What is Alpha I Camp?
Alpha I is a statewide week-long summer camp held at WVU Jackson's Mill and is open to any youth aged 12-21.
Campers participate in week long workshops; build teamwork and leadership skills within small age-specific peer groups; engage with guest speakers during hand-on assemblies; experience array of opportunities to develop and master new skills; as well as learn lifelong habits for a healthier life.
WHO
West Virginia youth ages 12 to 21 as of June 30, 2026
WHEN
Sunday, July 5, 2026 - Friday, July 10, 2026
WHERE
COST
$425
SCHOLARSHIPS
Campers will be eligible for one (1) weekend and one (1) week-long state supported campership within the calendar year (Jan-Dec). Campers who request additional state supported scholarship money will have their request held as pending until all other first-time requests are reviewed.
Additional camperships will be granted on a case by case basis as funding is available. For more information and frequently asked questions about our State Camperships, tap the button below!
Camp Details
- Registration Information
- Workshop Information
- Notes and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Camp Directors
Registration Information
Registration will open on April 20, 2026 at 10 a.m. and will close on June 16, 2026 at 11:55 p.m. Payment must be made by 10 a.m. on June 16, 2026. If payment is not received by 10 a.m. on June 18, 2025, your registration will be canceled, and your spot will be given to the next person on the waitlist. Refunds can be requested until June 18, 2026.
Refunds can be requested after the payment deadline but will incur a $200.00 processing fee and will be granted on a case by case basis. View full refund policy below.
Registration will be handled through the 4-H ZSuite Online System.
External Registration (No ZSuite Account)
Adult Volunteers
All adult volunteers must be fully vetted through WVU Extension and register for the event through ZSuite, our online registration system. The complete vetting process must be completed at least 15 days in advance of the event. Learn more about the volunteer process.
If you are interested in volunteering for this state camp, please contact the Camp Directors.
If you are interested in volunteering for this state camp, please use the button below to access the application in ZSuite!
Alpha I Volunteer Staff ApplicationWorkshop Information
- Alpha I Book Talk – Campers bring their desired reading materials to read, engage in book talks, and share their love for reading.
- Baking – Campers will practice baking simple desserts that can be recreated at home.
- Beekeeping – Campers will explore the fascinating world of honeybees and their role in agriculture and the environment. Learn about hive life, bee behavior, honey production, and how bees support our ecosystems through hands-on observation and interactive learning.
- Blacksmith Basics – Campers will learn a bit about the basics and safety of blacksmith work.
- Board Games – Play a variety of board games! You might even learn a new one.
- Brightly Beams – The Prelude (AKA Wood Splitting) – We make big wood into little wood. It’s wood splitting. We split wood for an hour.
- Camp Chorus – Learn and perform a variety of songs at various camp-wide events.
- Canoe/Kayaking – Campers will learn how to use water vessels safely and about the West Virginia waterways and nature around Jackson’s Mill.
- Cross-Stitch/Friendship Bracelets – Learn the basics of cross-stitch, and create your own cross-stitch name tag! Materials will also be available for friendship bracelets.
- Disc Golf – Learn the basics of disc golf including throwing techniques, course navigation, and rules of play. Campers will practice their skills while building coordination, focus, and friendly competition.
- Discussion – A guided conversation-based class where campers explore meaningful topics, build communication skills, and learn how to respectfully share ideas and listen to others.
- Disease Detectives – Unlock DNA’s secret power to battle pathogenic villains and save the world’s food supply with lab challenges.
- Dungeons & Dragons/Rockalypse – Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop roleplaying game where fantasy is your imagination. Rockalypse is a tabletop role-playing game where music saves what’s left of the world.
- Experiential Adventure – Campers will face challenges designed to build teamwork, confidence, and personal growth through hands-on experiential learning and ropes course activities.
- Folk Dancing – Learn and practice traditional and new folk dances, line dances, and more!
- Hair Braiding – Participants will learn different hair braiding techniques and practice them on one another.
- Just for the Health of It – Explore important health topics like mental wellness, healthy eating, and leadership while building skills to promote healthy lifestyles.
- Mountain Biking – Tour historic Jackson’s Mill on mountain bikes and learn basic bike maintenance.
- Outdoor Cooking – Learn how to cook using fire, charcoal, and other outdoor cooking techniques.
- Outdoor Sports & Conditioning – Fun, active games and activities outdoors.
- Science Outdoor Adventure – Discover adventure activities and the science behind how they work.
- Shooting Sports – Learn the basics of shooting sports including safety, responsibility, and proper technique.
- Shot Gun – Learn safe firearm handling, responsibility, and marksmanship through structured instruction.
- TechnoLab – Explore CAD, 3D printing, and coding to bring your ideas to life.
- Tie Dye – Learn different tying and dyeing methods.
- Tribal Creations – Create crafts that show your camp spirit using tribal colors, symbols, and themes.
- Walk, Talk, & Explore – Walk around Jackson’s Mill while learning and enjoying the outdoors.
We're Accredited!
West Virginia 4-H State level camps held at WVU Jackson’s Mill are accredited by the American Camp Association! Learn about ACA accreditation.