Every year Botetourt County 4-H offers a week-long summer residential camp to children ages 9 -13. These youth spend five days and four nights at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Center on Smith Mountain Lake in Wirtz.

Kids enjoy a fun-filled week of exciting classes, swimming, campfires, singing, dancing, and games. They learn new skills, meet youth from other counties, make friends, and participate in team building and confidence strengthening activities.

Botetourt County 4-H Camp is based on the six pillars of Character developed by the Josephson Institute and endorsed by the Botetourt County Public Schools System. The six Character Counts! pillars are emphasized every day and in every activity that the children participate in. We encourage and educate each participant to practice Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Caring, Fairness, and Citizenship in all that they do.

Virginia Cooperative Extension-Botetourt and Botetourt County 4-H need help in offering this opportunity to more Botetourt County children. The cost of 4-H Camp is $260 and for many families in our area, given the tough economy of today, it is not financially feasible, but the rewards of camp for local youth are priceless. This cost is completely inclusive and provides a child with transportation, lodging, meals, class expenses, and supervision for their stay at camp.

Contact the VCE-Botetourt Office today at 473-8260 or carterke@vt.edu and find out how to help provide a memorable experience and a great summer for a special child.