Check out the Outdoor Education Catalog! It’s newly formatted on our website for easier viewing!! (Below is a mini version… Click HERE for the big version!!
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Rakes, Leaves and Bees
2010
04.13
04.13
Living true to the name of Spring into Action Day, William and Mary students from Kappa Delta Rho and the Mortar Board truly sprang into action to assist their neighboring 4-H Center. They succeeded in building a new stand for our new AC system in the Aquatic Resource Center, scrubbing the dark corners of the dining hall, and amassing titanic piles of leaves, pine cones, and pine needles to help improve the grounds.
Even with all the hard work from the William and Mary students, there was still much work to be done. Thankfully, the cavalry had arrived, and the ever-determined 4-H Millennium Riders, a 4-H horse riding club, stormed in from neighboring York County to finish the grounds. Armed with rake, wheelbarrow, and ingenious use of a tarp the Millennium Riders braved 95 degree heat as they cleared the grounds, improving the appearance of the 4-H Center greatly.
However, bees-ness (business…it’s our attempt at being punny) was not done. As some may know, for many years there had been a buzz about Lodge 5. Honeybees had inhabited the floorboards and had made the underside of the Lodge there home. Thankfully, the Colonial Beekeepers swarmed in and gently removed the bees.
The bees had a expansive hive due to their industrious and gentle nature . This proves that 4-H is not only for positive youth development in humans, but in bees as well.
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Come Sail Away!!
2010
04.08
04.08
For those who love anything having to do with a boat, the water on the James River this weekend was perfect. As I drifted past the Jamestown 4-H Center in my personal kayak, I thought about how wonderful it would be to have a sailing program.
My thoughts were fueled by a presentation done by Nancy Roche, 4-H Extension Agent in Mathews County. She’s been working with the Mathews Maritime Foundation to begin a sailboat building project. Six sailboat kits will come from the Mathews Maritime Foundation, will be built by youth ages 12-18, and volunteers from around the region. Once built, the boats will come to the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center, and make it possible for summer campers to take sailing classes during the camping season!
The cost of the project is estimated to be $12,000. There is an “Adopt a Boat” campaign giving interested groups the opportunity to raise and contribute $2,000. The adopted boat will carry the name of the organization as well as fly thier flag.
Once the boats are complete, sailing teams will be orgainized to deliver the boats to the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center in a Sail-In Regatta. The winning sailboat crew and its builders will recieve trophies. The festivities of the day will include a picnic luncheon for the sailors, builders, families and friends.
If you or someone you know might be interested in making a donation, what ever change you can spare to help put wind in these sails, is greatly appreciated (and tax deductable!!)
Please contact Pete Hall of the Mathews Maritime Foundation (phal27@cox.net or 804-725-4444) or Nanche Roche, 4-H Agent, Mathews County (nroche@vt.edu or 804-725-7196) or send your donation to the Mathews Maritime Foundation, P. O. Box 1201, Mathews, VA 23109.
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March Cloverbud
2010
03.18
03.18
Everybody who came to March Cloverbud had a blast! It was an early morning for some people (some families came from 3 hours away!) but everyone made it safe and sound, and was ready for a fun filled day!
We started out with some games, and then went right into classes! In the Clover Cakes class, the kids got to learn about baking cakes, and then got to try thier own hand at some cake decorating! By the end of all 4 classes, we had 4 heart shaped cake peices. You know what 4 green hearts make? A CLOVER!!!! 
We also had Shocking Science class, where campers got to make thier own playdough, ooblek, and other awesomely edible treats! Nature Studies, taught by our local Nature expert, John, told the kids all about turtles, skinks, and snakes. We also had some really awesome pens made in our crafts class! Campers took silk flowers, pens, and floral tape, and created some wonderful boquets of pens for themselves and thier parents. 
We also played some super fun parachute and relay games. Later in the evening there was a sock hop, ice cream social, and an indoor campfire! (no worries- it’s a pretend flame)
All in all, we had a very successful weekend- countless smiles and laughter.
We can’t wait to see everyone come out for our next Cloverbud Camp in July!!!!
Thanks to all of the adult volunteers, teen counselors, and summer staff who helped make this wonderful weekend happen!!!
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Science Camp Program News
2009
10.25
10.25
Jamestown held its 4th annual “Out of This World”, Science Camp over the weekend of October 23-25, 2009. This special event was designed for youth ages 9-13. Campers and Teens across the Northeast district of Virginia attended the event and were given the opportunity to make new friends, learn a variety of life skills, and engage in FUN scientific process activities. Our weekend was focused on exploration of the sciences and gave participants a taste of many different areas of experimentation.
Classes for youth included: Bugs!!!, Magic Waters, Cow Eyeball Dissection, Mythbusters, Agriculture in the Classroom, Splitting H20! Campers were asked what they would change about camp next year… numerous replied, “Make it weeks long!”
Highlights of the weekend included a special Bio-Fuel Experiment and an amazing time experiencing “Life in a Rotting Log!” Campers also enjoyed an awesome outdoor campfire and participated in other traditional camp games and activities. We ended our weekend with a wonderful slideshow depicting our terrific weekend together. Thank you for joining us!
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Science Camp
2009
09.29
09.29
2 weeks left for SCIENCE CAMP registration!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come join us this Oct 23 – 25th for the experiments of your life!!!!!!
Registration closes October 10, 2009!
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Week 9- Goochland, Powhatan, Hanover
2009
08.14
08.14
Camp Week 9 – Goochland, Powahatan, Hanover
Our last week of camp was certainly not our quitest!!!! Staff and kids celebrated camp non-stop this week! Below you’ll see Performing Arts commercials, the refreshing pool, Marine Science at its best!!!, and our Newspaper Fashion SHow!!
What an awesome week to have as our last one for 2009!!!! Thanks to everyone who helped make these memories last a lifetime!
Jimmy James 2009!!!
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Camp Week 8 – Gloucester
2009
08.08
08.08
Camp Week 8 – Gloucester
Pool parties, canoeing, campfires and MORE!!! Gloucester had an excellent visit with the 4-H Center this year!!! Staff were more than sad to see the campers leave but very pleased to have had such an amazing experience with everyone!!!
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Week 7 – York County
2009
07.31
07.31
Camp Week 7 – York County
York County Rocked Jimmy James in 2009!!! Thank you to all the Adult Volunteers and their amazing involvement in Camp – you guys were AWESOME!!!
Make sure to ask us about our new Liberty Elm Tree residing in front of Cabin 4 – named Jim (named after, and dedicated to Jim Orband). We wish you well Jim and Thank You for your continued support to the 4-H Camp!
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Camp Week 6 – Hampton, Richmond City, Newport News
2009
07.25
07.25
Camp Week 6 – Hampton, Newport News, Richmond City
Flags, Riflery, Pool Parties and Mardi Gras made this week a blast! Check out those rifle targets (and that’s just from one day!!!)
Thanks for a wonderful time Newport News, Richmond City, and Hampton!