Friends of 4-H and 4-H alumni can help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the North Dakota 4-H Camp, near Washburn, on Aug. 19-20.

They’ll be able to participate in a variety of activities, including a North Dakota State University BBQ Boot Camp grilling class, a social and silent auction, and entertainment. Those who want to stay for the weekend will have the opportunity to enjoy a camplike experience.

4-H alumni and friends also can sample a variety of educational opportunities similar to those that youth who attend camp experience. Special activities include a reunion for people who attended the camp, or served as staff or an adult volunteer.

The North Dakota 4-H Foundation, which owns the camp, is asking for items to be donated for the silent auction. Examples of silent auction items include quilts, woodworking, photography and leatherwork. Contact Lynn Moser, celebration chairperson and North Dakota 4-H Foundation Board member, at lynnmoser@bis.midco.net if you have items to donate.

Tours of the newly refurbished cabins and dining hall, and the newly constructed Johnsrud 4-H Education Center and cabins will be a highlight of the celebration.

“The renovation and building project was completed through the generous contributions of a number of private donors, along with a state appropriation,” says Brad Cogdill, chair of the NDSU Center for 4-H Youth Development. “These improvements have enhanced the camp’s learning environment, increased the camp’s capacity to accommodate larger youth groups, provided access to people of all abilities, and helps ensure a sustainable, environmentally responsible camp program.”

The North Dakota 4-H Camp was established in 1967 as the Western North Dakota 4-H Camp, one of two regional 4-H camps. It has become the sole statewide 4-H camp facility.

Its location is historically significant. The 84-acre facility is along the banks of the Missouri River near Fort Mandan, where explorers Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery spent the winter of 1804.

The celebration also is a fundraiser for the camp. The cost for attending the event Saturday, Aug. 19, is $75 per person, and for both days, the cost is $125 per person. The registration deadline is July 31.

For more information or registration details, visit the North Dakota 4-H Foundation’s website for this event at http://www.ndsu.edu/4h/reunion or call the North Dakota 4-H Foundation at 701-231-8569.

4-H is the largest and only research-based youth organization in the state. Although the camp has 4-H in its name, its programs are open to all youth.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - June 14, 2017