Camps

4-H Outdoor, Science and Adventure Camp -

Merced County 4-H has had over 80 years of camping. * More Info on 2012 camp to be posted after the first of the year, come back to check it out.

When: June 22- June 26, 2012

Campers: Grade 4^th through 8th

Staff: high school age, 9th grade and up to 19 years old - Staff Application 2012

Cabin Leaders/Camp Directors: Volunteer 4-H Adult Leaders - Cabin leader position info

Where is 4-H Camp

Camp Sylvester - near Pinecrest and Dodge Ridge

Owners/operators: Stanislaus County Farm Bureau
Location: Pinecrest, Ca #1 Dodge Ridge Road (30 miles east of Sonora of HWY 108)
Elevation: Camp Sylvester is set on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of ~5,000 feet.
Buildings: Enclosed cabins, volley ball court, recreation building, showers, campfire area, and more.

activities at Camp

Activities enjoyed at camp

Outdoor Activities
Meeting New Friends
Recreation and Games
Arts and Crafts
Experiencing ROPES course
Sunrise and/or other hikes
Canoeing
Meeting new friends!

History of Merced County Camps

1926 - Two ag Club encampments were held at Wawona, one for boys, and one for girls. (It appears this was the first annual camp). The State (4-H) Leader, County School Nurse and Home Demonstration Agent were present at camp. Ray Hume of Dos Palos was camp director.

1927 - 1928 Annual Club Camp in Yosemite Valley. The Home Department ladies were cooks and meals were served "army style". Excellent cooperation was received from Yosemite Park Service and one feature was that of campfire talks by rangers and nature study hikes by guides. Fee for camp was $3.50 per member.

1929 - Summer Camp was held at Pinecrest (Camp Sylvester was started about this time) The camp session was somewhat disturbed by the weather (rain) and they had to seek shelter in a nearby barn.

1930 - 1955 4-H camp was held at Camp No. 9 in Yosemite Valley (except in 1934 and 1948 due to concerns over Polio)

1956 - 1962 Camp Sylvester was selected as the new camp site as Yosemite no longer allowed group camping. Camp fee was $7.50. Jerry Lundell was hired as camp director for $150.00.

1963 - 1967 A five-year contract was signed to move 4-H Camp to Camp Green Meadows at Fish Camp. Cooking equipment from 4-H used as part of camp start up. Farm Advisors help build a cabin as part of effort for Camp Green Meadows.

1968 - 2007 Use of Camp Green Meadows became too expensive and 4-H camp was moved back to Camp Sylvester.

2008 - Due to damaged building and uncertain availability of Camp Sylvester a new site, Camp Pacifica, is selected for the 2008 4-H Camp. Because of fire and smoke hazards around Camp Pacifica, a last minute change was made to move camp to the safety of Camp Sylvester.

2009 - 2011 Camp Sylvester was chosen again with a new dining facility built to accommodate meal dining.

Coming this summer 2012 in late June Merced County 4-H Camp check it out starting in January 2012 for more info, dates and forms.

How to sign up for camp

Campers: in 4th grade or 9 years old as of January 1st. Applications for campers will be available and accepted around April to mid May - TBA

High School Staff: Staff and Apprentice applications are due November 28, 2011

Adult Volunteers: Contact the Local 4-H Club Leader or the 4-H Office at 385-7418.

Costs - TBA

Campers: - $150.00 - includes 5 days and 4 nights, meals and lodging, activities and fun.

Transportation to and from camp NOT included.

Camp Forms

Staff Application 2012 Staff application and job descriptions 2012Summer Camp Forms

Photos of past Camps