News from W.E. Skelton 4-H Camp!

Closing

2011-08-17T10:37:00.000-04:00

After a summer filled with fun, excitement, and amazing memories 4-H Camp is coming to a close. Although this is the end this is not goodbye! Hold onto your memories whether they be silliness at the evening carnival, making the biggest splash with your best cannonball in the pool or making your first BULLSEYE at the Archery range. Everyone here at the Skelton 4-H Center hope that you have a fabulous fall, that you work hard in school, and most of all we hope to see you next year!

With a great deal of Love and Enthusiasm,

Shades and the 4-H Summer Staff

2011-06-30T09:37:00.001-04:00

Hello, I bring you greetings from W.E. Skeleton 4-H camp

Camp has been going very good I have had a wonderful time. Meeting new people and learning new things.

Love , Orlando

2011-06-23T09:39:00.002-04:00

Camp this year at 4-h has been amazing. My classes this year were computer science, tie-dyeing, fun with foods, and sewing but I would have loved to take any class becuase they are all so amazing. In computer science, you get a chance to work further with computers and create a newsletter about your time in camp. In tie-dyeing, you tie-dye many articles of clothing and even something that you brought from home! You can even tie-dye your white cotton socks! When you take fun with foods, you get a chance to experience foods further by making burritos, chocolate, smoothies, cupcakes, and more! As I said before, I also took sewing. In this class, you get to learn the basics of sewing and the items needed to sew! As a final project in this class, you get to make your own pillow case! I loved these classes and would have loved any other class just as equally if I had taken it. I love 4-h camp!
~Katie W

This Year At Camp

2011-06-16T10:28:00.002-04:00

This year at 4-H camp we all had a lot of fun.On Monday we had the carnival and everybody had fun on challenge slides and coures.On Tuesday we had All Sports Night and The Pool Party. Everybody was competing to win.While swimming most people were playing basketball in the pool.On the next day we had a dance and the talent show.At the talent show everybody was addicted to Travis Byrd's preformance of Wannna Be Starting Something By:Michael Jackson.On Thursday we closed out camp for Friday ending with campfire.That is what happened this year at 4-H camp. Travis

Don't stop the fun!!

2011-06-16T09:32:00.003-04:00

Here at camp we have a wonderful experience we dont stand alone we are a family. 4-H has boost my confidence in everything I do I never would have thought I would do some of the stuff we have here. Many kids around the world dont have confidence they think they would never find friends but here you will find your match and your friend for life they are here to the end just like our theme this year peace, love , 4-H. We have so many classes you can choose from to fit you and you will always have fun. Camp is great you will remember it for a life time.....your leaders and teens support you they dont want you to give up they tell you to shoot for the stars to the end.

By:Brianna

Spotlight on Conferencing ... The Scrappy Chicks

2011-05-02T10:58:00.006-04:00

Many people don't know that in addition to hosting summer and specialty 4-H Camps, the Skelton 4-H Center (or W. E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center, as it is formally known) is a fantastic location for group events such as conferences, meetings, trainings, retreats, banquets, church events, and social gatherings, such as weddings, family reunions, and ... CRAFTING EVENTS! Each year, the Skelton 4-H Center is fortunate to hold a variety of knitting, quilting, and scrapbook retreats.

One of these loyal groups is known by the self-appointed moniker, "The Scrappy Chicks." (The title says it all!) This fun, fantastic group of ladies has been holding twice annual events at the 4-H Center since 2006. When asked what makes the 4-H Center a good location for their retreats, group leader, Angie Shively, responded:

"The 4-H Center is the PERFECT place to hold our scrapbook retreats. We searched around and found that the 4-H Center provided everything we needed and more at a GREAT price! All of the staff are so wonderful to work with. They make everything perfect for us. The meals are AWESOME (you won't go hungry!) and the 4-H Center is in a great location. Convenient to those in Franklin, Bedford, and Roanoke, we even have some that travel from North Carolina to join us. The grounds are beautiful and the lake is just an added little feature! We recommend the 4-H Center to all of our friends and co-workers looking for a great place with lots of space for their occasions. We've been coming to the 4-H Center since 2006 to have our scrapbook retreats. We have them twice a year and if we could, we'd do it every month!"

If you are interested in obtaining information on booking a group event at the 4-H Center, call the Conferencing Department today at 540-721-2759 x 252, or visit us online at http://www.skelton4hcenter.org/.

Box Turtle Rehydration Day!

2011-02-23T10:03:00.003-05:00

Today is our box turtle rehydration day down here in the Meador Nature Center! With the warm weather last week our box turtles (one is an Eastern Box Turtle and the other is a Three-Toed Box Turtle) are coming out of their semi-hibernative state, which means they are quite thirsty! (Wouldn't you be after not eating and drinking for a couple months?!) So our box turtles are taking a nice soak in some warm water to stimulate them to drink and replenish their fluids. Basically they are living the life of luxury in a nice, warm hot tub for the day! Their water gets poured out and replenished every 15 minutes to keep it fresh and warm. After a couple hours their body weight will more than double because of all the replenished fluids in their body!

So happy rehydration day! Remember to drink your water and keep your body hydrated as well, just like our box turtles! :-)

Fall at the 4-H Center...

2010-11-22T12:20:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy fall at the 4-H Center, though it seems like summer just ended. The colors have been absolutely amazing out here this year. Most of the leaves are on the ground (or in the gutters of our lodges!) and the weather is beginning to cool off. Here are a few highlights of our fall season at the lake:

We served a few hundred students from schools around our region through Outdoor Education programs. Field trips for a day or several days result in outdoor classes in forest ecology, wildlife ecology, fishing, teambuilding, climbing tower, canoeing, and more. Of course campfire programs and nighthikes fill the evenings.
We've had groups from all over the country visit us for conferences, retreats, meetings, and/or other group events. Events this fall have included the Virginia Mennonite Youth Conference, Elon University Leadership Retreat, American Cancer Society's Relay Leadership Conference, the Cream of the Croppers (scrapbooking retreat), and much much more!
We have served approximately 150 4-H'ers through our Fall Cloverbud Camp, Pulaski County 4-H Teens-In-Action Retreat, Virginia 4-H Teen Cabinet, and our Fall Teen Weekend.
The Smith Mountain Lake Pistol Shooters Association (SMLPSA) has been buzzing all around the new Rocovich Shooting Sports complex this fall. They have range time several days a week along with offering classes to the public 1-2 times per month.
Our new welcome center is well on it's way to being completed. It's under roof, windows are installed, and the framing is up inside. It should be open for business by April!

