Alpha I | Extension | West Virginia University

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What is Alpha I Camp?

Group of campers singing 4-H songs inside.

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 September 30, 2025

WHEN

Sunday, July 6, 2025 - Friday, July 11, 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 1 Camp registration has been closed and the event has passed. Please stay tuned for news and announcements on next year's Alpha 1 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

Air Pistol – Campers will learn the use and safety of shooting with an Air Pistol.
Archery - Learn and practice archery safety and proper technique!
Baking - Campers will practice baking simple deserts that can be recreated at home.
Bicycle Repair - Campers will learn to make basic bicycle repairs in order to ensure bicycles are safe and ready to ride.
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.
Camp Chorus - Learn and perform a variety of songs at various camp-wide events.
Camper CSI: Forensic Investigations - Campers learn about processing a crime scene and analyzing trace evidence left behind.
Canoe/Kayaking - Campers will learn hos to use water vessels safely and about the West Virginia waterways and nature around Jackson’s Mill.
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.
Cross-Stitch - Learn the basics of cross-stitch, and create your own cross-stitch name tag!
Dungeons & Dragons - Dungeons & Dragons is a table-top roleplaying game where fantasy is your imagination. Create your own unique character that you will play as in an adventure with others. D&D is for all!
Engineering Design - Campers will immerse themselves in the iterative process of engineering, engaging in a variety of hands-on activities that empower them to envision and create like true engineers.
Friendship Bracelets - Practice different knots/patterns while creating colorful friendship bracelets.
Folk Dancing - Learn and practice traditional (and new) Folk Dances, Line Dances, and more!
Hair Braiding - Participants will learn different hair braiding techniques and have the opportunity to practice them on one another.
Log Splitting - Learn the art of log splitting and fire building!
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.
Outdoor Cooking - Hone your cooking skills in an outdoor setting!
Outdoor Recreation/Sports & Conditioning - Fun in the sun (or shade!) doing something active (typically with a ball)! One day, it may be flag football or wink, and the next day, may include teambuilding activities or a scavenger hunt! It could be ANYTHING!
String Art - Create decorative wall hangings using wood, nails, and string.
Tie Dye - Learn different tying and dye methods!
Walking History of the Mill - Learn about beautiful, historic Jackson’s Mill as you walk the grounds each morning!
Water Aerobics - Wake up with some aerobics in the pool! (NOTE: Youth will need to bring a bag for transporting wet and dry clothes to and from class!)

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 19, 2024. If a refund is requested on or before June 19, 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 in credit towards another state event.