West Virginia University Extension’s 4-H youth development program invites youths from across the state to Ultimate Outdoor Weekend, a weekend camp full of opportunities to explore the outdoors and learn wilderness skills.
This annual weekend camp will be held April 21-23, 2023, at WVU Jackson’s Mill. During Ultimate Outdoor Weekend, campers will learn new skills and gain confidence in a variety of outdoor disciplines.
“West Virginia youth should sign up for Ultimate Outdoor Weekend if they want to go on an adventure and are interested in the outdoors,” Jason Burnside, WVU Extension 4-H camping specialist said. “I think the entire weekend is an adventure where they can try new things and step outside of their comfort zone. The campers will meet new friends from around the state that all share a similar interest.”
The first evening of the camp includes an ultimate adventure program where campers form small teams to explore the Jackson’s Mill campus. The second day features fly fishing, hiking, shooting sports, including air rifle, air pistol, archery, muzzleloader, and hunting, within each of shooting sports there are a variety of shooting activities from beginner first shot fundamentals to advanced shooting and competition techniques and other outdoor activities. The camp wraps up with a guest speaker and a camp service project.
All West Virginia youth ages 12 to 21 can register for Ultimate Outdoor Weekend. Campers do not have to be members of 4-H to participate.
“Ultimate Outdoor Weekend will have a positive effect on West Virginia youth because they will develop an appreciation for the outdoors, which is special to our state,” Burnside said. “The fun they will have at this camp can carry throughout their lives and be used in the many beautiful parts of West Virginia. Hopefully the campers can build a community, and who knows, they may meet their lifelong hiking partner or someone to go fly fishing with.”
The goal of this camp is to have fun and learn to appreciate the outdoors, explained Burnside, but campers will also learn other important skills, such as education, safety and responsibility when participating in the outdoor activities.
“All things outdoors are encompassed in this camp, some activities include participating in fly fishing, hiking, canoeing, shooting sports and ATV safety, outdoor ethics and more,” Burnside said. “Campers also learn life skills, such as safety, responsibility and how to be on a team, through the outdoor activities they participate in.”
The registration cost is $125, and the deadline to register is March 31, 2023. To register a camper, visit https://extension.wvu.edu/youth-family/4h/camps/ultimate-outdoor-weekend.
Adults who enjoy the outdoors and are interested in volunteering are welcome to apply for next year’s Ultimate Outdoor Weekend. Training is provided. Contact Jason Burnside at jason.burnside@mail.wvu.edu if you would like to volunteer.
To learn more about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
-WVU-
sd/03/15/23
CONTACT: Sophia Darmelio
Marketing Strategist
WVU Extension
304-293-9490; sophia.darmelio@mail.wvu.edu