Things will slow down substantially for us December through February, but we'll still be here. Come visit, or let us know if you have a group that needs facilities!

Hokies! Hokies! Hokies!

2010-08-19T13:07:00.003-04:00

Hokie Camp has been a great time! Hokie Camp was a three-day orientation experience that took place in August. The Freshmen were split into groups that made up the Hokie Camp Colors: Yellow, Red, Blue, Black, and Gray. The incoming Freshmen were able to meet other students, learn about Virginia Tech spirit and traditions, and join the community of Hokies. You could hear the Hokie chants throughout W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center. I am sure that all the new Hokies had a blast because the staff had tons of fun too! We wish the best of luck to all the Hokie Campers in your first year at Virginia Tech!

The Rainy Day

2010-07-27T10:02:00.036-04:00

I guess our ceremony last night did not work. We tried to keep the rain from coming, but I guess it is stubbourn because it came anyway. Lucky me I get to stay inside for the rest of my classes. But I am still having fun and love 4-H Camp!

By Jake

The Happenings of the First Day of 4-H Camp

2010-07-27T10:02:00.035-04:00

So, yesterday was the first day of camp. We arrived, checked in, and got to meet our room mates. Then everybody went down to the rec field. We all got to hang out with one another and meet up with friends that we made the year before at camp. Sounds pretty fun right? Well then we went to the opening ceremony where all the adults and teens told us the rules and answered questions that we had. They even performed skits and we had to pick out what they were doing wrong. After that we had lunch, which, as always, is delicious! The next few hours weren't the funnest but they were still helpful. The team I'm on (the ducks) had a team meeting first, discussing the events of the week. Afterwards we went on a tour of the camp, but it was very hot yesterday so we were all kind of sweaty. After that we had a swim check, which is where you have to swim from one side of the pool to the other and if you make it you get a green wristband. But if you can't swim you get a red wristband. After that we had dinner, it was yummy, ha ha. After dinner we had clover grams and then it was off the carnival! The carnival was a blast! There was so much to do and so much fun to be had. After the carnival ended, we had a campfire. It was very nice, but about halfway through the campfire we had to go inside because of lightning. After the campfire we headed to our lodges for a lodge meeting. Then, it was showers and lights out!

The First and Hopefully Only Rainy Day

2010-07-27T10:02:00.033-04:00

It was very very very rainy and we had to come inside for every activity. We definitely needed it though! I wish that the rain stops soon. I thought that song would stop the rain from coming. It's still fun though! I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Obstacle Course

2010-07-27T10:02:00.032-04:00

At the obstacle course we always play fun activities. We started Tuesday with the name game and Wednesday we played the keypad game. For the keypad game, there are numbers, letters, and shapes that we have to guess upon or Ramchop will blow his whistle. Today (Thursday), we're going on the challenge course. You have to know skills like balance, agility, and communication without speaking.

4-H Camp is all about fun with your friends!

2010-07-27T09:10:00.006-04:00

In the picture above, the students in the "Cooking through the Holidays" class are working hard to make their cookbooks. This class looks like a lot of fun! Everyday they get to make a yummy treat based on certain holidays every day. I did not take this class but it sure looks like a really good one. There are a lot of hard instructions you have to follow, but these students are doing a really great job!

♥♥♥♥♥♥

By: Tori (:

[The Squirels are the best pack!]

A Camper's First Day

2010-07-27T09:02:00.036-04:00

My first day started with a bus ride in which I didn't think I would be very social but it turned out that I had talked to a lot of people around me. When I got there I didn't even know where I was going only because it was my first year, but the best thing you can do is find someone you know and camp will be a lot easier for you. After I found my cabin I set up and I found out that one of my friends was in the same cabin as me, so he told me what to do and to my surprise it was really simple. The cabin looks really nice, clean bathrooms, and an organized lobby. Then we go to open air for a assembly.

By: Jacob

My First Class

2010-07-27T09:02:00.035-04:00

I use to cook spaghetti and pancakes thinking that my skills at cooking had reached an apex. But when I took cooking class (4 years ago when entering 4-H camp for the first time) at 4-H I had a realization, cooking can only get more hard. When I decided to pick cooking as one of my classes I was astonished to find out that I had to work much like I'm doing now as a teenage counselour. We would cook pineapple pizza, cakes, and omelets things beyond my spectrum of cooking. After we were done cooking those delights we ate the food we just designed. This gave me urge to create new things at my house. Choosing cooking would be a wise decision next year when your pondering on classes.

The First Day

2010-07-27T09:02:00.032-04:00

The first day was very confusing and mixed-up. The kids were confused, hyper, and loud. It was hot and humid so that made everything worse. Finally after waiting for thirty minutes we got to get in the shade. After the opening we got to eat and the food was remarkable. After the food we had to do all of the checks like health and swimming. Then, we went and ate dinner. After dinner we walked down to the carnival to play games and get carnival food. Then, we went to the camp fire which had to be moved because of a storm which is still here today. Finally, we went to the lodges to get a very nice relaxing sleep. Tomorrow is classes and hopefully a good week.

Small Animal Science

2010-07-27T09:02:00.031-04:00

Small animal science is a very fun class. You can interact with lots of different animals, like a baby calf, chickens, goats, rabbits, and lots more. In this class you learn how to take care of the animals and treat them with care. If you like animals, then this is the class for you.

4-H Camp 2010, The Fun Is About To Begin!

2010-07-21T10:25:00.036-04:00

"Kind words can be short & easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless."

- Mother Teresa

This year at 4-H camp there are several enthusiastic kids ready to win the spirit stick. With ROANOKE having several teens, there is plenty of help for the kids in their classes. In this picture, the cannoeing class is getting ready to go into the water. Teen counselor Mark is ready for the adventure! From the exciting classes to crazy evening events, we hope that this year will be the best one yet & that we will always remember our time at camp

By Amanda

Outdoor Adventures

2010-07-21T10:25:00.034-04:00

These kids are burning cotton balls. How they do it is that they have strikers to light them. Then, they have to let the sun hit the cotton balls and strikers. Then, the cotton balls burn and shrivel into little peices. I am pretty sure that they are burning up too. It also looks like they're having fun.

