Union County 4-H Summer Fun

Union County 4-H Summer Fun: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Summer!
photos of summer camp kids

Every summer, Union County 4-H invites youth of all ages to participate in an exciting lineup of hands-on, educational, and adventure-filled programs designed to make summer both fun and meaningful. Whether it’s themed day camps, a week away at overnight camp, or leadership opportunities through our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program, there’s something for every child and teen ready to learn, grow, and explore.





Why Choose Union County 4-H Camps?

Hands-on Learning Disguised as Fun
Kids learn by doing—whether they’re sewing, cooking, building robots, or navigating the outdoors.

Safe & Supportive Environment
All staff and volunteers are trained, background-checked, and passionate about helping kids thrive.

Growth Beyond the Classroom
Our camps focus on confidence, responsibility, creativity, teamwork, and leadership.

Skill-Building that Sticks
From soft skills like communication and empathy to real-world know-how like nutrition, budgeting, and project completion—campers leave with more than memories.

🌍 Inclusive, Affordable, and Local
We welcome all youth ages 5–18, with programs designed to fit their developmental stage and interests. Scholarships available.

Our Summer Programs at a Glance





Day Camps (Ages 5–12)

Fun, engaging, and hands-on, our day camps are designed to help kids explore new interests, develop skills, and build friendships in a safe, structured setting.

What They’re Like:

  • Most camps run Monday–Friday

  • Full-day and half-day options

  • Hosted primarily at the Union County Ag Center

  • Interactive, project-based learning every 30 minutes

  • Weekly themes like STEM, cooking, arts & crafts, nature, life skills, and more

  • A mix of returning favorites and exciting new topics each year


Overnight Camp: The Ultimate 4-H Experience!


Our partnership with NC 4-H Centers like Betsy-Jeff Penn and Millstone gives campers a classic sleepaway experience—campfires, cabins, and lifelong memories included.

What is Overnight Camp?


Overnight camp is a week-long adventure where kids get to disconnect from technology and connect with nature, new friends, and themselves. Campers stay in cabins with their peers and spend the week engaging in a variety of activities, all designed to help them build confidence, independence, and leadership skills.

What Will Campers Do?

Each day at overnight camp is packed with fun and adventure, including:
  • Campfire nights – Sing songs, tell stories, and enjoy s’mores!
  • Canoeing & kayaking – Learn water safety and explore the lake.
  • Archery & rock climbing – Challenge yourself with exciting outdoor activities.
  • Nature hikes & team-building games – Strengthen friendships while learning about the environment.
  • Swimming & water activities – Cool off and have fun at the camp’s waterfront area.

Campers are placed into activity groups based on age, ensuring that they have an experience that’s both challenging and appropriate for their skill level.


Why Choose Overnight Camp?

  • Builds confidence – Being away from home helps campers develop independence and resilience.
  • Encourages teamwork & leadership – Many activities focus on group challenges and problem-solving.
  • Provides a break from technology – Campers step away from screens and fully immerse themselves in outdoor fun!

Who Can Attend?
Overnight camp is open to youth ages 8-14.

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program (Ages 13–18)


What is CIT?


CIT is a leadership development program designed for teens who want to take on mentorship roles at camp. CITs help lead activities, assist younger campers, and develop essential life skills like communication, responsibility, and teamwork.

What Do CITs Do?


  • Assist with day camp activities
  • Help younger campers with projects and tasks
  • Develop problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
  • Learn leadership techniques and best practices
  • Gain experience working with kids—a great addition to future job or college applications!

Who Can Apply?
Teens ages 13-18 are encouraged to apply. This is an ideal program for anyone interested in leadership, teaching, or working with youth in the future!

Who Can Attend?


We group our camps by age to match attention span, interests, and developmental needs.

  • Cloverbuds (Ages 5–7) – Exploration-based learning, lots of movement, shorter rotations

  • Youth (Ages 8–12) – Deeper skill-building, project-based work, more independence

  • Teens (Ages 13+) – CIT program, leadership roles, and advanced engagement


You do not need to be a 4-H club member to attend. Our camps are open to all Union County youth.



Why Families Keep Coming Back


Union County 4-H Summer Camps are more than childcare—they’re enrichment with purpose. Here’s what makes them special:

Hands on Learningyouth sewing Safe Environmentkid on horse Skill Developmentstage makeup
Diverse Programskid grilling Leadershipleadership Outdoor Explorationyouth boating
Steam Activitieskid making paper Arts and Craftsarts and crafts Community Servicecommunity service
Individual Attentionyouth learning to change oil Team Buildingworking together Daily Physical Activitykids outside
Personal Growthkids cooking Educational Field Tripgirl meeting firefighter Public Speakingpublic speaking
Share on Facebook Email this article Print this article

Join our mailing list!

Enter your email address to receive updates.

Written By
Crystal Starkes profile picture
Crystal Starkes