What Is Older Member's Conference?
Older Member's Conference (OMC) is statewide, week-long, 4-H camp held annually at WVU Jackson's Mill.
OMC is designed to develop leadership skills through facilitating camp activities, increase civic engagement and education through discussions on current issues and participate in week-long workshops.
Campers will also master new skills that can be used in local 4-H programs and community activities!
WHO
West Virginia youth age 14 - 21 as of September 30, 2026
WHEN
Sunday, July 19, 2026 - Friday, July 24, 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 10:00 a.m. and will close on May 30, 2026 at 11:55 p.m. Payment must be made by 10 a.m. on May 30, 2026. If payment is not received by 10 a.m. on May 30, 2026, your registration will be canceled, and your spot will be given to the next person on the waitlist. Refunds can be requested until July 1, 2026.
Registration will be handled through the 4-H ZSuite Online System.
External Registration (No ZSuite Account)
View All WVU 4-H State CampsAdult 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!
OMC Volunteer Staff Application
Workshop Information
Campers will have the option to choose either (2) one-hour workshops or (1) two-hour workshop. The workshop's descriptions are listed below. Tap the headings below to expand the respective list.
2 Hour Classes
- Hands-On Preservation – Do you love Jackson’s Mill and enjoy working with your hands? Join preservation professionals to learn how to assess, repair, and refinish historic structures while helping keep Jackson’s Mill looking great for years to come.
- Wired This Way: Discovering Your Personality & Strengths – Explore who you are through personality and strengths tools like CliftonStrengths, Enneagram, DISC, Big Five, and Myers-Briggs frameworks.
- Science Outdoor Adventure – Climb, ride, and discover your way through adventure activities and the science behind how they work.
- Outdoor Cooking – Learn how to cook over a campfire or pavilion cooking pit while trying a variety of foods.
- Canoeing at the Mill – Enjoy time on the water while learning canoeing basics. No experience necessary.
- Film – Learn different aspects of film including camera techniques and storytelling.
1 Hour Classes
- Just for the Health of It – Explore important health topics like mental wellness, healthy eating, and leadership skills.
- Sport A Day – Try a new sport each day while building teamwork, sportsmanship, and fitness.
- Astronomy – Learn about the universe and create hands-on models of the solar system.
- Book Club – Relax with a good book, crafts, and literary games.
- Dance – Build skills in heritage and folk dancing and learn how to lead them.
- Discussion – Practice communication skills and learn how to express your point of view.
- Disc Golf – Improve your disc golf techniques while playing throughout the week.
- Shooting Sports – Learn different shooting sport disciplines in a safe and structured environment.
- Beekeeping 101 – Work hands-on with on-site beehives alongside trained instructors.
- Disease Detectives – Use DNA and lab challenges to explore how to combat diseases.
- Tie-Dye – Learn and apply different tie-dye techniques.
- Fire Building 101 – Learn how to build campfires using different methods and natural materials.
- Paper Mache Masks – Create a mask inspired by the Fasnacht festival using paper mâché.
- OMC Chronicle – Help write and design the camp newspaper.
- Photography – Learn photography and video techniques including editing.
- Outdoor Adventure – Explore activities like climbing, biking, cooking, and paddle sports while choosing your own adventure.
- Experiential Adventure – Participate in team challenges and ropes course activities designed to build confidence and teamwork.
- Camp Makerspace – Create projects using 3D printers, Glowforge, and other tools while combining creativity and STEM skills.
Notes & FAQs
- The event registration fee includes five nights of lodging, meals during the event, and event equipment/supplies.
- Youth participants sleep in cabins with bunk-style twin beds. Participants are clustered with other youth of the same age and gender. The cabins are supervised by trained and vetted 4-H volunteers and Extension professionals.
- The cabins will be stocked with bed linens (sheets, pillows, and blankets). You do not need to bring bed linens. You are welcome to bring your own linens, sleeping bag, blankets, etc. You will need to bring your own toiletries and a bath towel.
- Camp clothing must be comfortable and adaptable to varied weather conditions. Camp clothing needs to be functional…not fashionable.
- Refund Policy: Refunds can be requested until July 1, 2026. If a refund is requested on or before July 1, 2026 it will not incur a processing fee and requesters will receive a full refund. Refunds may be requested after the payment deadline but will incur a $200.00 processing fee which will be withheld from the refund and granted on a case by case basis. This processing fee is to account for meal and supply purchases which cannot be reconciled after the payment deadline. Refunds can take up to 10 weeks to be processed. Refunds for check payments will be required to register as a vendor with West Virginia University to receive a check payment. Refunds can also be issued in credit towards another state event.
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.