"Learn by Doing" this Summer with Orange County 4-H Summer Experiences!
From engineering science programs to college road trips, we have fun and affordable experiential learning opportunities planned for K-12 youth.
Registration for all camps will take place on 4-H Online. Your child must be enrolled in 4-H Online* as a member of Orange County 4-H before registering them for camps. Simply access the camp links from your 4-H Online homepage or click on the Events tab from your homepage to view all opportunities. Camp spots are limited and filled on a first come, first served basis. Camp spots are limited and filled on a first come, first served basis.
*If you have not created a family account or re-enrolled your child in 4-H for this year yet, visit our 4-H Enrollment page for instructions.*
Payment is due at the time of registration. Fees vary by camp. Orange County 4-H accepts cash, checks (payable to Orange County 4-H), or credit/debit cards.
- If you select to pay with cash or check, payment should be made as quickly as possible in person at the Bonnie B Davis Center located at 1020 US Hwy 70 W, Hillsborough (across from the Division of Motor Vehicles) or mailed to N.C. Cooperative Extension, Orange County Center, Attn: 4-H Camps, P.O. Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Orange County center is open Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., closed on holidays.
- If paying with card, a payment link for each camp is located within each camp registration form in 4-H Online. Note that card payments will incur a 3.5% + 10 cent processing fee. No refunds will be issued within one week of the camp’s start date unless the program is canceled.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, N.C. Cooperative Extension will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to Kathleen Rogers at 919-245-2066 or kathleen_rogers@ncsu.edu. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before your selected camp.
Ag Week
June 15-18
Join us this week to learn about North Carolina's agriculture industry! Visit farms, explore what it takes to put food on your table, and explore careers in farming, food, and ag technology!
Open to youth ages 9-12
8:15 AM-3:45 PM Daily
Transportation is provided daily from the Bonnie B Davis Center located at 1020 US Hwy 70 W, Hillsborough (across from the Division of Motor Vehicles). The camp will take place at N.C. Cooperative Extension–Alamance County center, located at 209 N Graham Hopedale Rd, Burlington.
Cost: $50.00
Registration Deadline: May 31 (will close sooner if spots are filled more quickly)
Cloverbud Young Science Explorers
June 22-23
Use your skills to conduct fun science experiments and explore chemical and physical properties of things you use and see every day!
Open to members ages 5-7 as of January 1, 2026.
Times: 9:00A-3:00P Daily
Location: Bonnie B Davis Center, 1020 US Hwy 70 W, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Cost: $30
Registration Deadline: June 1 (will close sooner if spots are filled more quickly)
Robotics and AI Innovation Camp
June 29-July 1
Ready to step into the future? Join us for an action-packed 4-H day camp where you are the engineer. Spend the week mastering the skies with drones, programming robots, and unlocking the secrets of Artificial Intelligence. Participants will build their own creations and collaborate with new friends.
Ages 9–15 years old
Time 8:15 AM-4:15 PM
Cost $35.00
Transportation is provided daily from the Bonnie B Davis Center located at 1020 US Hwy 70 W, Hillsborough (across from the Division of Motor Vehicles). The camp will take place at N.C. Cooperative Extension–Rockingham County Center located at 525 NC-65, Reidsville, NC 27320.
Registration Deadline: June 19 (will close sooner if spots are filled more quickly)
Tech Tinkerers: Engineering and Digital Arts
July 14-17
Explore the principles of engineering and coding. We will take field trips, conduct projects, and work with some cool STEAM activities on iPads.
Open to rising 6th–9th graders
9:00 AM-3:00 PM Daily
Cost: $ 65.00
Camp is held at the Bonnie B. Davis Center located at 1020 US Hwy 70 W, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (across from the Division of Motor Vehicles)
Registration Deadline: June 23 (will close sooner if spots are filled more quickly)
Nature Navigators
July 21-24
Step into the wild and discover the secrets of the great outdoors. This week, campers won't just look at nature—they’ll dive into it! From identifying towering trees to learning "green hacks" to save the planet at home, we’re turning daily life into an eco-adventure. Field trips included!
Open to Rising 3rd--5th Graders.
