Day Camps: Fun, Engaging, and Hands-On!

Our 4-H day camps are designed to provide a structured, safe, and fun environment where youth can explore new topics, build skills, and make friends. Each camp has its own unique theme and focus, meaning there’s something for every interest!

What Are Day Camps Like?

Day camps run the work week with full-day and half-day options. Most camps take place at the Union County Ag Center, but some may be hosted at other locations depending on the theme. Each camp follows a hands-on, interactive learning model, meaning kids won’t just sit and listen—they’ll be fully engaged in activities, experiments, challenges, and projects!

Every year, we offer a mix of new camps and returning favorites, so there’s always something exciting to try. Some of our most popular camps include:

• Arts & Crafts Camp – A creative camp where kids use different materials and techniques to express themselves through art.
• Cooking Camp – A hands-on experience where kids learn kitchen safety, cook meals from scratch, and develop skills in nutrition and meal planning.
• Sewing Camp – A fun and engaging camp where kids learn basic sewing techniques, fabric selection, and stitching skills to create their own handmade projects.
• Life Skills Camp – A camp designed to teach essential real-world skills in a fun and interactive way. Campers will learn basic home maintenance, budgeting, time management, and more!
• Cloverbud STEAM Camp – A science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) camp designed specifically for Cloverbuds (ages 5-7). Young learners will experiment, build, and create while exploring topics like simple machines, color mixing, nature science, and hands-on engineering challenges.

Who Can Attend?

Most day camps are open to youth ages 5-12, with specific camps tailored to different age groups based on age-appropriate activities and skill levels. Our camps are divided into the following age groups:

• Cloverbuds (Ages 5-7) – Designed for our youngest participants, these camps focus on exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning in a fun and supportive environment. Activities are adapted to be engaging and developmentally appropriate for early learners.
• Youth (Ages 8-12) – Camps for this age group offer more in-depth learning experiences, allowing kids to develop skills, take on challenges, and explore new interests in areas like cooking, science, arts, outdoor skills, and more.
• Teens (Ages 13 & Up) – While most camps are designed for ages 5-12, teens 13 and older can participate as Counselors-in-Training (CITs), where they help lead activities, mentor younger campers, and develop leadership skills.

You do not need to be a 4-H member to attend—our summer camps are open to all youth who want to learn, explore, and have fun! Each camp is carefully designed to fit the abilities, interests, and attention spans of the age group it serves, ensuring a fun, safe, and meaningful summer experience for every participant.

Why Choose a 4-H Day Camp?
 Hands-on learning – Kids and teens learn by doing, making each camp an engaging and memorable experience.
Safe and welcoming environment – Our camps are supervised by trained staff and volunteers who focus on fun, learning, and positive experiences.
Make new friends – Campers get to meet other kids with similar interests and build lasting friendships throughout the summer.

Overnight Camp: The Ultimate 4-H Experience!

For those looking for a traditional sleepaway camp experience, Union County 4-H offers an incredible opportunity to attend Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center or Millstone 4-H Camp!

What is Overnight Camp?

Overnight camp is a week-long adventure where kids get to disconnect from technology and connect with nature, new friends, and themselves. Campers stay in cabins with their peers and spend the week engaging in a variety of activities, all designed to help them build confidence, independence, and leadership skills.

What Will Campers Do?

Each day at overnight camp is packed with fun and adventure, including:

• Campfire nights – Sing songs, tell stories, and enjoy s’mores!
• Canoeing & kayaking – Learn water safety and explore the lake.
• Archery & rock climbing – Challenge yourself with exciting outdoor activities.
• Nature hikes & team-building games – Strengthen friendships while learning about the environment.
• Swimming & water activities – Cool off and have fun at the camp’s waterfront area.

Campers are placed into activity groups based on age, ensuring that they have an experience that’s both challenging and appropriate for their skill level.

Why Choose Overnight Camp?

• Builds confidence – Being away from home helps campers develop independence and resilience.
• Encourages teamwork & leadership – Many activities focus on group challenges and problem-solving.
• Provides a break from technology – Campers step away from screens and fully immerse themselves in outdoor fun!

Who Can Attend?
Overnight camp is open to youth ages 8-14.

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program: Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders

For teens looking to gain leadership experience, build confidence, and give back, the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is an amazing opportunity!

What is CIT?

CIT is a leadership development program designed for teens who want to take on mentorship roles at camp. CITs help lead activities, assist younger campers, and develop essential life skills like communication, responsibility, and teamwork.

What Do CITs Do?

• Assist with day camp activities
• Help younger campers with projects and tasks
• Develop problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
• Learn leadership techniques and best practices
• Gain experience working with kids—a great addition to future job or college applications!

Who Can Apply?
Teens ages 13-18 are encouraged to apply. This is an ideal program for anyone interested in leadership, teaching, or working with youth in the future!

🌟 Why Choose Union County 4-H Summer Fun?

For decades, Union County 4-H has been helping youth explore, learn, and grow through hands-on programs that are both fun and educational. Whether you’re looking for an exciting week-long adventure, a day of creativity and exploration, or a chance to develop leadership skills, our summer programs have something for everyone.

What Sets Us Apart?

✅ A wide variety of programs – From outdoor adventures to STEM, arts, cooking, and leadership, our camps cover a diverse range of interests.
✅ Trained & caring staff – All camps are led by trained and background checked 4-H professionals and volunteers who prioritize safety, learning, and fun.
✅ Opportunities for every age group – Whether your child is just starting their 4-H journey or looking to take on a leadership role, we have a program that fits.
✅ A tradition of excellence – 4-H has a long-standing reputation for developing confident, capable young people.

Don’t miss out on a summer of learning, adventure, and lifelong memories!

Hands on Learning	Safe Environment	Skill Development
Diverse Programs	Leadership	Outdoor Exploration
Steam Activities	Arts and Crafts	Community Service
Individual Attention	Team Building	Daily Physical Activity
Personal Growth	Educational Field Trip	Public Speaking