4-H Summer Camps

4-H Knows How to Camp!

Have you paddled a canoe, ridden a horse or made a tie dyed shirt before? 4-H Campers get to explore natural science, technology (GPS or Robots) outdoor cooking, and more—all to Learn by Doing. It's the 4-H way!

4-H has clubs and programs all over Oregon, so join us at Summer Camp at the Oregon 4-H Center near Salem, and you'll have community and classes ready for you when the school year starts.

Some camps have specific themes of interest to campers, while others have a wide range of fun opportunities for kids to find their Spark while making friends. Check out the dates below, and know that whichever camp you pick- it will be the best thing you did all summer!

The Oregon 4-H Center is an American Camp Association Accredited camp center.

Who can go to 4-H Camp?

You're welcome at 4-H camp, even if you're not a 4-H member, or even if you don't live in Oregon. Statewide 4-H Camps held at the Oregon 4-H Center in Salem, Oregon, are welcoming to all, regardless of gender or gender expression, beliefs, religion, or 4-H affiliation. Each camp has its own age requirements, so be sure to check which ones are right for you. Grade requirements refer to completed grade.

4-H camps teach youth to make their own decisions, solve problems, and manage their resources through hands-on learning. At camp, your kids experience living as a community by learning how to be responsible and think critically. Designed for the next generation of leaders, explorers, designers, and innovators, our 4-H camp helps build skills for life.

How much does 4-H Camp cost?

Most camps are five days long and cost $580 for the whole session, including activities, meals, lodging, and a camp shirt. Shorter “mini” camps and adventure camp will have their own pricing.

Get $20 off if you register and pay by May 1!

We want 4-H programs to be accessible to everyone, so please let us know if you need accommodations for a disability. For financial assistance to attend camp, apply for a “campership” here.

All camps use the same scholarship application. If you are registering for multiple camps, you will need to fill out the campership application form for each camp separately.

How do I register?

You don't have to be a 4-H member to join us. Click any camp's registration, log in through Ideal-Logic (OSU's secure event registration platform for youth and other activities), and choose the camp that works for your family.

If you have any questions, reach out to your local 4-H program coordinator.

With issues registering (including technical issues), please contact the Oregon 4-H Center at 503-371-7920 for assistance. We usually respond during business hours or the next business day.

The 4-H Center Program Coordinator, Sasha Blake, can answer many of your questions about specific camps. Contact her at [email protected].

Who will lead my kids at 4-H Camp?

Oregon 4-H plans all programming around our Thriving Model of positive youth development, and a major aspect of that is Belonging. We know how important it is for young kids to have positive relationships with older youth and with caring adults—and we also know that, since COVID, it is especially hard to find that kind of connection for your kids.

With Belonging and mentorship in mind, our camp counselors assigned to each cabin are trained, responsible teenage 4-H'ers who focus on ensuring every young 4-H'er feels welcome, heard, and safe at 4-H Camp—all while supported by caring volunteers and full-time youth development professionals.

Credit: Chance Olufson (Cropped from original)

Summer Camp Dates & Registration Links

June 19–23: 4 Rivers 4-H Camp (Grades 4–8)

Director: Andrea Leao, Linn County
Sponsored by Benton & Linn Counties

The Four Rivers 4-H Camp invites youth who have just completed the 4^th – 8^th grade to participate in our fun filled summer camp! This year’s camp theme is "Shipwreck Lagoon" so come prepared to have a splashing good time at camp! Every day is filled with new adventures, new experiences and a whole lot of fun! Campers will participate in swimming, archery, adventure swing, hiking, canoeing, crafts and theme -based activities and games! The evenings will be filled with skits, campfire and songs. Campers are placed in small camp teams (4-6 campers) which are overseen by trained high school aged 4-H counselors, who are supervised by highly experienced and trained 4-H volunteers and 4-H faculty. All of the activity is located on the beautiful 4-H Center with over 320 acres of lush forest, open pasture land and peaceful ponds. Campers will sleep in rustic and comfortable cabins.

Register for Four Rivers Camp by June 5, 2024.

July 1–3: Kids Camp (Grades 3-5)

Director: Allen Taggart, Washington County

Price: $300

Activities: Canoeing, archery, swimming, crafts, giant swings, ropes course, etc.

All-Camp Activity: Quest for Clovarium
In this quest, teams of campers complete quests for green gems they can trade in for prizes; based on the wonderful Questing Clovers Retreat quests!

Staff/counselors arrive June 30/July 1

Register for Kids Camp

July 16–20: Wild West July Camp (Grades 4-7)

Directors: Melanie McCabe, Marion County and Dakota Lager, Tillamook County

This camp gives youth hands-on out-door experiences and adventures in hiking, canoeing, fishing, archery, swimming, natural science, digital photography, crafts and more. Campers are placed in learning groups with trained high school age 4-H counselors who are supervised by 4-H Extension. Youth participate in traditional campfire activities with songs, skits, s’mores and more.

Register here for Wild West Camp (July) by July 2, 2024

July 23–27: Wildlife Stewards 4-H Camp (Grades 3–6)

Directors: Kristen Moore, 4-H Program Coordinator; Chuck Packard, Volunteer Director

Designed for the next generation of leaders, explorers, designers and innovators, our 4-H Wildlife Stewards camp helps build skills for life.

Camper activities include: wildlife classes, swimming, arts & crafts, canoeing, archery, adventure swings, theater, sports/games, hiking, campfire programs and much more.

Wildlife Stewards Camp staff includes both teen and adult volunteers who are selected for their interest and ability to encourage positive youth development, as well as their wildlife and outdoor skills. Campers receive lots of opportunities for small group interactions, social skill building, and one-on-one relationship building with mentors from 4-H staff and volunteer leaders.

Register for Wildlife Stewards by July 9, 2024

July 23–27: 4-H International Summer Camp (Grades 3-5) and Multicultural Summer Camp (Grades 6-8)

These two camps will be held simultaneously on OSU's Corvallis campus. Contact Martha Palacios at 541-760-7567 or [email protected]. Hablamos español.

August 6–10: 4-H Multicultural Middle School Summer Camp (Grades 6-8)

Director: Mario Magaña Alvarez

The camp is designed to develop leadership skills and improve academic possibilities for Latino children and students from minoritized cultures and backgrounds in Oregon. Students learn about science, engineering, technology and art, all while having fun outdoors! The students will develop leadership skills, learn about culture, and participate in sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, rowing, and swimming.

Contact Mario Magaña for registration information: [email protected]

August 13–17: Wild West August Camp (Grades 4-7)

Directors: Melanie McCabe, Marion County; Dakota Lager, Tillamook County

This overnight camp is designed to give youth hands-on out-door experiences and adventures in hiking, canoeing, fishing, archery, swimming, natural science, digital photography, crafts and more. Campers are placed in learning groups with trained high school age 4-H counselors who are supervised by 4-H Extension. Youth participate in traditional campfire activities with songs, skits, s’mores, and more.

Register for Wild West Camp (August) by July 30, 2024

July 31–Aug 2: 4-H Outdoor Adventure Camp (Grades 6-8)

Director: Allen Taggart
Price: $400

Activities: Rifle, Shotgun, Archery, STEM Makerspace, Crafts, biking, slingshot, axe throwing

Adventure Activity: Half-day white water rafting on the Clackamas River! This excursion is covered in the camp price, but optional for those who do not wish to go rafting.

Register for Outdoor Adventure Camp

Is camp right for your kid?

Learn more about why camp is important to youth development with this short video.

What does American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation of the Oregon 4-H Center mean for campers and families? ACA Accreditation

Summer Camp: Our Kids' Antidote to Pandemic Living