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, 2025.
WHEN
Sunday, June 15, 2025 - Friday, June 20, 2025
WHERE
COST
$400
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 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and will close on May 27, 2025 at 11:55 p.m. Payment must be made by 10 a.m. on May 28, 2025. If payment is not received by 10 a.m. on May 28, 2025, your registration will be canceled, and your spot will be given to the next person on the waitlist. Refunds can be requested until May 29, 2025.
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.
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.
One-Hour Workshops
- Astronomy: Participants will gain an understanding of the workings and scale of the universe. This workshop will cover the major topics within astronomy. Participants will have the opportunity to create representations of our ever-changing solar system/universe.
- Beekeeping 101: This workshop will serve as an introduction to all things beekeeping for beginners.
- Biotechnology: Participants will utilize biotechnology to run different genetic experiments as though they were in a real lab. From diagnosing patients' diseases to checking produce for contaminants, participants will have the opportunity to be a scientist in various lab settings.
- Boos and Brews: But first, coffee. Learn how to become a barista and make signature coffees while making lifelong friendships and memories with class participants.
- Camp Makerspace: Unleash your creativity in our camp class at the Annette S. Boggs STEAM Education Center Maker Space! Dive into the world of technology, where campers will design and build exciting projects while learning valuable STEM skills in a hands-on environment. Campers will utilize arts and craft skills while honing technology skills to complete projects with the Glowforge, 3D printers and microcontrollers.
- Craft & Chat: Let's make some functional crafts that you'll actually want to use and show off when you get home, like custom photo coasters.
- Dance: Participants will have an enhanced awareness of skills in specific heritage and folk dances. They will provide in depth training for 4-H’ers to lead or teach heritage and folk dances.
- Disc Golf: Learn different techniques to improve your disc golf game! Participants will play a few holes each day.
- Discussion: Participants will discuss a variety of topics and learn how to convey their points of view. Individuals will build conversational skills for any environment; they will engage in the art of discussion.
- Shooting Sports: Come and learn different shooting sport disciplines. This workshop is for any level, you do not need to have any prior shooting sports experience.
- Sport-A-Day: Campers will have the chance to dive into a variety of fun and engaging sports activities. Each day, the class will spotlight a different sport, offering participants the opportunity to learn the basics, improve their skills, and enjoy friendly competition. Whether it's basketball, soccer, volleyball or a relay race, campers will build teamwork, sportsmanship, and physical fitness through hands-on practice and games.
Two-Hour Workshops
- Canoeing at the Mill: If you enjoy being on the water on a hot summer day this class is for you! Come join us for canoeing and fun. No experience is necessary!
- Hands-On Preservation: Do you love Jackson’s Mill? Do you like working with your hands? Are you interested in learning how to work on historic buildings/learn a neat skill? If you answered “yes” to any of these, we have the class for you! Join preservation professionals as they teach you how to assess, repair, and refinish old stone. You will get to work on our beloved Mount Vernon Dining Hall. You will not only learn from industry professionals how to identify issues with old stone, but also how to repair damage and replace them as needed. Join us for this exciting class and you can proudly say that you helped keep Jackson’s Mill looking great for years to come!
- JM Service Class: Participants will spend time doing various community service projects at The Mill.
- Outdoor Adventure: The Outdoor Adventure Class gives campers the opportunity to explore the outdoors and learn about what makes it great. Guided by the philosophy that the outdoors is for everyone, you just need to find what that is for you, this class offers a variety of options for campers to choose from, including paddle sports, biking, outdoor cooking, challenge course, climbing, and more. The campers will have the opportunity to choose their own adventure and pick from the activities we offer to find what suits them best.
- Outdoor Cooking: Participants will learn how to cook over a campfire or at the pavilion cooking pit. There will be a variety of items for participants to try!
- Film: Campers will learn different aspects of film. Participants will learn about camera style, storytelling tools, etc.
- ATV Safety: Complete the Ridercourse led by an ASI certified instructor - participants learn ATV saftey by riding and learning ATV safety skills. Participants must complete pre-course safety, closed toe shoes and proper riding attire, and a provide a signed waiver.
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 May 29, 2025. If a refund is requested on or before May 29, 2025 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.