Alpha II | Extension | West Virginia University

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What is Alpha II Camp?

Group of campers posing for a photo outside

Alpha II 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 September 30, 2025

WHEN

Sunday, July 13, 2025 - Friday, July 18, 2025

WHERE

WVU Jackson's Mill

COST

$TBA

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!

State Campership FAQs

Camp Details

Registration Information
Workshop Information
Notes and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Camp Directors

Registration Information

The 2024 Alpha 2 Camp registration has been closed and the event has passed. Please stay tuned for news and announcements on next year's Alpha 2 Camp!

View All WVU 4-H State Camps

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

Archery - Learn the basic fundamentals of archery!
Board Games - Play a variety of boardgames! You might even learn a new one.
Camp Chorus - Come learn and have some fun preparing a song to sing for the camp each day at assembly! Also learn and lead the camp in the camp song (clap, clap, clap clap clap, clap clap clap clap)!
Camper CSI: Forensic Investigations - Campers learn about processing a crime scene and analyzing trace evidence left behind.
Clovers and Clubs - A 4-H inspired tabletop adventure. This will be similar to a D&D class except it will use a different system called Kids on Bikes. All content in the adventure will be PG-13.
Corn-to-Cornbread - Gristmilling and making cornbread. If you have ever wanted to learn how a gristmill runs and you love baking, this is the class for you! Spend some time in the Jackson's Mill Historic Area where you will learn about the history and function of the Blaker Gristmill and learn to run it yourself and make some cornmeal for yourself. You will also learn to make some cornbread of your own with Chef Brandy!
Cooking - Teen Cuisine curriculum.
WV 4-H Charting - West Virginia 4-H is offering the charting experience at state camp! The Charting program strives to encourage 4-H members to see themselves as they are and to help them plan their personal goals. The class is open to 4-H members who have completed 10th grade and are enrolled in the 4-H Charting program. 4-H member must have completed the 4-H Charting book before camp. By actively participating in this workshop, interview, and activities, members will have the opportunity to earn their charting pin.
Discussion (Ages 17+) - A chance for older members to gather and discuss topics that affecting their lives.
Friendship Bracelets - Learn and make DMC and Beads for friendship bracelets.
Folk Dancing - Learn the basics of WV Folk Dances!
Geocaching, Mapping, GEM - Learn how to GEO Cache around Jackson's Mill.
Loom Band Fun - Learn how to make not only bracelets, but other cool things, out of just rubber bands!
Leather Stamp Craft Thingy - Learn the art of leather craft and making a variety of items.
Mindfulness and Meditation - Meditation and mindfulness practices for the beginner to advanced meditator.
Outdoor Adventure - The Outdoor Adventure Class allows campers 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.
Partner Dances - Learn Operator, Green Alligator, Swing and other fun dances with partners.
Photography Fun - Taking pictures. Tips and tricks to taking better pictures.
Seeing Yourself In the Future - Learn what is needed for successful college and career readiness.
Sewing - Learn the skill of sewing on a sewing machine and then some.
Sport-A-Day - Allowing the youth participate in various sports throughout the week.
String Art - Create decorative wall hangings using wood, nails, and string.
Techno Lab - Campers will explore technology in the Annette S. Boggs STEAM Education Center, unleashing their creativity with 3D printers, laser cutters, and micro-controllers in hands-on projects.
Teen Cuisine - Participants will actively engage in food preparation while learning about nutrition, food safety, and health.
TIK TOK Dances - Learn various TikTok dances to display on a new Alpha 2 TikTok page.
The STEM Frontier - Have fun this week while making the world of science, technology, engineering, and math come alive! Participate in a series of hands-on STEM activities that promote teamwork and problem-solving challenges, and discover how STEM learning can lead to a brighter future!

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 June 26, 2024. If a refund is requested on or before June 26, 2024 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 as credit towards another state event.