What does a typical day look like?
While there is no typical day here at camp, we do follow a predictable schedule for our rotation of activities and events. We provide a structured schedule in order to keep campers aware of what’s next. It also gives counselors a chance to discuss the day ahead with the campers. Below is a typical schedule for the camp.
7:00 am – Rise and Shine
7:45 am – Flag Raising
8:00 am – Breakfast
9:00 am – 10:15 am – Activity 1
10:30 am – 11:45 am – Activity 2
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 pm – Rest Period
2:15 pm – 3:30 pm – Activity 3
3:45 – 4:15 pm – Camp Store/Snack
4:30 pm – 5:45 pm – Activity 4
6:00 pm – Dinner
6:45 pm – Flag Lowering
7:15 pm – Evening Program
8:30 pm – Evening Snack
10:00 pm – Lights Out in Cabins
Within these activity periods, campers travel around camp with their counselors in a group of around 20. The group during the day is made up of 10 boys and 10 girls. Each program area has its own trained staff that goes over safety or needed procedures for the activity. All of our staff are also trained on what to do in the case of an emergency or even unforeseen severe weather.
Check-in is on Sunday at 2:00 pm and check-out is on Friday at 10:00 am On these two days, the schedule will look slightly different but still follow a basic outline. Check-in and checkout are located at the Rec hall near the back of the camp. When you arrive on Sunday you will be shown where to go by camp staff or signage. The only overnight camp that varies from this is Cloverbud Camp. They check in on Sunday at 2:00 pm and check out on Thursday at 10:00 am.
What kind of stuff will I get to do at camp?
Depending on your age and the camp session you enrolled in, you will be participating in ALL kinds of FUN activities! Here are some descriptions of some of the activities that the Eastern 4-H Center offers:
Climbing Wall – The climbing wall is one of our most popular activities. Campers will be properly educated on safety and basic climbing techniques before they attempt to climb the wall.
Canoeing/Kayaking/Paddleboarding –This is a great way to experience the beauty of the Albemarle Sound. Campers are first fitted with a lifejacket. Then they are shown basic paddling techniques and given safety instructions before they enter the water. Once in the water, participants will practice the basic paddling techniques, play various games and possibly participate in races. Canoeing/Kayaking allows campers to work in teams of two, while paddleboarding will be an individual activity.
Swimming Pool – The swimming pool is a great way for campers to socialize with fellow campers, cool off from the warm summer sun, and gain helpful swim tips. All campers are swim tested on the first day of camp to determine what area of the pool the camper can enjoy. Colored wristbands are given out for lifeguard staff to easily identify which area of the pool a camper should be in while at the pool. Our pool is a zero-entry pool so it makes it easy for campers to get in and out.
Team Challenge Course – Our Team Challenge Course offers campers a new way to view life experiences through “obstacles” and group games. All of the initiatives and elements are only completed successfully through teamwork and cooperation – both of which are important to character development.
Archery – Our Archery program is staffed by 4-H certified instructors so that it is done in a safe, educational, and fun manner. Campers will learn the history of archery, and proper shooting techniques, and take aim at the bull’s eye!
Ecology/Crabbing – Our ecology program is a great way to educate campers on the importance of our wetland environment. Campers will see first-hand many examples of native wildlife and plant life. Crabbing is done as one of our ecology programs as well as going to the boardwalk to discover what macroinvertebrates live there.
Sports and Games – Our sports and games program gives campers the opportunity to learn many new sports or hone their skills in other sports. Instructors will help with technique and skill development in many field sports. Some examples are GaGa ball, 9-Square, soccer, kickball, ultimate frisbee, dodgeball, flag football, basketball, cornhole, croquet, etc.
Arts and Crafts – Campers are allowed to construct a variety of simple craft projects to take home.
High Ropes Course/Zipline – This element takes campers off the ground and up into the air in a safe and secure manner to challenge themselves. Campers will learn proper safety techniques, which will include the proper use of all equipment (harnesses, helmets, lobster claws) before ascending up the cargo net to enter the High Ropes Course. Once they complete the course they will get to go down the zipline to exit the course. This program is available to campers that are 12 years of age and older.
Giant Swing – This element takes campers to new heights & helps them overcome their fears of heights. Campers are required to be at least 10 years old for this program. This activity is also very inclusive as all campers participate to pull campers up to a point where they release themselves and swing for a few moments. participating campers are in full body harnesses & helmets and always follow safety guidelines and commands.
Rifle – Rifle is also instructed by a 4-H certified instructor. Participants enjoy the challenge of safely target shooting. Available to campers 12 years old and older.
Evening Program Descriptions
Opening Night – Campers will congregate at a location (usually the waterfront), where they will meet the entire summer staff, be taught some new songs and skits, and informed of their weekly schedule, rules, and policies.
Capture the Flag – This fun and exciting all-camp activity have campers broken up into two teams. Each team is trying to capture three “flags” (kickballs) from the opposing team without being tagged. If you are tagged you are sent to “jail” where you wait for a teammate to come to get you out. Once all three flags have been captured by one team they are declared the winners.
International Night – International Night is a very educational and interactive evening program. Every year, we hire counselors from different countries. These counselors bring an international flavor to our camping program. Each international staff member will give a brief presentation on fun facts about their country and then the campers will participate in a quiz show game about what they just learned.
Talent Show/Skit Night – The talent show is an exciting and fun evening program. Campers can sign-up for the talent show and have the opportunity to exhibit their talent in front of the entire camp. They can do this on an individual basis or as a group. In addition, each cabin group will also perform a skit during the evening with the help of their counselor.
Dance Night – Usually the campers’ favorite – the dance is a fun way for campers to socialize with new friends. Proper measures are taken to ensure that all music is age appropriate.
Awards and Slide Show – The Awards and SlideShow happen on Thursday night after the dance. It is a great way for campers to reflect on their experiences throughout the week.
While participating in these fun-filled activities and basic camp responsibilities, our staff will be helping your camper develop life skills that can be used beyond camp. The Eastern 4-H Center focuses on developing skills that are healthy and productive for both youth and their communities. Campers will learn more about a variety of life skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking, cooperation, sharing, relationship-building, leadership, responsibility, and self-discipline. Just to name a few.
Challenge By Choice – It is also important to note that our camp activities are “Challenge by Choice.” This means that if something is outside of a camper’s comfort level, then they have the option to help out in other ways. Our staff is trained on how to include campers that are not up for some of the challenges.
