4-H Camps

Base Camp

A base camp is an overnight camp where participants stay in cabins or similar structures. Youth must be at least 8 years old to attend, unless the Camp Program Director establishes a higher minimum age.

Outpost Camp

An outpost camp is an overnight program where participants stay in tents and food preparation is part of the educational experience, typically involving outdoor cooking over an open flame. Youth must be at least 11 years old to attend, unless the Camp Program Director sets a higher minimum age.

Camp Program Director

Each camp must have a Camp Program Director who is a PYD staff member. The Director reports to their Regional Program Manager (RPM) or Associate Director.

Camp Lead

Each camp must also designate a Camp Lead, who reports to the Camp Program Director. This role may be filled by a PYD staff member or a qualified, appointed volunteer. In some cases, the Director and Camp Lead may be the same individual.

Adult Volunteers

All adult volunteers must be enrolled and approved in 4HOnline at least two weeks prior to camp (30 days is recommended). Volunteers are required to complete annual local camp training. Those included in overnight supervision ratios must be approved as an “Adult Advisor/Chaperone” and meet the standards outlined in the 4-H Chaperone Policy.

Non-UW Employees

County staff, summer interns, and AmeriCorps members who participate in camp must complete volunteer enrollment in 4HOnline and fulfill the same training and orientation requirements as volunteers.

Health Coordinator

The Health Coordinator role provides leadership for the health and safety needs of participants and works cooperatively with youth and adult volunteers in providing a safe event for youth. All Health Coordinators must be registered for each event or activity with the State Office. Registration must be completed prior to the start date of the event or activity by an Educator or Specialist.  More information can be found on the Health Coordinator Resources webpage.   

Youth Counselor

Youth counselors must be enrolled as Wisconsin 4-H members and have completed 8th grade prior to camp. First-time counselors must complete a minimum of four hours of training before camp, though individual programs may require additional training.

Campers

Campers must be at least 8 years old to attend a base camp and at least 11 years old to attend an outpost camp.

Transportation to and from camp is the responsibility of the parent(s) or guardian(s), unless transportation is arranged through a licensed company using approved UW–Madison procurement processes.

If minors (campers or youth counselors) drive themselves to camp and leave their vehicle on-site, their keys must be collected and securely stored by camp staff, Extension staff, or a designated volunteer for the duration of camp.

Written permission from a parent or guardian is required for any minor to leave the camp grounds outside of scheduled group activities, unless it is due to a medical emergency.

All 4-H Outpost Camps must follow 4-H Base Camp Procedures and the requirements listed below.

1. Outpost camp is limited to three (3) consecutive nights
2. Campers must be at least eleven (11) years old at the time of camp. 4-H staff can set a higher minimum age.
3. Outpost camp facilities must:
   • Be licensed by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) under WI Administrative Code ATCP 78 or ATCP 79.
     • When camping at a facility licensed under ATCP 79, the Camp Lead must ensure requirements applicable to camps licensed under ATCP 78, as outlined in the Base Camp Procedures, are implemented except as noted in Section 9 of this document.
   • Include toilet facilities and fresh water accessible to campers
4. Outpost Campsite Boundaries
   • Set clear campsite boundaries. Only those youth and adults who are part of the camping program are allowed within the campsite unless authorized by the Camp Lead.
   • A buddy system must be in place and a 4-H Camp Chaperone be informed when youth leave the campsite boundaries for any reason.
   • A 4-H Camp Chaperone must complete a count of all youth and adults at mealtimes and when the group leaves the campsite boundaries.
5. Orientation & Training (See Outpost Camp Tip Sheet for more information)
   • Camp staff, counselors, and campers will receive training on:
     • Tent safety
     • Fire safety
     • Food safety

• Camp staff and counselors must be trained before camp begins
• Campers can be trained before or during camp

6. All campers, counselors, and camp staff must follow local rules, regulations, and ordinances and 4-H policies.
7. Tent Safety
   • Tents must be pitched in areas designated for camping by the facility.
   • Tents must be pitched at a safe distance from any fire ring (at least 10 feet).
   • An open flame must never be used in a tent.

8. Fire Safety
   • An adult must supervise open fires at all times (including campfires, camp stoves, grills, etc.)
   • A fire extinguisher and/or water must always be within reach of the fire.
   • A three-foot buffer must be maintained between a campfire and the area where campers will sit or stand around the fire unless actively engaged in cooking.
   • Never use flammable fuel to start or maintain a campfire.
   • Fire building must be supervised by an adult.
9. Food Safety
   • Follow the facility’s food safety guidelines when camping at a facility licensed under ATCP 78. (See 4-H Base Camp Policy: Application of ATCP 78)
   • Follow USDA food safety guidelines when camping at a facility licensed under ATCP 79. (See the Outpost Camp Tip Sheet for more information.)