UGA Cooperative Extension: Georgia 4-H

Burton 4-H Center:
Junior 4-H Summer Camp

Burton 4-H Center plays host to one of the many UGA Cooperative Extension 4-H Summer Camps. Other camp locations include: Jekyll Island 4-H Center, Wahsega 4-H Center, Rock Eagle 4-H Center, and Fortson 4-H Center. 4-H Camp on Tybee Island is a week-long experience that includes visits to the beach and local historical sites, dances, a dolphin sighting cruise, and many other fun and exciting activities. 4-H Camp is a fun and rewarding experience. Cooperation and character building, along with just having a great time, are all part of the camping adventure.

Classes & Activities
Rules & Regulations
Junior Camp Schedule pdf
What to Bring
Canteen
Slideshows from Summer Camp
Meet the 2012 Summer Camp Staff

2012 Summer Day Camp Information and registration packet will be available soon.

Classes & Activities

Below is a short description of the different activities that campers will be taking part in during their week at camp.

Marsh Ecology

During Marsh Ecology, campers will be able to discover a unique and biologically diverse habitat. Class begins at the center with about 45 minutes of interative lecture and activities in which students view plankton samples, discuss various plants and animals living in the marsh, and learn how the moon and sun cause tidal fluctuations. During the second half of class everyone goes to the salt marsh where they will catch fiddler crabs, let periwinkle snails crawl on their hands, and learn how the marsh is critical for the survival for so many species.

Marsh Cruise and Trawl

Take a boat ride for about 75 minutes through a Georgia tidal marsh onboard a pontoon boat guided by a professional captain and expert in marsh ecology. Watch for dolphins and the many different birds and other animals that live in the marshes along our coast. Before the trip is thorugh, the captain will deploy a small trawl net and collect an unknown assortment of fish, invertebrates, and who knows what else that calls the tidal creek home. The ship's captain and your counselor will provide campers with as many answers as possible about what the net brings up from the bottom of the creek.

Tybee Time

Spend some time in small groups walking through Tybee's shopping district looking for that perfect souvenir to remember your trip by while eating some fresh ice cream. Wander out onto the pier to get a unique look back at the island, or see what the fisher-folks are catching. Spend some time in the Tybee Island Marine Science Center aquariums and displays getting to know a bit about some of the exotic animals that live off the Georgia Coast.

Crabs and Critter

During this class, students have the opportunity to see and handle a variety of native and non-native animals ranging from blue crabs to corn snakes. This is a perfect opportunity for campers to learn about the life history of many Georgia animals, understand their role in nature, and have fun while growing an appreciation and respect for the critters around them. Through the touching and handling of animals, and seeing how 4-H Center staff care for these animals, campers can develop a greater appreciation of taking care of animals in the wild and in their own homes.

Tybee Lighthouse Tour

Take the bus over to the north end of the island to visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum. Climb the 178 steps to the top if you are up to the challenge (better start getting into shape now!). You will be rewarded with wonderful views north into South Carolina, up-river to Savannah, and miles out to sea. Learn about this wonderful part of Georgia's history, including Tybee's role in the American Civil War and the battle for Fort Pulaski. The trip also includes time at Fort Screven, which was built after the Civil War to protect America's coast.

Volunteer Opportunity

Being an active member of your community is such a big part of what makes Georgia 4-H great. Put that idea into practice by selecting a volunteer event that best suits your interests. Campers will be able to choose from an assortment of opportunities including working on a painting project at the 4-H Center, working at the local food bank helping them help the less fortunate, a visit to the local senior center for simple games and conversation, or spending extra time on the beach while patrolling for trash.

Ghost Tour

Come into Savannah with us Tuesday night for a "scary" night of haunted Savannah history. Tours last about an hour and a half and involve stories of ghosts that are said to live in town. Tours are rated "G" and do NOT include any blood, guts, or graphic depictions of violence and are for entertainment purposes only.

Talent Show

The traditional 4-H entertainment show! Bring your guitar, skit idea, singing voice, and sense of humor for an evening showcasing all the talent you can bring with you. Be prepared to participate in an evening of fun provided by 120 of your new best friends.

