Kids at the older 4-H camp participated in one of the evening activities during sunset. (Photo provided by Lindsey Boso)

MINERAL WELLS — The Wood County 4-H summer camp kick-started the younger camp with engaging activities and group collaboration on Monday.

Since 1915, the West Virginia 4-H Camping Program has supported youth from ages 9-21 to gather and learn in an outdoor environment.

The Wood County 4-H Camp celebrated 85 years in 2024 with the goal to continue bringing improvements to the campgrounds for the upcoming years.

After concluding last week’s older camp with kids ages 13-21, the younger kids set up at the camp for the week which is scheduled to go through Thursday.

Every day has a set of scheduled activities which range from educationally focused classes to arts and crafts. Wood County 4-H partnered with Camden Clark Medical Center this year and will include emergency personnel at the camp in case of any emergency situations.

Each night at 4-H camp, the kids gather at council circle to enjoy an activity and sit around the fire. Camp Director Lindsey Boso said they have a different activity for every night. (Photo provided by Lindsey Boso)

Each night there will be different activities and games for the kids to participate in before bedtime.

“I like meeting new people from my county and I enjoy helping out with the kids and seeing them come out of their shells as the week goes on,” said one of the teen leaders, Jenna Lewellyn.

Lewellyn is from Williamstown and has been a teen leader at the Wood County 4-H camp for three years and a camper for eight. Teen leaders are youth in grades 6-12 and have the opportunity to participate in additional peer group activities.

“I like the activities like the counselor hunt and council circle,” said Lewellyn.

Rose Casto is from Parkersburg and is a second-year camper at the Wood County 4-H camp. The Wood County 4-H camp welcomes all kids in the county who come from different backgrounds and experiences. Many of them said they enjoyed camp because of their friends.

The daily schedule for kids at 4-H focuses on various games and activities throughout the day. The afternoon usually consists of classes and peer group activities. (Photo provided by Lindsey Boso)

“I like making new friends and I like council circle,” said Casto. “I’m looking forward to the awards because it’s really fun.”

Casto was one of 50 kids participating at 4-H camp during the week of June 30. In between activities, the kids enjoyed lunch in one of the barns during the afternoon before attending their classes for the remainder of the day.

“I learn how to socialize better and how to be kind to other people and how to be a good person,” said Casto.

This week, the kids will be focusing on recycling as part of a partnership with the Wood County Solid Waste Authority. Each tribe will be participating in different exercises and learning modules about why and how to recycle.

Lilly Kelley is a tribe leader for Delaware which is one of four tribes along with Seneca, Cherokee, and Mingo.

The kids at the older camp worked in groups to cook and create a meal during camp last week. (Photo provided by Lindsey Boso)

“I like meeting people because you’re still friends with them even after camp,” said Kelley. “I like working with my friends and getting closer with them.”

Kelley has been attending Wood County 4-H camp for as long as she can remember since her mom works at the camp.

“I’m looking forward to all of the council circles and leading my tribe during the week,” said Kelley.

The Wood County 4-H campgrounds consist of 67 acres along the Little Kanawha River and offers lodging and food for the kids during their stay. The younger camp is scheduled to conclude on Thursday with an awards ceremony.

To register for next year, go to extension.wvu.edu/wood/4h.

The younger camp of kids gathered at the council circle to discuss the schedule and prepare for the week. (Photo provided by Lindsey Boso)

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com.

All of the kids at the younger camp are separated into four different tribes; Delaware, Seneca, Cherokee, and Mingo. At the end of the week, one tribe is selected as the Spirit Stick winner for 2025. (Photo provided by Lindsey Boso)