UGA Cooperative Extension: Georgia 4-H

Burton 4-H Center:
Summer Camp

Burton 4-H Center plays host to one of the many UGA Cooperative Extension 4-H Summer Camps. Other camp locations include: Jekyll Island 4-H Center, Wahsega 4-H Center, Rock Eagle 4-H Center, and Fortson 4-H Center. 4-H Camp on Tybee Island is a week-long experience that includes visits to the beach and local historical sites, dances, a riverboat cruise, a dolphin sighting cruise, and many other fun and exciting activities. 4-H Camp is a fun and rewarding experience. Cooperation and character building, along with just having a great time, are all part of the camping adventure.

Classes & Activities
Rules & Regulations
Cloverleaf Camp Schedule pdf
What to Bring
Canteen
Summer Day Camp
Slideshows from Summer Camp 2008
Meet the 2009 Summer Camp Staff

Classes & Activities

Below is a short description of the different "fun time with counselor" activities that campers will be taking part in during their week at camp.

Seining

Campers pull a seine net (20' long net with poles on either side) through the shallow water to catch whatever animals live there. Campers wear a swim suit because they will be getting into the water about waist high. The swim suits must be modest and appropriate one-piece suits, please.

Marsh Ecology

Campers wear old clothes and shoes because they will be getting wet and muddy as they explore the marsh habitat. Campers must have closed-toe shoes (no sandals), water socks or tevas, please. We have a stock of old shoes that campers can wear for this class if that is preferable to wearing their own shoes. They will be looking for Fiddler Crabs or Periwinkle Snails, and will even take a look at what swims in the salt water they might have swallowed during swim time!

Beach Ecology

Now is the time for sandals. We will get our feet wet and look for shark teeth while learning about the forces shaping the beach.

Reptiles

The name says it all! Campers will hold, see, and learn about various native snakes and turtles.

Crabs and Critters

Campers will learn about the invertebrates that live in the marsh and ocean surrounding the camp. They will have a chance to hold some of these animals or see how we collect them.

Orienteering

Practice everyday math skills while learning how to use a compass to get from point A to point B. Class introduction occurs in AC comfort, where students learn skills they will use to navigate one of several compass courses laid out across the Burton 4-H Center property.

Swimming

All swimming is done in the ocean. The beach lifeguard and lead counselor will make the final decisions on swimming time if potentially dangerous water conditions exist. Eight agents and/or leaders (minimum) will be in the water at all times. These leaders/agents form a box within which all of the campers swim. Boogie boards are available at the beach and are rented for $1.00 per visit. Swim suits must be modest and appropriate one-piece suits, please. All participants will be given a 'swim shirt' to be worn while in the ocean. The 'swim shirt' must be worn in order to participate.

River Street and the River Boat Cruise

This is often the highlight of the campers' time at the Burton 4-H Center.

We park and unload the buses at the far end of River St. near the Waving Girl.
We walk down River Street in our color groups.
Along the way we point out which shops are okay for campers to go into and which are not.
Campers are reminded not to buy anything inappropriate.

Transportation

All transportation to the camp will be provided by the county.

While at Burton, transportation will be provided by the Burton 4-H Center through contracts with the local school system and through the Burton 4-H Center vehicles.

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Rules & Regulations

The following will be covered during the camper orientation held upon arrival. Acquaint your children with these rules and regulations before your trip and it will help make a smooth week at camp.

No cell phones.
No flip flops (except in the dorms).
No 2-piece bathing suits (provided 'swim shirt' must be worn during swim time).
Listen to counselors and adults. A raised hand indicates that it is time to listen.
Shoes, wet or dry, must be worn at all times. The only exception is on the volleyball court.
No running or climbing on the A-frame roof.
No students allowed on dock, trail, or marsh boardwalk without an adult.
No food or drink in dormitories.
Rinse off the mud and sand outside at the hoses. Wet shoes can stay outside.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.
Collect only empty shells. Shells are to be rinsed off outside, not in the sink. Please limit the number of shells taken as they are integral to the beach.
Campers are responsible for cleaning their dormitories before departure. Cleanup is supervised by the adults and agents in that dorm.
No camper is to leave the camp property without an adult.
Put trash and recyclables in appropriate containers.
Refrain from leaving money unattended in dorms (and other buildings).

The official Georgia 4-H Summer Camp dress code can be found on the Georgia 4-H Summer Camp webpage or by clicking here.

The Burton 4-H Center wants to keep your child safe and our grounds maintained. Your assistance with these rules is greatly appreciated.

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What to Bring

Note: Everything should be marked with the child's name with a waterproof marker.

Waterproof sunscreen!
Linens, blankets or sleeping bag (linens are NOT provided at camp)
Pillow
Daily change of clothes and underwear (shorts, tee shirts, etc. Pack clothes that can get dirty and sandy!)
Shoes and socks: bring at least 2 pairs; one that can get wet and muddy (old tennis shoes or knee boots/wellies for walking in marsh)
Sport sandals (the kind with a heel strap; no flip flops except in dorm)
Towels (wash cloth, shower towels and beach/pool towels)
Soap, toothpaste, toothbrush and other toiletries, shower shoes
Bathing suits - please make sure these are one-piece suits, both modest and appropriate (NO 2-piece bathing suits; 'swim shirt' will be required at all times)
Rain jacket
Sunglasses and/or hat
Money for canteen (Bring $1 bills and quarters)
Plastic garbage bag for wet clothes
Insect repellent
Money for lunch for bus trip to and from camp as needed. Please contact your county office for this information.

Optional Items

Day pack
Flip flops (allowed only in dorm)
Water bottle
Camera, film (use of disposables is recommended, mark your full name on camera)
Pen, paper, stamps

Do Not Bring

Knives
Radios, video games, CD players, or cell phones
Shaving cream
Fireworks
Chewing gum
Excessive amount of cash, jewelry, or items of great value (emotional or monetary)

Clothing Guidelines

All items should be marked with the child's name on the inside of the clothing.
No clothing should be worn that violates the Code of Conduct.
Underwear should be worn at all times and should not be visible.
Camp is rough on clothes. Bring only clothes that are okay to get wet or muddy.
Bring extra socks and underwear - you always need them!
No flip flops (except in the dorms).
No 2-piece bathing suits ('swim shirt' will be required at all times).

The official Georgia 4-H Summer Camp dress code can be found on the Georgia 4-H Summer Camp webpage or by clicking here.

4-H Statement

4-H'ers are to leave radios (boom boxes and walkman), computers, televisions, and video games at home unless authorized by and used under direct supervision of the member's leader. 4-H'ers should be discouraged from bringing cell phones and beepers. No programs are to be disturbed or interrupted with personal electronic equipment. 4-H'ers are not allowed to bring skates, roller blades, bicycles, laser lights or other personal items that would make safety an issue. Safety and damage/loss of expensive items are the concern.

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Slideshows from Summer Camp 2008

When you click on the slideshow links below (photos or text), a new window will be opened displaying our album in Picasa Web Albums. Click on the 'Slideshow' button to view the photos in slideshow mode. To return to this page, just close the slideshow window.