Canoeing Fun

2010-07-21T10:25:00.033-04:00

The canoeing class this year is amazing. The class has a new instructor this year, Fergie! People might not know that Fergie is a returning teen that is now a member of the staff.

The canoeing class is great, we all know it, its good exercise with even better friends and fun. So, for all you future canoers out there this is the class to be in.

By: Rick

Cooking Over the Campfire

2010-07-21T10:24:00.006-04:00

Cooking over the campfire is so much fun because you get to learn how to cook over the campfire. You get to make fried potatoes, fried corn, and other things like that too. So when you go home you can show your mom and dad and other people, and it is fun to watch!

by Tamiah

Small Animals

2010-07-21T09:27:00.024-04:00

There is a class called small animal science. It is really cool you learn about cows, chickens, sheep, rabbits, and goats. When I did it 2 years agoI loved it and I thought it was awesome. If you love animals like me you would love this class. Have fun at 4-H camp.

By:Raleigh from Bobcats

Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore...

2010-07-21T09:27:00.023-04:00

This tongue twister is being used in this performing arts class to say their words loudly and clearly. This class along with other performing arts classes are practicing for the talent show on Wednesday night. We were not able to know what their skit was because it was a surprise.

By: Imani

Robot Invasion

2010-07-21T09:27:00.020-04:00

At the 4-H center, they have a class based on Lego robotics. Even though I don't have this class, I enjoyed it throughout the last few years. You basically program a robot to make it do all sorts of different movements, but you also create a team for your robot. Throughout the week you work on programming it, but also you add different parts on to it so that it can do different tasks. At the end of the week, you put your robot in a tournament, where it has to do different tasks such as move things or put something onto a pulley or lever. The class this year is taught by Ranger (Krae) who helps out in anything that is available. The class was never to hard but when it comes to the tournament then it became tough. Each year they have the robots do different tasks and they are always a challenge. The robots are also available in stores, but cost a significant amount of money. The class is always awesome and is taught by some good staff. So if you like robots and all, then you probably want to consider the class on your list of things to do at 4-H.

By: Evan

Campers Kayaking

2010-07-21T08:58:00.007-04:00

Campers have already started their weekly activities. But these campers have started kayaking and teaching kayaking is the staff member Starfish to help the campers learn to kayak .

by Kenneth

Playing With Animals

2010-07-21T08:57:00.013-04:00

Campers will be learning about how to treat and handle young animals, like a young goat here in this picture. The small animals class for campers

is great for animal lovers. There is also a young cow and a big goat with horns. Small animals is located right near the new welcome center.

This picture was taken by Dale in the wolves pack.

By: Dale

Friends

2010-07-14T10:03:00.010-04:00

One of the great things about 4-H camp is all of the great friends you make from other counties. There are so many opportunities at camp to reach out to people and also kind of find out about yourself. At home I am normally pretty quiet, but here at camp I become really loud and actually find stuff to talk about with people I am just meeting. My friend Alexis and I have been friends since last year at 4-H camp, this year we saw each other and actually remembered who each other were. I never thought that I would actually be able to make friends without my sister being here because she is normally the one that talks to people and that's normally how I make my friends. I love 4-H camp!
By: Kourtney

The Fishing at 4-H Camp 2010

2010-07-14T09:30:00.009-04:00

As you can see, someone from the first period fishing class has caught a fish. Fishing is one of the basic classes at 4-H Camp. Many people sign up for this class each year. Fishing is always a fun -filled class. You can learn many new techniques on how to properly fish. I took fishing my first year of camp when I was in 5th grade. It was a lot of fun. I had a blast. I made many new friends, and I had a very good time while doing it.

Basketball!

2010-07-14T09:27:00.018-04:00

Basketball is a very competitive sport. The most important things you need are a hoop, a ball, and some friends. Sounds simple.

Here at 4-H Camp we play basketball in a place called Open Air. We have 4 basketball hoops there, but we can only use 2 because a class besides basketball is in there so we don't want to be disrespectful. Anyway, all of our players always play fair. That all I have to say about basketball

By: Baylie

Everything And Anything

2010-07-14T09:27:00.017-04:00

One of my classes this week is soccer. I like watching people play soccer, it's a very interesting and energetic sport. On Monday, we played a game called World Cup. It's every person for themselves. We also are supposed to learn some passes soon. I'm excited about a lot of other activities too. My favorite thing at camp is either 80's night OR the dance. I have the most fun at the dance because I get to hangout with all my friends. My least favorite thing about camp is that most of the friends I make are from Botetourt, so when it is time to leave I have to say goodbye to all the friends I just made. But, if I come back next year they all promise to be here at 4-H Camp! (:

Archery...A Very Popular Class

2010-07-14T09:00:00.005-04:00

Looks like Archery is very popular here at 4-H camp. Wolfie is the teacher here at 4-H camp for Archery, but there are teens also helping him. Each person can either be right eye dominate or left eye dominate. Everyone gets three arrows each, and after everyone is finished shooting you can go get your arrows. If you enjoy shooting arrows you would like Archery.

By:Rebecca

The Day in the Life of a 4-H Camper!

2010-07-07T10:25:00.032-04:00

The day in the life of a 4-H camper is very busy but, you still have a LOT of fun!! First, you have to wake up at 7:00, get ready, and you have to be at flagpoles at 7:45. If you're not there on time, you will have to be in the late line! And trust me, you do not want to be in the late line. After flagpoles they will let you go inside for breakfast. After breakfast you go to clover grams, then you go to your first class. Then, you go to your second and third classes. After your second & third classes you will go to lunch. And after lunch you will go to your last class. Then, you will either go to free rec or free swim! Later you will go to your cabin to get ready for dinner. Then, we go to either the carnival (Mon.), field Olympics (Tues.), talent show(Wed), or the dance(Thurs.). Finally, you go to campfire! At campfire you sing songs and have talent shows. Then, you go back to your cabin, take a shower, and go to bed. Well, this is a day in the life of a 4-H camper!

Arts And Crafts

2010-07-07T10:25:00.031-04:00

ART AND CRAFTS ARE FUN! I like art because it is fun to do all the time and you can to new things. Crafts are also fun to do because you do different things you have never done before.
P.S. Art is very very fun!

