In addition to the many ongoing local 4-H club and youth activities that are happening across the state, the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program also is offering residential camps for youth this summer, following a Nevada tradition that goes back 80 years. The overnight camps will all be held at the Nevada State 4-H Camp in Stateline, Nevada. The 32-acre camp sits on the south shore of Lake Tahoe and is owned and operated by the University of Nevada, Reno.

The Nevada 4-H camping programs, offered by University of Nevada, Reno Extension, have a rich history of providing educational programming to thousands of youth annually through hands-on, experiential learning. 4-H camping is cooperative group living that focuses on the individual's social, spiritual, mental and physical development for youth. Youth build lifelong memories and friendships at the camp, as well as learn life, leadership and citizenship skills.

“The setting provides an unparalleled opportunity for outdoor environmental education and STEM-related, hands-on learning activities,” said Kenny Haack-Damon, Extension State 4-H Camp Education Program coordinator. “There’s also plenty of time for 4-H campers to participate in and learn about healthy, physical activities, such as shooting sports, kayaking, swimming and more.”

Haack-Damon says that along with taking applications for youth campers, they are also taking applications for adult volunteers to serve as chaperones for the camps. There is no cost for chaperones, and food and lodging will be provided. Chaperones undergo a background check and participate in some training/orientation sessions beforehand, so are encouraged to apply early.

The four camps being offered at the Nevada 4-H State Camp this year are:

Health 4 Happiness 4-H Camp

Partially funded by a 4-H Health Rocks! grant from National 4-H Council, this special program applies 4-H’s successful positive youth development model to the challenge of reducing tobacco, alcohol, e-cigarette/vaping and drug use. Health Rocks! instills in youth participants invaluable confidence and communication skills necessary to make responsible decisions and develop the internal strength to resist risky behaviors.

• July 6 – 9
• For youth ages 11 – 13
• Cost is $175
• For more information, call 775-784-4779 or email Kenny Haack-Damon 

Northern/Western Nevada 4-H Camp

• July 10 – 16
• For youth ages 9 – 12, from Washoe, Douglas and Storey Counties; and Carson City
• Cost is $325
• For more information, call 775-336-0259 or email Sam D Mitchell

Central Nevada 4-H Camp

• July 17 – 21
• For youth ages 9 – 13, from Churchill, Pershing, Lyon, Eureka, Elko and Humboldt Counties
• Cost is $250
• For more information, call 775-423-5121 or email Karen Bogdanowicz

Mineral County / Native American Reservations 4-H Camp

• Aug. 2 – 6
• For youth ages 9 – 13, with first priority given to youth from Mineral County and Nevada’s Native American reservations
• Cost is yet to be determined
• For more information, call 775-945-3444, ext. 1039, or email Staci Emm

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly 6 million young people in the U.S., as well as 1 million youth in 50 other countries. Research by Tufts University shows that 4-H youth are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, and two times as likely to plan to go to college and pursue STEM opportunities outside of school. They also report better grades, higher levels of academic competence, and an elevated level of engagement at school.