9:00 AM-3:00 PM Daily
Cost $ 40
Camp will be held at the Bonnie B Davis Center, 1020 US Hwy 70 W, Hillsborough (across from the Division of Motor Vehicles)
Registration Deadline: June 30 (will close sooner if spots are filled more quickly)
4-H Investigates
July 29-31
Learn from local law enforcement experts about crime and how to collect evidence from a crime scene. Then apply your new skills to a mock crime scene to identify the mystery criminal! Lunch & t-shirt included.
Rising 6th–8th grades
8:15 AM–4:15 PM daily
Lunch included
Cost $45
Orange County participants will depart from the Bonnie B Davis Center daily. The Center is located at 1020 US Hwy 70 W, Hillsborough (across from the Division of Motor Vehicles). Camp will take place at N.C. Cooperative Extension, Guilford County Center located at 3309 Burlington Rd, Greensboro, NC 27405.
Registration Deadline: June 26 (will close sooner if spots are filled more quickly)
4-H Campus Crawl
August 4-6
Let's take a college road trip! Ride with us to tour several local colleges and universities, their various academic departments, learn about future careers, and meet resident college students to hear about their experiences and paths! Lunch included each day.
Open to rising 9th to 12th Grade Students
8:30 AM-3:30 PM Daily
Cost: $ 45.00
Lunch included
Registration Deadline: July 13 (will close sooner if spots are filled more quickly)
Island and Sound Exploration
August 14
Join us on a great day trip to explore an uninhabited island, Masonboro Island, with marine experts! Learn about coastal inhabitants and ecosystems, fun activities, and do some fishing. Dissect a squid! We leave from the Bonnie B. Davis Bldg, 1020 US HWY 70, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (across from the DMV) at 6:30 am and return at about 6:00pm. All transportation provided. Bring a bag lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, snug fitting hat, shoes you are willing to get wet and change of clothing.
Open to youth ages 12-18
6:30 A.M.-6:00 P.M.
Cost: $ 51.00
Registration Deadline: July 31 (will close sooner if spots are filled more quickly)
Residential Camp at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center
July 26-31
Residential Camp reservations opened back in the fall, but we still have one traditional camper spot for a female who will be ages 8-12 at the time of camp. The cost of camp is $407 which includes transportation to and from camp, all meals, housing, funds for the camp store, and a camp t-shirt. If you are interested in claiming this spot, contact Jonathon Smith at919-245-2057 or jonathon_smith@ncsu.edu for more information.
Orange County 4-H Summer Camp Director
Orange County 4-H Summer Program Policies and Procedures
Download a copy of the policy handbook
The Objectives of Orange County 4-H Summer Programs are as follows:
- To inspire youth and to help them find their “spark”. A spark is a moment of interest that inspires a child to learn by doing.
- To enhance leadership, communication, teamwork, decision-making, and career-readiness skills.
- To foster engagement, civic responsibility, and a sense of belonging and connection in Orange County youth.
Expectations of Youth Enrolled in Our Camps:
- Be responsible for their own actions and maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward other participants, staff, and guests.
- Be open to trying new things with an enthusiastic attitude.
- Follow all program rules as well as the North Carolina 4-H Member Code of Conduct (see 4-H Online).
- Respect the facility and all program materials and resources.
- Demonstrate self-control.
Camp Registration and 4-H Online Enrollment
Registration information will be provided on the Orange County Center website. Registration for each camp will take place via your 4-H Online profile at v2.4honline.com. 4-H camps are open to youth who are 5 to 18 years of age as of January 1, 2026.
Participants must enroll with Orange County 4-H in the 4-H Online membership management system at v2.4honline.com. As part of the membership enrollment process, parents are required to complete and attest to the following forms to enroll their child(ren) in 4-H camps and associated programs.
- 4-H Enrollment Form
- Health History & Authorization Form
- 4-H Code of Conduct
- Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination Policy
- NC 4-H Photo & Media Release Form
- NC 4-H Youth Development Program Liability Waiver
- Transportation Authorization and Waiver Form
To view a copy of these forms, visit 4-H Online and log into your family’s profile. Contact the Camp Director for assistance with 4-H Online.
Program Schedule
The week before camp, you will receive an agenda with field trip details and daily schedules. All drop-offs and pick-ups occur in the front lobby of the Bonnie B. Davis Center (1020 US Hwy 70 W, Hillsborough, NC), where a parent or guardian must come inside to sign their child in and out daily. Please arrive promptly to help us stay on schedule.