By Bonita

The 4-H Campfire

2010-07-07T10:25:00.030-04:00

The 4-H campfire is a very peaceful place. It is a very respectful place also and it should be. You are also not supposed to turn your back to it, it is considered disrespectful. The campfire is probably one of the best things about 4-H camp. I love 4-H camp and everything about it, 4-H!

By: Ben

My Hike

2010-07-07T10:25:00.029-04:00

Hello, I'm Winston and I'm going to tell you about my hike to get to my classes at 4-H. 4-H Is a summer camp. On my 1st day they told us where are classes are located. Mine is a hike, because I have to start at a lake and walk up a hill to a place called Joco Learning Center. Then, I just have to go to room next to me, thankfully. After that I get to go to lunch which is at top of hill in a dining hall. And finally, after lunch, I walk down hill almost to where the lake is and I take archery class. It is a walk...but all classes are worth it!

4-H Camp Campfires

2010-07-07T10:25:00.028-04:00

Boy are we enthusiastic for......Campfires!!! Ducks, wolves, rabbit, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, deer, & squirrels get pumped up for campfires!!!!!!!! Campfires are great! We get to sing songs, do chants, be "CRAZY", & make some memories. Campfires are a time for chilling out and enjoying the outdoors except for the heat & the bugs.....but don't let them get in your way of enjoying a night full of fire & fun. Here is a solution to the whole bug thing "WHERE BUG SPRAY AND SUNSCREEN." I promise it works!!!! Campfires are amazing if you have not ever been to one well....you are missing out on everything. So I, Leigh Ann, encourage you to enjoy campfire before the fire goes out!!!!!

When You Need A Hand

2010-07-07T10:02:00.027-04:00

At 4-H Camp, there are staff all over to help you get to your classes, get over homesickness, and anything else you may need. In this photo, a teacher in National Treasures class is helping a camper figure out his GPS (Global Positioning System). Although things may get tricky, you can always count on staff to be there when you need them.

By: Shawna

Just Dance!

2010-07-07T10:02:00.026-04:00

Having classes is fun and sometimes you just have to dance! These girls are having fun dancing their hearts out at 4-H camp. They're all doing a pretty good job at having fun!

They make you want to dance!

By Faith

CSI

2010-07-07T10:02:00.021-04:00

This is crime scene investigation it is a lot of fun they showed us how to fingerprint and told us about how long it can take to solve a crime. I think that a lot of people would enjoy being in CSI. They told us that there is a lot of ways to commit a crime...and solve it.

By: Courtney

Crime-Solving Campers

2010-07-07T10:02:00.020-04:00

Do you want to learn how to solve crimes and be an amazing police officer? Then CSI would be the class for you! In this class, you learn about crime scenes, take fingerprints, and even solve a crime yourself! Everyone is having tons of fun learning what police officers do in reality, even though watching TV shows about it is fun too. This class is recommended because it is fun and entertaining.
By: Alexis & Jasmine

Dancing to the grove

2010-07-07T10:02:00.011-04:00

I saw the dance team doing a very cool dance they were dancing to justin bieber baby I loved it dance team you are the best dancers I have seen in my life.I hope you are going to do the dance at the talent show which is today.Dancers you rock and keep dancing to the grove.

by:Justin

NO VIDEO GAMES to Wii Get Fit

2010-07-07T09:24:00.022-04:00

First, we heard NO VIDEO GAMES but once we heard about "Wii Get Fit" that was our homerun! In the JOCO Learning Center 3 Wii's were placed around the room to play Wii Games. One EXCITED Camper had entered the class and played Wii Sports and she decided to play Baseball! The 4-H fans are cheering her on!
Wii Sports has 5 sports like, Tennis, Bowling, Boxing, Baseball, and Golf! But without this class I bet that we would never have as much fun!

Let's eat story

2010-07-07T09:24:00.017-04:00

This is Let's eat cooking class and they are making mini pizza,with biscuit bread,pizza sauce, cheese,and if you wanted pepperoni or anchovies you could have pick either one.Today at Let's eat we get to make omelets,are very good to eat.Omelets have bacon, cheese,chicken,eggs,ham, lettuce,tomatoes,and fried onions.Today we are having taco salads for lunch july 7,2010. I LOVE 4-H camp and there food.

Jeri and Tiasia

Cooking

2010-07-07T09:24:00.016-04:00

In cooking class you will make lots of different things like pizza,omelets,and a whole bunch more. In cooking class the students make it and the teacher cooks it. This class will teach you how to make food for when you get older in life. In this class you will have fun doing lots of things i might not be in that class but i have enjoyed smelling it. Cooking will be lots of fun if you try it.

By:Savanna and Jordan

Look at these detectives solving a crime!

2010-07-07T09:24:00.015-04:00

CSI is so much fun you get to do real life detective things such as finger printing solving crimes and other cool stuff like that. There is alot of information that you can learn in this class. If you want to become a detective or in the FBI or police force you should really consider on taking this class.

By: Kwadre & Alex

HOT Summer Day!

2010-07-07T09:00:00.034-04:00

Campers cool off from the HOT day in July by taking a dive in the pool. It looks like everyone is having fun bathing in water. Lifegaurds watch and make sure all campers at the pool are safe and having fun swimming around. It looks like everyone needed to cool off.

Amazing Wii Fit Class!!!

2010-07-07T09:00:00.033-04:00

This is the amazing Wii Fit Class, To the left they are playing baseball on Wii Sports!

On the right they are playing "Shooting Range" on Wii Play!

There are also many other games you can play, this is such a fun class to take, plus you are in air condition!!!

fun at the pool

2010-07-07T09:00:00.031-04:00

Man A Day At The Pool I Wish I was There 4ever And Never Get Out (: It Looks Soooooo Fun everybody looks their having fun LOL(:

Crime Scene Investigator

2010-07-07T09:00:00.021-04:00

The teacher of CSI educates his students on what a crime scene investigator usually looks for in the scene of a crime. He explains that unlike the show, fingerprints can only be successfully used if the criminal has been in prison or jail. The students in the class get to take their fingerprints or take each others fingerprints. The students overall enjoy learning and seeing what a real crime scene investigator goes through every day a crime happens. By Charlie

4-H Camp Is Cool

2010-06-30T10:06:00.033-04:00

This is the Archery Class. Some people say this is a good and fun place. I think the whole 4-H CAMP IS AWESOME! I think all the campers love 4-H CAMP! At first I thought ROBOTICS was going to be boring, but then it was a lot of FUN !

