Legislators, 4-H’ers and friends will kick off a celebration in honor of 100 years of West Virginia 4-H Camping during West Virginia University Day at the Legislature, (Friday) Feb. 13, at the State Capitol in Charleston.

Visitors can be the first to walk through WVU Extension Service’s “100 Years of 4-H Camping” interactive exhibit, participating in hands-on activities that represent the past century of camping traditions in the state.

4-H youth, WVU Extension volunteers, Master Gardeners, Community Educational Outreach Service members, and WVU faculty and staff will be among the crowd.

“Our 4-H camping and youth-development programs continue to help set the standard for other states to follow,” said Steve Bonanno, WVU Extension Service interim director. “We reach 88,000 youths each year who grow up to be local, state and national leaders in everything from agriculture to aerospace science.”

As part of the celebration, WVU Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program will host Council Circle in the Capitol’s lower rotunda at noon. Council Circle – a West Virginia 4-H Camping Tradition – will feature WVU President E. Gordon Gee and Provost Joyce McConnell, and will include traditional 4-H songs.

In addition to WVU Extension exhibits, the Capitol hosts a variety of activities and learning opportunities from WVU colleges and departments. The event will educate youth about the legislative process and allow them to participate and learn from WVU’s people and programs.

Many of WVU’s units and programs will be present during the event to showcase and educate visitors about their programs and purpose. These exhibitors include the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, WVU Jackson’s Mill and Farmstead, the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Cente and numerous other WVU Extension programs.

For a complete list of exhibitors visit ext.wvu.edu/events/wvues-day/exhibitors.

Attendees can connect to the event via social media by use of the hashtags #WVUday, and by following @WVUExtension on Twitter and WVU Extension Service on Facebook.

WVU’s Day at the Legislature isn’t the only way West Virginians can access the University’s resources. Find your local county office of WVU Extension Service, and visit www.ext.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

cat/02/10/15

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.