Savannah River Dinner Cruise

Bring your dancing shoes! Thursday evening we will be taking a cruise along the Savannah River for an evening of socializing, dinner, and dancing. Come ready to "dress to impress" while you enjoy your dinner followed by dancing on the deck as the sun sets in the distance.

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Rules & Regulations

The following will be covered during the camper orientation held upon arrival. Acquaint your children with these rules and regulations before your trip and it will help make a smooth week at camp.

No cell phones.
No flip flops (except in the dorms).
No bikini bathing suits (modest tankinis are acceptable). All guests will be provided a 'swim shirt' that must be worn during swim time.
Listen to counselors and adults. A raised hand indicates that it is time to listen.
Shoes, wet or dry, must be worn at all times. The only exception is on the volleyball court.
No running or climbing on the A-frame roof.
No students allowed on dock, trail, or marsh boardwalk without an adult.
No food or drink in dormitories.
Rinse off the mud and sand outside at the hoses. Wet shoes can stay outside.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.
Collect only empty shells. Shells are to be rinsed off outside, not in the sink. Please limit the number of shells taken as they are integral to the beach.
Campers are responsible for cleaning their dormitories before departure. Cleanup is supervised by the adults and agents in that dorm.
No camper is to leave the camp property without an adult.
Put trash and recyclables in appropriate containers.
Refrain from leaving money unattended in dorms (and other buildings).

The official Georgia 4-H Summer Camp dress code can be found on the Georgia 4-H Summer Camp webpage or by clicking here.

The Burton 4-H Center wants to keep your child safe and our grounds maintained. Your assistance with these rules is greatly appreciated.

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What to Bring

Note: Everything should be marked with the child's name with a waterproof marker.

Waterproof sunscreen!
Linens (mattresses are Twin XL), blankets or sleeping bag (linens are NOT provided at camp)
Pillow
Daily change of clothes and underwear (shorts, tee shirts, etc. Pack clothes that can get dirty and sandy!)
Shoes and socks: bring at least 2 pairs; one that can get wet and muddy (old tennis shoes or knee boots/wellies for walking in marsh)
Sport sandals (the kind with a heel strap; no flip flops except in dorm)
Towels (wash cloth, shower towels and beach/pool towels)
Soap, toothpaste, toothbrush and other toiletries, shower shoes
Bathing suits - please make sure these are one-piece or tankini suits, that are both modest and appropriate (NO bikini bathing suits) - a 'swim shirt' will be required at all times
Rain jacket
Sunglasses and/or hat
Money for canteen (Bring $1 bills and quarters)
Plastic garbage bag for wet clothes
Insect repellent
Money for lunch for bus trip to and from camp as needed. Please contact your county office for this information.

Optional Items

Day pack
Flip flops (allowed only in dorm)
Water bottle
Camera, film (use of disposables is recommended, mark your full name on camera)
Pen, paper, stamps

Do Not Bring

Knives
Radios, video games, CD players, or cell phones
Shaving cream
Fireworks
Chewing gum
Excessive amount of cash, jewelry, or items of great value (emotional or monetary)

Clothing Guidelines

All items should be marked with the child's name on the inside of the clothing.
No clothing should be worn that violates the Code of Conduct.
Underwear should be worn at all times and should not be visible.
Camp is rough on clothes. Bring only clothes that are okay to get wet or muddy.
Bring extra socks and underwear - you always need them!
No flip flops (except in the dorms).
No bikini bathing suits (modest tankinis are acceptable). All guests will be provided a 'swim shirt' that must be worn during swim time.

The official Georgia 4-H Summer Camp dress code can be found on the Georgia 4-H Summer Camp webpage or by clicking here.

4-H Statement

4-H'ers are to leave radios (boom boxes and walkman), computers, televisions, and video games at home unless authorized by and used under direct supervision of the member's leader. 4-H'ers should be discouraged from bringing cell phones and beepers. No programs are to be disturbed or interrupted with personal electronic equipment. 4-H'ers are not allowed to bring skates, roller blades, bicycles, laser lights or other personal items that would make safety an issue. Safety and damage/loss of expensive items are the concern.

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Slideshows from Summer Camp 2011

Slideshows from the summer will be posted in late July or early August. When you click on the slideshow links below (photos or text), a new window will be opened displaying our album as a .pdf file. To return to this page, just close the slideshow window.