About the 4-H Camp Center

Since 1977, hundreds of 4-H members, volunteer adult 4-H leaders and county citizens have given their time and resources to transform eighty-five acres of treed mountain land into a beautiful and safe camping and activity center. Camping has been a long time feature of the county 4-H program. For many years, 4-H held their camp at out-of-county locations. Some 4-H leaders felt that a local site would enhance the camping program and also provide a location for many other 4-H related activities. A committee was formed in 1974. Land was purchased in 1977. Articles of Incorporation were obtained in December 1977 for an educational, non-profit and non-discriminatory Frederick County 4-H Camp & Activities Center, Inc.

Major construction began in 1981. Four cabins were built to provide over-night accommodations for 100 people. A 6,300 square foot Butler building was opened in 1983 which seats 350 for banquets. This building contains a large modern commercial kitchen, bathrooms and a storage room. Other improvements include a picnic pavilion large enough to host 350 people, an Olympic size swimming pool with bathhouse, vesper and campfire sites plus two large storage sheds. In 1995 a house for the camp's caretaker was erected. The estimated value of all buildings plus development costs exceeds one million dollars.

The overall purpose of the Frederick County 4-H Camp & Activities Center, Inc. is to provide a facility for 4-H camping and other 4-H and youth activities. More specifically, the educational programs for campers are designed to:

1. Promote purposeful recreation and intelligent use of leisure time,

2. Encourage understanding of nature, wildlife and conservation of natural resources,

3. Develop relationships and friendships while understanding personal differences of others,

4. Encourage testing of potential career choices, and

5. Develop leadership skills to participate as informed citizens in community affairs.

The Board of Directors has the responsibility of managing the Center, organizing and scheduling activities and raising sufficient financial resources to provide for growth and maintenance. The annual budget exceeds $100,000. The primary ways of raising funds consist of renting facilities, providing food and catering services, holding public dinners, sponsoring bingo and 20/20 nights and receipt of some private donations.

ALL of the work done in raising funds is done by volunteers. The only employee is the camp caretaker.