In 2015, West Virginia 4-H celebrates a legacy more than 100 years in the making. As part of the 100 Years of 4-H Camping celebration, the West Virginia University Extension Service is welcoming 4-H alumni to “come home to Jackson’s Mill” for a 24-hour reunion.

Throughout the months of June and July, 4-H alumni are invited to join a 24-hour celebration at Older Members Conference, Alpha I and Alpha II, located at Jackson’s Mill campground near Weston, West Virginia. Participants can relive traditional 4-H camp activities such as workshops, dancing, Council Circle and more.

According to Debbie McDonald, WVU Extension Service director of 4-H Youth Development, the reunions will give alumni the chance to reconnect with old friends and partake in memorable 4-H events.

“Thousands of West Virginians across the state have been empowered and learned valuable life skills as a result of the role 4-H played in their lives,” said McDonald. “We invite 4-H alumni of all ages to ‘come home to Jackson’s Mill’ as we celebrate 100 years of camping, learning and developing as 4-H’ers.”

WVU Jackson’s Mill was the first statewide 4-H camp in the nation, and continues to serve thousands of 4-H’ers each summer and throughout the year.

4-H alumni will arrive at Jackson’s Mill on the Tuesday of their reunions and leave on the following Wednesday. Alumni reunion dates are as follows:

OMC: Tuesday, June 16
• Alpha I: Tuesday, July 7
• Alpha II: Tuesday, July 14

Registering alumni may choose a one-day package or full package, and will have the opportunity to return to their favorite 4-H groups for the 24-hour celebration. To learn more about the reunions, or to register, visit www.bit.ly/4Hreunion. For those unable to attend but still wishing to show their 4-H pride, apparel is also available on the website.

The tradition of 4-H camping began in West Virginia in 1915 and has endured for a century, imparting youth with essential life skills and lifelong memories. In 2015, West Virginia University Extension Service celebrates 100 Years of 4-H Camping and the state’s many significant “firsts,” including hosting the world’s first 4-H camp in 1915 and the world’s first state 4-H camp in 1921.

To learn more about how West Virginia 4-H positively impacts the lives of West Virginia’s youth, and how it continues to be a leader in areas like camping, agriculture, robotics, technology and more, visit ext.wvu.edu, or contact your local WVU Extension Service office.

-WVU-

bd/06/09/15

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

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