Bulleye!

2010-06-30T10:06:00.030-04:00

One nice, breezy day there were little 4-H campers. They shot targets and hit the bulleye.
They learned how to use the bow and arrows first, and they were as accurate as anyone could be. As you can tell they were have the best time of their lives at W.E. Skeleton 4-H Camp. In my opinion, this class is extremely fun!

Tye-Dye is Colorful

2010-06-30T10:05:00.017-04:00

This week at 4-H camp we have a class of tye-dye. Isn't tye-dye so COLORFUL? I think it is! In the picture, we have the campers tying there shirts to tye-dye it with colors later. Also, the campers that are taking the class are listining to the class teacher. 4-H camp is perfect from the staff to the vollunteers and to the teens. If your reading this blog, then I think that you might like 4-H camp. The classes that I am taking are Arts From the Heart, Computer Science (and that is where I wrote this blog and the teacher is really COOL), small animals, and RIFLERY.

Flipping Kayaks for FUN!

2010-06-30T10:05:00.015-04:00

Once upon a time on a warm sunny day at W.E. Skelton 4-H camp, there was a kayaking class being taught by the one and only Starfish from Under the Sea. On this breezy day at 4-H camp they flipped kayaks into the wonderful Smith Mnt. Lake. Everyone got to be flipped and got to have fun in the water. Today, they got to go on a trip to an adjacent cove. All campers were super excited to go out on the water with their new found kayaking skillz.

Cooking Class

2010-06-30T09:06:00.003-04:00

Today in cooking class campers learned that germs spread easily. In this class, campers put on a chemical and then used Germ-X. This handprint was after a camper used Germ-X and patted his friend on the back.

The Life of the Animals In the Barn

2010-06-30T08:58:00.016-04:00

In the barn there are many of animals like sheep, cows, and chickens. Most of the kids love the animals in the barn. My favorite is the cow named Ernie. He is very calm and he likes to lick your hand. In one of the cages are two sheep named Persey and Virginia. Virginia is the one with the blonde coat and Persey is the one with the gray coat. So thats the life of some of the animals in the barn. If you want to see and learn more about the animals, you can take the small animal science class!

A Day At The Pool

2010-06-30T08:58:00.015-04:00

Today I went to the pool. It was so much fun! We played sharks and minnows. Then, we had to swim with the noodles. It was easy to do. Next, we had to push off the wall and swim on our back. It was little hard. We learned the front crawl too! You have to move your arms like your doing a freestyle move. Finally, we had to blow bubbles in the water to learn how to swim underwater. I had a great time at the pool today!

A Nice Day At The Pool

2010-06-30T08:58:00.013-04:00

This is the first day of our classes, and it was AWESOME! Everybody has a teen and three or four roommates. There are two swimming classes. There is beginning swimming and advanced swimming. At the pool, there is diving. However, nobody can swim when somebody jumps off the diving board. You can either go past the rope to the five or three feet area, or you can go to the ladder!

A Week at 4-H Camp

2010-06-23T11:30:00.011-04:00

This year at 4-H camp 2010 has been fun, but sadly, the week is almost over. Friday is the last day! My classes are fun and cool. I like them all and have lots of fun at camp this year!

The Life of a 4-H Camper

2010-06-23T11:30:00.010-04:00

The first day I ever became a camper was in the fourth grade. I am now moving on to seventh grade and things have really changed. At 4-H camp there is now A/C in all the cabins.

The classes are a bit different form when I last came here. Riflery is now held in a new building, and fishers are catching more fish. At 4-H camp I have been an archer, fisher and a canoer.

I can't wait to be a CIT next year!

This is Sam signing out!

Outdoor Cooking in 4-H

2010-06-23T11:13:00.003-04:00

When I first saw that I was going to be in outdoor cooking, I thought that it was going to be really hard,so hard that I wasn't going to be able to cook any of the food! But when I went to outdoor cooking for the first time, I thought it was great! So now when I go, I'm ready for tons of fun, just by cooking outside! So if you ever have outdoor cooking, I hope you have just as much fun as I did.

Everybody Loves 4-H Camp

2010-06-23T11:05:00.013-04:00

AT 4-H Camp, I've heard plenty of kids saying they liked riflery and archery. Terrence said that this was his second year holding a 22. rifle at 4-H Camp. The boys liked having the new lodge again this year. One of my friends said in riflery you got to shoot your name tag, that sounded kind of fun. I'm sure every body loved camp.

The Life of a Camper

2010-06-23T11:05:00.012-04:00

The life of a camper is very easy and fun! All u have to do is a few rules: 1. be respectful. 2. do as you are told. 3. do not be late. 4. have fun! You get great rooms, fun classes, andthe teachers are the best. The teachers have nicknames like: Icy Hot, Bam Bam, Beat Box, Cotiak, Wolfy, Starfish, Cupcake, Outlaw, etc.

A Day in Life of a 4-H Camper........

2010-06-23T10:08:00.014-04:00

This week at 4-H Camp has been a fun experience. There are alot of things to do and you never get bored. It has awesome staff members, Teens, and CITs. There are alot of classes to choose from and you would have fun in every one of them. It is reaallly hot round here but... they have a pool to take care of it all.
There was a carnival and campfire Monday, and there was a pool party yesterday with awesome songs if I do say so myself. There will be a dance and a Talent show tonight so have fun at that. Hope everyone has an awesome time :)

A Day In The Life...

2010-06-23T10:08:00.013-04:00

While you are at camp you do a lot of cool things like play games and activites. I love 4-H camp it has been a good week and I have met a lot of new people. The staff and campers are all awesome! I love 4-h camp and I have had a blast while at 4-H camp. I hope you are having fun too!

Miranda

All the Fun of 4-H Camp

2010-06-23T10:02:00.020-04:00

Have you been to 4-H Camp lately? If you answered no to this question then you need to start packing now! You have been missing out on a lot of cool things at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center at Smith Mountain Lake, yes that's the full name! We do everything from a carnival to a pool party. Almost everything during the day is really fun too, like your classes, free rec., and free swim. The summer staff is always really cool and will help you with anything if you ask. Usually most everyone is having a great time. If you see anyone left out of anything befriend them and get them to join in all the fun that 4-H Camp has to offer.

