Thursday night's "wishboat" ceremony.

Over 120 4-H’ers from across Wetzel County spent a week enjoying a traditional summer activity: camp!

“4-H It’s a Mystery” was the theme of the 2018 Wetzel County 4-H Camp, held at the Wetzel County 4-H Campgrounds in New Martinsville. Campers celebrated the theme with a Clue game, Cipher Scavenger Hunt, and Letterboxing challenge.

Campers took part in a variety of classes including archery, outdoor cooking, basic survival skills, ceramics, basic sign language, fishing, canvas painting, STEM, kayaking and more. Many campers loved going to classes and said their classes were their favorite thing about camp.

The camp took trips to Lewis-Wetzel Pool, for afternoons of swimming and fun. The camp was also visited by the Folsom Volunteer Fire Department who taught the older campers basic first aid and CPR.

In addition to trips and classes, the counselors led campers in a variety of games and challenges.

One camper reported, “My favorite thing was the team building activities, because they made our tribe work together and built spirit.”

Campers showed their spirit by coming together every evening around the fire at Council Circle. This is the highlight of the day for many campers; they sing, perform skits, and enjoy being together as a whole camp. “My favorite camp activity is Council Circle, because you come together as a tribe, sing, yell, and have fun,” said another camper.

4-H Camp is more than just a chance to spend some time outdoors.Through research-backed programs and activities, participants are challenged to develop new skills and learn more about themselves and the world around them. Wetzel campers completed two science experiments throughout the week which were led by a WVU 4-H STEM Ambassador. They also made friendships that can last a lifetime.

Wetzel County 4-H camp is open to all, including youth from outside the county. In fact, this year some campers came from Ohio, North Carolina, and six different counties in West Virginia.

WVU Extension Agent, Mollie Toppe, stated that, “Wetzel County 4-H Camp was staffed by over 40 volunteers who gave their time to attend trainings prior to camp, and then spent a week at camp. We have an excellent team of dedicated volunteers who care deeply about our 4-H youth and often take vacation time from their jobs to help at camp.” Adult volunteers for the program undergo special training and a federal background check.

For more than a century, 4-H has focused on agricultural science, home economics, electricity, mechanics, entrepreneurship and natural sciences. Today, 4-H out-of-school opportunities also exist in subjects like rocketry, robotics, biofuels, renewable energy and computer science.

To learn more about local opportunities in the 4-H program, or to help with 4-H camp next year, contact the Wetzel County office of the WVU Extension Service at 304-455-0934.