at 8,110 sq. feet, that provides meeting space, classroom space, and serves as the NC 4-H History exhibit, displaying museum quality artifacts that tell the story of 4-H in this state. The building is a wooden structure that needs to be protected.
2. RENOVATION OF THE MODEL FARM SHOP & CLARK CLASSROOM - $250,000
The model farm shop is currently being used as our maintenance facility. With renovation we will be able to convert this space into a building to host programs, classes, and meetings, expanding offerings to our constituents. The renovation will allow us to use the space to teach about the progression of agriculture in the state and how NC Cooperative Extension played a large role in this.
3. PROGRAM DIRECTOR HOUSING - $200,000
Program Directors are required to live on site to support the operations and administration of overnight youth programs throughout the year. Currently, there is not adequate housing available at the camp to support this requirement. New housing is needed in order to stay ACA compliant and attract qualified staff to ensure safe, quality operation of our programs.
4. NEW MAINTENANCE BUILDING - $175,000
Given the age of our facility that was opened in 1939, maintenance and upkeep of the building and grounds is essential to maintain a safe and productive site. The building currently used as the maintenance facility was originally built to support programming and is not adequate to meet our facility and maintenance needs. A new building would improve the overall maintenance of the camp, and also allow us to revert the current building back to classroom and program space.
5. ROOF REPLACEMENT OF THE NC 4-H HISTORY MUSEUM AND STAFF HOUSE - $65,000
The roofs of the NC 4-H History Museum and Staff House have exceeded their 25 year lifespan and require replacement.
Millstone 4-H Camp
ASSET
CABINS (14)
KITCHEN/DINING HALL
& RENOVATION NEED
Replace 10 bathroom floors with tile
HIGH
HVAC replacement in 2 cabins $7,000 HIGH
Front porch on each cabin
Replace 10 bathroom floors with tile
Moderate
Moderate
Repair entrance floors in 8 cabins $17,000 Moderate
Replace HVAC in 5 cabins
Siding repair
Moderate Underpin cabins
Repair/replace seals under kitchen
HIGH Repair chimney/fireplace
Replace loading dock
Enclose dish return area
Repair/refinish floor
Landscape courtyard & add seating
front deck
GIRLS BATH HOUSE Full remodel for use as Health Check-In
Landscape for accessibility
BOYS BATH HOUSE
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
Complete renovation for storage $10,000 Low CAMP STORE CONVERT INTO MEETING SPACE
Siding repair, windows installed $25,000 HIGH
Replace floor $15,000 HIGH
Insulate & panel interior $10,000 HIGH
Mini split HVAC $5,000 HIGH
CARETAKERS HOME/OFFICES
Complete entryway, create parking
Add ADA parking $8,000 HIGH RECREATION HALL
Finish stage, repairs to siding, stain
Repairs to stairs, add ramp
Full length deck added to front
New doors/window screens, shutters
Refinish floor
STAFF HOUSE
HIGH
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
General landscaping $3,000 Moderate
Add larger bathrooms
$175,000 HIGH
Eastern 4-H Center
ADDRESS: 100 N. Clover Way, Columbia, NC 27925
COUNTY: Tyrrell
OPENED: 2001
SIZE: +/- 242 acres (+250 acres across Bulls Bay Road)
PARTICIPATION: 5,000+ participants (750+ summer campers, 4,500+ year-round, 6,000+ meals prepared and delivered per quarter through Elderly Nutrition Program)
The Center Director and Program Director are required to live onsite to support the operations and administration of overnight programs throughout the year. Currently, there is not adequate housing available at the camp to support this requirement. New housing for the Center Director will allow us to use their current housing for our Program Director. This is needed in order to stay ACA compliant and attract qualified staff to ensure safe, quality operation of our programs.
2. ROOF REPLACEMENT ON THE DINING HALL COMPLEX - $315,000
The roof of the Dining Hall Complex, which houses our cafeteria, formal dining room, and board room has reached maturity. The roof is currently leaking, causing damage to the facility, and must be replaced. Replacement will include a new roof and new water flow management with the installation of a gutter system.
3. REPLACEMENT OF POOL DECK & ADDITION OF POOL COVER - $130,000
The pool deck is currently cracking and causing tripping hazards for children that have been cited as a safety issue in our annual inspection from the Health Department. This must be repaired and replaced immediately. Additionally, we would like to add a pool cover to keep the pool free of debris in the off season to reduce overall maintenance and operation costs of the pool.
4. BATHTUB REPLACEMENT IN THE EXECUTIVE LODGES - $100,000
The bathtubs in the executive lodge rooms were not installed properly during initial construction. This is causing water to become trapped underneath the tubs, creating large rust spots that are becoming a safety issue. The tubs must be replaced to fully resolve the issue.
5. REPLACEMENT OF GEOTHERMAL LINES - $100,000
The geothermal lines in the heating and air units at the camp have reached maturity and require replacement. The current lines are failing and causing water damage in buildings across the facility, resulting in thousands of dollars in damages annually. They must be replaced in the Dining Hall, Cope Center, Conference Center, Exec. Lodges and Cabins.
6. EXTERIOR DOOR REPLACEMENT IN THE DINING HALL COMPLEX AND CONFERENCE CENTER - $75,000
All exterior doors in the DH Complex and Conference Center are currently rotting and need to be replaced.
Eastern 4-H Center
ASSET
DIRECTOR’S TRAILER
PICNIC TABLES
Contact Angela Brisson, ANGELA_BRISSON@NCSU.EDU, for information on supporting North Carolina 4-H Camps and 4-H programs.
Make an online contribution for Eastern 4-H Center at go.ncsu.edu/eastern4hcenter
All funds raised on behalf of Eastern 4-H Center are collected and managed by the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, tax ID #56-6049304. You will receive an official receipt for your donation.
nc4hcamps.org
Amounts shown in this brochure are based on current market estimates and could fluctuate based on actual costs of material and labor at the time of giving.
All funds raised on behalf of North Carolina 4-H are collected and managed by the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, tax ID # is 56-6049304. You will receive an official receipt for your donation.
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