Camp Fees
Fees vary by program and must be paid by the deadline specified during registration for each respective camp. We accept cash, checks (payable to Orange County 4-H), or credit/debit cards. Note that card payments will incur a 3.5% processing fee. No refunds are issued within one week of the camp’s start date unless the program is canceled.
Insurance
Limited accidental insurance will be provided by N.C. Cooperative Extension, Orange County Center, through American Income Life Insurance Company. The policy only covers accidents that occur during 4-H camp activities. Speak with a camp staff member if you have any questions regarding this policy.
Transportation
Most of our camps involve field trips that will require students to be transported off-site during the day. Parents will be notified in the program schedule if and when these field trips will occur. Transportation will be provided by qualified staff members in a 15-passenger van or a state-owned F-150 truck. All vehicles receive yearly safety and emissions inspections. All staff have completed training on passenger van safety and have passed background checks that include a driving record check within the past three years. If a parent has concerns about transportation, please contact the Camp Director in advance. Parents are welcome to transport their own children to field trip sites if they so choose, although 4-H cannot pay the cost of the activity for parents.
Note about car seats: 4-H staff are not allowed to supply or install car seats. If a car seat or booster seat is needed (check the camp agenda), please provide one and place it in the County van. Your child’s safety is our number one priority.
Medical and Health Protocols
The Orange County 4-H Summer Program is sensitive to the health and physical needs of youth. All participants must complete the Health Form in 4-H Online and it is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to ensure that information is up-to-date by the first day of the camp program. If the child’s emergency, medical, or physical condition has changed, parent should notify camp staff immediately.
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Orange County center, its staff, and its volunteers are NOT responsible for sunburn/insect bites. Parents/guardians are responsible for applying protective agents prior to each camp day.
Medications
- Students should not have any medications in their personal possession, as this can lead to accidental ingestion or allergic reactions. This also applies to vitamins, insulin, and even over-the-counter antihistamines and fever-reducers. Some medicines (such as inhalers and Epi-pens) however may be kept with the student, but under the supervision of staff.
- Upon check-in daily, all medication should be given to the designated staff member. Please provide medication in the original container and place it in a clear plastic bag. Medications will be dosed according to the packaging or an additional physician’s notice. Only bring enough medication for the time at camp--no more, no less.
- All medication must also be listed on the child’s 4-H Online health form.
Site Emergency
In the event of an emergency or a weather-related event, the following procedures will be in effect:
- Efforts will be made to contact parents via phone and email as soon as possible. Children will remain at the site until they can be picked up by the parent or other authorized person as stated in the child’s 4-H Online profile.
- Shelter-in-place procedures will be followed. In the event that a site evacuation is necessary, children will be taken to a local emergency shelter. The location of the shelter will be posted on the front door of the site.
Sign-in and Sign-out Procedures
When you complete your enrollment through 4-H Online, you will be asked to authorize individuals who are 18 or older to pick up your child from our program. A photo ID is required at check-out. If an emergency arises and you need an additional adult to pick up your child, please send an email to the program staff or provide a signed note with your child at drop-off. If there is an existing legal custody document for your child that needs to be shared with program staff, please share this prior to the first day of the program.
Meals and Snacks
- Lunch will be provided at some camps and on certain days. Check the camp agenda shared with you in advance to confirm if lunch is provided. If lunch is not provided, youth are expected to bring lunch from home.
- A snack and drink will be provided each day of the camp.
- We will refer to your child’s Health Form for any dietary restrictions.
What To Bring to Camp
- Pencil and Pen
- Notepad
- Re-fillable Water Bottle
- Positive Attitude
What Not To Bring to Camp
Ear pods, computers, phones, other electronic devices, valuable jewelry or articles of clothing, inappropriate reading material, matches or lighters, guns or other weapons, and any illegal substances or items. If it is recognized that phones are in the possession of a camper, staff will collect it and return it at the end of the camp day.
Dress Code
Close-toed shoes are required each day for safety purposes. We DO NOT allow the following: halter tops, clothing with inappropriate pictures or profanity, short-shorts or slouch shorts, saggy pants, or swimsuits.
Bullying
Our 4-H program does not tolerate bullying. Participants and/or parents are encouraged to report any bullying to program staff so that we can address it immediately and act to keep everyone safe. Bullying is against the 4-H Code of Conduct. Parents or guardians will be called immediately and asked to take the child home.