Students in 4th through 8th grades who are seeking some summer fun and adventure will have to look no further than 4-H Camp.

The Carter County UT Extension Office is currently accepting applications for this year’s Junior 4-H Camp and Junior High 4-H Camp. If you want to get in on the fun, however, 4-H Agent Emily Barton recommends you act fast as the deadline to apply is approaching and spaces are filling up.

The deadline to register and pay for Junior 4-H Camp (grades 4 – 6) is 5 p.m. Monday, May 15, and the deadline to register and pay for Junior High 4-H Camp (grades 6 – 8) is 5 p.m. Friday, June 23.

The 4-H camps offer students the chance to have fun, try new things, meet new friends, learn new skills, and develop positive self-esteem. Activities for campers include swimming, canoeing, fishing, wildlife, basketball, volleyball, softball, tetherball, woodworking, tye-dying, airbrush, rifle range, archery, arts and crafts, and many additional activities.

“It’s my favorite thing ever,” Barton said of 4-H Camp. “I never went as a camper, but I started camp at 15 years old as a leader. This will be my seventh year as a leader in some way.”

In addition to signing up campers, Barton said the 4-H program is also seeking adults to volunteer as leaders for camp.

“The number of adult leaders we need will be based on a ratio of campers,” Barton said. “The adult leaders will have fun, but they are absolutely a vital part of making sure camp works. They have responsibilities, but even the responsibilities are fun.”

Applications for both Junior 4-H Camp and Junior High 4-H Camp are currently being accepted at the UT Extension – Carter County Office from 8 a.m. – noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or applications may be mailed to the UT Extension – Carter County Office, c/o Emily Barton, 824 E. Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Camp applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis until camps are filled.

Junior 4-H camp for students in grades 4 – 6, will be June 5-9 at the Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville. Camp costs $290 which includes room and board, most activities, a 4-H T-shirt and wallet, and transportation. Junior High 4-H camp, for students in grades 6 – 8, will be July 10-14 at the Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville. This camp costs $320 which includes room and board, most activities, transportation, plus a camp T-shirt and wallet.

All 4-H camp applications should be accompanied by a deposit of $75 or the full camp fee for Junior and Junior High 4-H Camps. The entire camp fee is due by the registration deadline. Camp applications received after camp is full will be placed on a waiting list.

For more information on either of the 4-H Camps or to sign up to be an adult volunteer contact Extension Agent Emily Barton at 423-542-1818 or by e-mail to ebanks3@utk.edu.