2010-06-23T10:02:00.019-04:00

At 4-H Camp people learn to kayak on a hot sunny day. I wish I was them cause they get to flip over the kayaks! Have fun flipping over the kayacks ...

Interested In Small Animal Science

2010-06-23T10:02:00.017-04:00

I think Small Animal Science is the best class I am taking. It's alot of fun! On June 23,2010 I had to chase down a hen and I accidentally pulled out some of her feathers, but the teacher said that it was okay. Archery is fun too, but I missed the target. I hope that I'll have better luck today. Last but not least I have Computer Science Class we take pictures the first day the next we learn how to blog!

Campers Blog in Computer Science Class at 4-H Camp

2010-06-16T10:29:00.005-04:00

The blog entries below are ones that the 4-H Campers made in their Computer Science Class. They took pictures on Tuesday and created their own blogs on Wednesday. The Campers had the option of blogging about a spcific activity, class, or they could create a more general "day-in-the-life" post. I hope you enjoy their entries about 4-H Camp!

What I like about 4-H camp

2010-06-16T10:23:00.005-04:00

I like all of my classes, like GPS and woodworking. Climbing and computer science are fun too. I enjoy free swim the most. I am happy I got to be in the squirrel pack. Though there are still things I want to try at camp, I think 4-H camp is awesome. I have had a lot of fun at 4-H camp.

The First Two Days at 4-H Camp

2010-06-16T10:03:00.021-04:00

My first day at 4-H camp was a blast! We got a tour of the whole camp, took a swim test, had pack meetings, and also had a pool party! The second day was awesome too! We took our first through fourth period classes, had our first free swim time, had pack meetings and free recreation time, and even had the Field Olympics and a dance! And throughout both of the days, we were having fun and being enthusiastic! Don't forget that points are added and subtracting for your pack at any moment that your pack is all together! So have a blast at 4-H camp! -Amanda

Fun at the Pool

2010-06-16T10:03:00.020-04:00

At 4-H Camp...

At the 4-H Camp's pool, we take Swimming Tests and have Free Swim. Everyone has to go to both classes either way, but still 4-H is awesome and fun! Free Swim is where you can get in the pool to have fun.

Another great thing about the 4-H Camp's pool is that it has a diving board! If I was a good swim er, I would have gone on the diving board. You could do something in the pool like see if you could touch the bottom of the pool! 4-H Camp is so much fun!

How to have fun.

2010-06-16T10:03:00.018-04:00

I know people LOVE to have fun. The most you can have is 4-H Camp. On Monday you show up to camp,take a tour a swimming check, and a health check. There are six classes(dance, outdoor adventures, sewing, swimming, fishing, etc.) to take Tuesday thu Thursday. What I think are the most fun are the dances you usually have on Tuesday and Thursday after dinner. You go home on Friday but, before you go the staff throws a cookout.

2010-06-16T09:08:00.010-04:00

4-H camp has been awesome so far! During the first day, we took a tour and it was so hot outside. Our classes have been awesome.
My favorite class is fishing. I caught a big catfish and a perch. It was awesome. PEACE OUT <3 Austin M

2010-06-16T09:05:00.006-04:00

At 4-H camp we can take any class we want like archery or swimming. At 4-H camp you are here to have fun and to learn. So if you do come to 4-H camp, be enthusiastic!

Dinosaurs are real!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-16T09:04:00.020-04:00

In computer science class, a student named Connor has a real life Triceratops pet, age 6. The Triceratops' name is Rexxthor.'3"48 tall, '4"10 long. It likes herbs, ferns and grass. In computer science we took pictures, made a blog, and explained about blogs. Connor learned some Spanish, no hables ingles.

Archery

2010-06-16T09:04:00.019-04:00

These people look like they are having fun waiting to shoot the target. Hope they have fun. In archery you get to shoot real bows and learn how to take arrows out of the target.

2010-06-16T09:04:00.018-04:00

Some of the fun things I have done at 4-H Camp are the classes. Here are some descriptions:

1: COMPUTER SCIENCE: In Computer Science you get to make different blogs to update the world on what you do here at 4-H just like this one. Then at the end you have time to catch up with friends and family on Social Networking, or you can play different online games.

2: ROCKETRY: In Rocketry you get to build an Estes model rocket that you get to launch up into the air. The teachers help you understand the instructions and help you along the way. It usually takes the whole week to complete the rocket, but if the class is fast, you get to also build a bottle rocket!

3: FUN WITH FOODS: In Fun With Foods you learn about the healthy and proper way to make foods and what things you can do while cooking that can make you sick such as, leaving eggs out for to long can poison and kill you, and the importance of washing your hands. Then you get to learn how to cook food. YUM!

4: SOCCER: In Soccer you get to play games of soccer with people on your same level. For the beginners or people that have only played for a few years, the teens help you develop, or improve those skills.

There are also other fun classes to. Pictures are attached of these, and many more of the classes that are offered at 4-H.

Just like Tina Turner...

2010-04-30T17:00:00.004-04:00

...the 4-H Center is ROLLING right now! We've got lots going on this spring including Outdoor Education school groups, a wide variety of conferencing groups (4 different groups on site this weekend!), adult education programs, summer camp preparations and a LOT of building projects! The Shooting Sports Complex is about 90% complete (and looking SWEET!), work has begun on the welcome center, and our new flag plaza is rolling right along. Check out pix for updates...

Are YOU Ready for CAMP?

2010-03-14T11:40:00.003-04:00

We begin volunteer trainings on March 20th...just around the corner. Over the course of the next few months we'll help train approximately 500 volunteers from across our service area...all in preparation for 2010 Junior 4-H Camp!

Are you ready? We are!

If you're interested in coming to camp as a volunteer (or know someone who wants to be a camper), contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office for more info!

2010...a big year for the 4-H Center!

2010-01-19T10:42:00.003-05:00

This year is going to be a big year for the 4-H Center! Projects that will be started and/or completed this year:

- The John G. Rocovich Shooting Sports Complex is currently about 2/3rd's complete! We hope to have it completed and opened for use by the time camp rolls around in mid-June!

