Learn by Doing

4-H was founded on the belief that when kids are empowered to pursue their passions and chart their own courses, their skills grow and take shape, helping them to become true leaders in their lives, careers and communities.

Virginia’s 4-H camping program is recognized throughout the nation as a leader in 4-H camping programs. Each of the six Virginia 4-H Educational Centers has achieved and maintains American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation.

Parents and guardians should always look for the ACA seal when selecting a camp for their child to attend. Only around 25% of all camps in the nation are accredited by the ACA, the recognized camp accreditation organization in the United States. Having ACA accreditation means that the camp meets the highest standards for safety, food service and staffing, health care, and program quality.

Each 4-H Educational Center maintains these standards annually. Additionally, all 300 standards are reviewed every three years for re-accreditation. Each 4-H Center program staff person, as well as the adult and teen 4-H volunteers who participate in camp, are carefully vetted and trained prior to the camping event.

Welcoming campers since 1960, the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center serves 1,500 youth annually from Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe Counties.