Where is 4-H camp located?

We have leased the Donner Mine Camp facility for our camp. It is located at the end of Zeibright Rd., just a few miles off of Hwy 20.

How much does 4-H camp cost?

The fee for 4-H camp covers the cost of leasing camp property, all meals, activities, supplies, adult staff, T-shirt and a camp photo. The 5-day camp costs $329 per youth. Youth not currently enrolled in 4-H must join at an additional cost of $67. Call 530-889-7393 for more information.

Who is responsible for the safety of my child at 4-H camp?

Trained counselors and adult staff have each child’s safety as their primary concern. Safety precautions are adhered to in food preparation, water safety, archery and hiking. We have a system for monitoring medications and the health of the campers and have an on-site nurse. Emergency and disaster procedures have been developed in collaboration with the facility management. 

Our camp is affiliated with and follows guidelines developed by the University of California. There is a statewide camping committee which was organized to evaluate the California 4-H camping experience and to then develop best practices for interesting and safe camp programs.

Do counselors and adult chaperone's receive training?

Every 4-H program that offers a resident summer camp takes responsibility for training their youth and adult staff. Leadership is identified for various camp functions and training generally consists of 6-7 months of preparation. Our camp youth staff members meet on a regular basis to learn their responsibilities, participate in training activities, and plan camp programs.

All of our youth counselors and adult staff are CPR, First Aid & AED certified.

What will the youth to adult ratio be?

The California 4-H YDP requires 1 adult chaperone for every 8 youth. All adult chaperons receive 4-H orientation training and must clear a background check prior to attending camp. Adult chaperone's also complete a CA 4-H Overnight Chaperone course.

What if my child becomes homesick?

Homesickness is most common in first time campers, but it can happen to anyone. Sometimes the fear of becoming homesick happens before arriving at camp or on the trip to camp. It is important to keep a positive attitude while talking to your camper; focus on wonderful opportunities like new friends and new experiences. Be sure to listen to your child and reassure them. Tell them how proud you are of them for going to camp, and give them ideas to make the camping trip a positive experience. You know your child best and are aware of their fears and abilities. Our camp has a camp nurse; it is important to share these concerns with him/her or write about it on the medical treatment form that the nurse will be reviewing before camp starts. Our youth and adult staff have been trained and provided with a series of options to help any age child that may experience homesickness.

What should my child bring to 4-H camp?

Donner Mine Camp has large bunk rooms with solid floors, walls and roofing. There is no electricity available to plug items in. Generally, items appropriate for camp include a sleeping bag, pillow, flashlight, warm jacket, toiletry articles, several changes of clothing, and theme clothing items. There will be a more in depth list available closer to camp.

What items cannot be brought to 4-H camp?

We ask that your child not bring these items to camp in order to enrich the camp experience. These items may include computers, video games, money, cell phones, fire starting devices, pocket knives and weapons of any kind. There may be other items and those will be found on the pre-camp list when we get closer to camp.

My child is not a member of 4-H. May he/she still attend 4-H camp?

All children who meet the age criteria for 4-H camp are welcome to register for camp, while space is available. Frequently, 4-H members will invite their friends to accompany them to camp. The policy of the University of California is to enroll all camp participants in 4-H for the purpose of medical and accident insurance coverage. We hope that the experience is meaningful to the non-4-H participant and they will consider joining a 4-H club after attending camp. 

How do I contact my child?

In order to maintain a sense of independence, and discourage homesickness, once campers are dropped off and settled in with their cabin groups and counselors. Our directors will be available to facilitate communication between campers and parents, and will be accessible in cases where emergency contact is necessary.

Is transportation provided to 4-H camp?

Campers will be responsible for making their own transportation arrangements to and from camp. It is our hope that transportation will not create undue hardships on any family. It is important to remember that 4-H Policy does not allow youth to drive other youth.

Questions?

Placer County 4-H Office
Jonathan Stefani
530-889-7386
jestefani@ucanr.edu