- Ground has been unofficially "broken" on our new Welcome Center located at the front gate. Work is beginning to pick up on this as the weather is breaking a little, but will likely get busier as the spring progresses. No clear date for completion on this yet, but we'll keep you posted!

-Rockbridge Vespers area is getting a bit of a face-lift thanks to one of our wonderful neighbors. More to come on this at a later date.

We've got plenty going on and are sure that 2010 will be a big year for us programmatically as well. We've added two new camps to our camp schedule already (4-H SET Camp...science, engineering, and technology; Carilion Camp Treehouse).

Our first Volunteer Training takes place the last weekend in March...we can't wait to be engulfed by the 200 volunteers we'll likely see over the weekend!

Hope your new year has started off with a bang and the year is a prosperous one for you!

Teen Weekend: Here & gone!

2009-11-24T10:35:00.004-05:00

The Real World: SML...our 2009 fall teen weekend has come and gone just in time for Thanksgiving. Some basic highlights:

49 teens + 6 adults + 8 4-H Center staff = good times for sure!

Life-skills based workshops, lots of team challenge activities (teambuilding, competitions, DJ Hero contest, and more!), practice balancing a personal budget and paying bills, some recreation time (climbing, canoeing, riflery, mountain boarding, basketball), a "night on the town" (arcade, movie, and "cafe"), and a service project to wrap up the weekend and give back to the Center (which allowed us to charge a discounted rate).

And we learned about some new all star mountain boarders we have as teens...great job Callie, Josh, and Sam!

Check out some photos...

The Real World: SML (2009 Fall Teen Weekend)

2009-11-16T16:12:00.002-05:00

This coming weekend is our annual fall teen weekend. For the 2nd year in a row we're going with the theme "The Real World: SML". Teens will be placed into "real world" type situations in which they earn "money" (Skelton Bucks) throughout the weekend and must manage their expenses (rent, utilities, food, entertainment, etc.). We have a handful of "real world" workshops planned with a guest speaker from MemberOne credit union in Roanoke! Of course we'll lace the learning with fun, and based on last year's version it should be a great time!

If you missed registration...well, you've missed it (sorry!). The deadline passed a couple of weeks ago, and now we have about 50 teens registered! Look for another update next week...

iClover: Fall Cloverbud Camp 2009

2009-11-16T15:54:00.004-05:00

Our fall Cloverbud camp took place last weekend, November 7-8, 2009. We had about 50 people in attendance including campers, teen counselors, adult volunteers, parents, 4-H Center camp staff, and Extension faculty & staff. A great time was had by all...classes included nature hike, canoeing, games, camp songs, WiiFit class, cooking, and climbing tower. Of course we couldn't call it camp if there wasn't a campfire...or as one 5 year old boy camper called it, we went "fire camping". He was quite excited to say the least.

Here are a couple of pictures of teens and staff from the weekend...

4-H Center Update...

2009-10-15T15:37:00.004-04:00

It's been a while since we've updated our blog...in fact, this is the first update since summer camp ended! Although a lot has happened since then, we'll focus on two things for this update: upcoming 4-H programs & our indoor shooting sports complex.

We have a fall Cloverbud camp, called "iClover", that will be taking place November 7-8. Age-appropriate indoor and outdoor activities are planned for campers ages 5-8 and as usual, this will be one of our "funnest" camps of the year! The registration deadline is fast approaching (Oct 23), so if you or someone you know may be interested in attending as a camper (with or without parent), teen leader, or adult volunteer please contact us immediately for a registration brochure (skelton4hcamp@vt.edu)

Our fall teen weekend will once again follow the theme "The Real World: SML" and is taking place November 20-22. Last year's weekend was a huge success with approximately 70 teens from throughout our region! The weekend will submerse teens in real life situations related to managing personal finances and other related "real world" decisions. Life-skills workshops will be offered as well as typical camp (fun) activities! The registration deadline is November 6th, so contact us immediately if you'd like a registration brochure (skelton4hcamp@vt.edu)!

Finally, our much anticipated "indoor shooting range" is well underway and should be ready for use sometime in spring 2010. The John G. Rocovich Regional Shooting Sports Complex is coming together quite nicely and is looking GREAT! It will feature 12 firing lines, a classroom, dry storage/armory area, office, and electronic target retrieval systems! It will be the nicest facility of it's kind in our region without a doubt! Check out the pictures to see for yourself!

D.A.R.E. Camp

2009-08-05T13:08:00.003-04:00

This week we are hosting D.A.R.E. Camp at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Center. D.A.R.E. officers and 4-H Staff work together to provide Roanoke youth with a fantastic 4 days at camp! In addition to camp classes, D.A.R.E. Campers learn about what middle school will be like and how to avoid negative influences such as drug use and gangs. Today, we will have a special K-9 presentation and a demonstration of police equipment. Campers also participate in evening programs during D.A.R.E. Camp, such as Campfire, Hawaiian Night, a Talent Show, and a movie.

Do the Whirlay Bird!

2009-07-30T12:31:00.003-04:00

Front step, side to side, take it to the side

Do the Whirlay Bird! Do the Whirlay Bird!

Flaunt your Juicy Fruit, Flaunt your Juicy Fruit

Do the Skelton Scoop and you rock it on out

Shake your Knucklepuck, Shake your Knucklepuck
Do the Whirlay Bird! Do the Whirlay Bird!

J-Lynn's Performing Arts class demonstrates this summer's hottest dance craze here at the W.E.: The Whirlay Bird!

Keepin' It Green!

2009-07-30T12:27:00.003-04:00

Enjoying the first day of camp classes!

This week Alleghany, Bath, Highland, and Rockbridge are here at Junior 4-H Camp with the theme Keepin' It Green - 4-H Style!

First Time at 4-H Camp

2009-07-09T10:20:00.005-04:00

Canoeing at the lake and playing soccer with cool coaches.

ROOMMATES!!!

2009-07-09T10:13:00.005-04:00

Do you know what my favorite part of 4-H Camp was? My roommates! They were Alex, Kiana, and Hannah. We had lots of fun and we always were talking in our room at rest time or before bed. When someone got homesick or hurt, EVERYONE helped. One of my roommates got hurt and got really homesick. We all helped her by making her laugh! Then, when one of our roommates got sick, we helped her to the infirmary. Why do I like roommates? Well, when you sign up for 4-H Camp, you can request roomates. If your lucky, you get all the people you requested! There are only 4 to a room, including yourself.I got all 3 that I requested! Hopefully, if you come next year, you can get all 3 people you requested like me! I bet your wondering how you get the roommates you requested. Well, if you are one of the first people to hand yours in, most likely you will get at least 2 of the people you requested. After all the papers are in, the people that group the roommates together look at the papers. They try and put everyone with the roommates they requested. They try and make everyone happy. Even if you don't get with someone you requested, and that you don't know, you could make a brand new friend. I hope you have fun at 4-H camp!

-

Greysen

W.E Skelton 4-H Cool Counselors

2009-07-08T11:19:00.004-04:00

4-H camp has many really cool counselors. all the counselors and C.I.T's are funny and really nice. my counselor Kari was awesome this year she brought a whole book bag full of candy. she was like having your best friend be in charge while your parents are gone for the week. i will definitely come back next year with all my friends to have the week of fun every kid wants.

4-H Camp Class

2009-07-08T11:14:00.007-04:00

In 4-H camp their our many of really cool classes and really cool teachers.The teachers at 4-H camp are funny.

A Day In The Life Of A 4-H Camper

2009-07-08T11:02:00.031-04:00

This year at 4-H Camp I am rooming with Alyssa ,Brittany,and Kaylee. We have so much fun. Each morning we wake up at 7:00am. Then we arive at Flagpoles. After Flagpoles, we go to breakfast then we go to "Clovergram Time!" When Clovergram Time is complete we scatter to our first period class. My first period class is Vollyball, Clara and Brooke teach that class it is a blast . My second period class is Scrapbooking, Jennifer and Hannah teach that class. My freinds Mary, Shealee, Emily,and Jill are in Scrapbooking with me. WE have loads of fun! Next I have Computer Science , Computer Science is an okay class , although it isnt as active as some of my other classes I dont mind being in that class. Then we eat lunch , lunch is in the cafeteria as well as Dinner and breakfast. After lunch we have an hour to rest and get changed for our last two classes of the day. My fourth period class is Performing Arts. Performing Arts is one of my favorite classes. We get to scream and talk alot , plus there isn't realy a curriculum to follow in that class. J-Lyn and Kiera teach that class. Julia and Alex are in that class with me. After fourth period we a have a refreashment break. We go to Open Air and hang out with our freinds, we can play basketball , Volleyball , or and other recreational game that we want to play. they have chips, ice cream, PowerAid, and soda that you are allowed to get and have for free. When Refreshment break is over we go to our final class of the day. My final class is Free Swim. One thing that I don't like about Free Swim is that if your bathing suit ties you must wear a Big Dark clolred shirt over it . When free swim is over with it is time to go to your Pack meetings to discuss the representitives of your pack for that night's events. Then we go to Dinner. After Dinner we have around 20 min. to get ready for that night's events and after the events we have Campfire every night. Campfire is always a blast . The only thing that isnt that great about campfire is that you have to sit on a bench without a back for almost and hour and a half. When you walk back up to your lodge you have from around 9:45-10:45pm to get ready for bed- lights out are usually around 11pm. then we start all over agian !!

This Blog was posted by Amy!

4hcamp

2009-07-08T11:02:00.030-04:00

Evyour class like fishing. In fishing you learn the basic skills, and you can get some fish.It is realy fun. Every day you wake up and meet at flagpoles and eat .Then you do clovergrams and then go to classes.

My fantastic roomates

2009-07-08T11:02:00.029-04:00

I have some FANTASTIC roommates here at camp !!!!!!!!!!!!

One is Clara (my awesome cousin)

Katlin and Hannah ( are my fun friends)

In the room right next to us I have great friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are Teresa who is another loving cousin

Then we have Virginia and Katherine

Who are so nice

The classes at 4-H camp

2009-07-08T11:02:00.025-04:00

There are many classes at 4-H camp. There is Riflery, Kayaking, Canoeing, Computer Science, Fishing, LEGO Robotics, Grillin' and Chillin', Mini gGolf, Horsemanship, Small Animals, First Aid, Performing Arts, Begginer Swim, Advance Swim, Free Swim, Scrapbooking, Stamp-it, Flag-football, Soccer, Basketball, and Volleyball.My favorite class is Computer Science because we get to use computers.This year I wish I had done Kayaking because I go Kayaking all the time at Smith Mountain Lake. My friend is doing canoeing though. All of the classes I go to I carry a backpack. I still think everybody is great at 4-H camp! I am definitly coming back next year! - Cassandra

4-H is the life!

2009-07-08T11:02:00.022-04:00

4-H Camp Activities!

"Botegustaham"

As you can see from the picture, canoeing is a favorite activity of a lot of the campers here at 4-H camp. While being safe as well as exploring the great Smith Mountain Lake and having TONS of fun these six people are learning to use teamwork.

Not only does 4-H camp have canoeing, but they also have kayaking and fishing! Which many of us here love to do while we enjoy the sun and our friends. So, if you like to be by the water and have loads of fun come to W.E Skelton 4-H Camp!

Its All Fun and Games!

2009-07-08T11:02:00.020-04:00

The 4-H classes are all fun for all ages. There are so many to choose from.

There's canoeing, archery, and fishing just to name a few. There are many more classes to choose from. I think anyone can find the perfect class (or classes) for themselves here at the camp. The best part comes at the end of the day, though. That's when everybody gathers at the campfire pit. I think that is the best part of the whole day at the 4-H camp.

4-H Camp Fun

2009-07-08T10:44:00.003-04:00

Hi! Have you ever been to 4-H Camp? You haven't? WOW! You are missing out on a lot! It is so much fun.

:) ! :) ! :) ! HORSEMANSHIP ! :) ! :) ! :)

2009-07-08T10:34:00.020-04:00

My first period class is horsemanship!!! During the time of horsemanship we get to ride and groom the horses!! Every day you get to ride a diffrent horse they all act diffrent they may look the same but they are not the same. On the last day of horsemanship we got to ride a horse through a long path. The path went up beside the barn and through the trees beside the pond and beside the lake. MY horse stayed in the leaves. My horses name was Trixie it is a girl she is brown. She likes to go faster then the other horses and she does not like to be stopped.

My favorite part was that I got to ride a diffrent horse every day. I always got very exicted when they brought the horses out their stalls. I was wondering the whole time what horse will I get put on today.