A Summer Packed With Opportunity!

Summer Fun Programming is a staple in North Carolina 4-H! Through a wide variety of programs, we provide youth opportunities to serve, learn, and grow during single and multi-day camps that expand skills in the core values of 4-H: Head, Hands, Heart, and Health!

Review the list of available summer camps and expand your curiosity with leadership development, environmental stewardship, food safety and cooking education, and more! Then, fill out a camp registration form, and ensure you are enrolled in 4-H online.

Full registration and payment are required by June 15th for all camps. Payment can be made by cash, check, or card at the New Hanover County Arboretum: 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403.

All Summer Fun programming will take place onsite at the NHC Arboretum. Camps marked with an asterisk (*) include travel during the day but still start and end at the Arboretum and Extension Office.

Mastering the Arts | June 23

Let your child’s creativity shine at Mastering the Arts Summer Camp, specially designed for young artists ages 5–7! This fun and nurturing camp introduces children to the basics of art through playful, hands-on activities that spark imagination and build confidence. Campers will explore colors, shapes, textures, and simple painting techniques. We want each youth to feel proud of their creations while developing fine motor skills and creativity.

Registration Information

• Age Range: 5-7
• Participant Limit: 8 Youth
• Cost: $10/participant
• Date & Time: June 23, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

*Jr. Master Gardener Camp | June 24 & 25

Campers will explore hands-on gardening techniques while learning how plants grow and reproduce. Activities include:

1. Propagation Workshop: Learn how to grow new plants from cuttings, seeds, and divisions at our Ability Garden classroom.
2. Tour of the New Hanover County Arboretum: Our 7-acre public garden is designed as a living classroom, showcasing plants that thrive in the Cape Fear region.
3. Field Trip to Trask Family Farm: Join us for a visit to Trask Family Farms, where you can pick fresh flowers and create your own bouquet.

Registration Information

• Age Range: 8-13
• Participant Limit: 10 Youth
• Cost: $40/participant
• Date & Time: June 24 - 25, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Leadership Boot Camp | June 29, July 27, Aug 31

Get ready to level up your confidence, leadership skills, and future goals! This dynamic 3-session bootcamp is designed just for teens who want to stand out in school, clubs, and beyond. Participants will learn how to build a strong resume, explore leadership opportunities through 4-H, and develop powerful speaking skills that leave a lasting impression. This program is perfect for middle & high school students looking to polish their resume, create a leadership action plan, and build a confident elevator pitch.

Registration Information

• Age Range: 13-18
• Participant Limit: 10 Youth Participants
• Cost: Free
• Date & Time: June 29, July 27, Aug 31, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Little Leaders 4-H Camp | July 2, 16, & Aug 13

Little Leaders is an engaging series where youth learn about themselves, their community, and how to work together, all through fun games, crafts, and interactive activities. Each day builds important life skills like confidence, communication, and teamwork. Sign up for 1, 2, or all 3 sessions!

Registration Information

• Age Range: 5-7
• Participant Limit: 12 Youth Participants
• Cost: $20/day or $50 for all 3 days.
• Date & Time: July 2, 16, & August 13, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

*Betsy-Jeff Penn (BJP) Camp | July 5-10

Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center, located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, is dedicated to helping youth develop critical life skills through experiential learning. By emphasizing “learning by doing,” the camp provides hands-on opportunities that foster independence, often for many youth, their first time away from home, while building a sense of belonging, responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Registration Information

• Age Range: 8-12
• Participant Limit: 4 Youth Participants
• Cost: $555/participant *Contact 4-H Agent for scholarship information
• Date: July 5 - 10

*NC 4-H Congress | July 20-24

This year's theme reflects the full 4-H experience through three simple ideas. “Lights” represents stepping into the spotlight with confidence and embracing personal growth. “Camera” symbolizes capturing and sharing the stories, experiences, and impact gained through 4-H. “Action” connects to the Beyond Ready message, emphasizing putting those skills into practice through leadership, service, and real-world experiences that make a difference.

Registration Information

• Age Range: 13-18
• Cost: To Be Announced
• Dates: July 20 - 24 in Raleigh, NC

Kids in the Kitchen | July 29-31

Kids in the Kitchen Summer Camp is a hands-on culinary experience where young chefs learn essential life skills in a fun and supportive environment! Campers will explore food safety, smart budgeting, and creative cooking, all while working with limited ingredients to spark creativity and problem-solving. From simple snacks to tasty meals, kids will build confidence in the kitchen and discover that cooking can be both fun and practical!

Registration Information

• Age Range: 10 and up
• Participant Limit: 10 Youth Participants
• Cost: $60/participant
• Date & Time: July 29-31, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Future Engineers, Big Ideas Camp | August 3 & 4

Future Engineers, Big Ideas Camp is an exciting two-day adventure where young innovators aged 6–11 come together to tackle challenges using the same design thinking that professional engineers use every day! Through hands-on team projects, kids will learn to listen to their community, dream up creative solutions, and build prototype crafts, all while making new friends and discovering that their ideas have the power to make an impact.

Registration Information

• Age Range: 6-11
• Participant Limit: 10-12 Youth Participants
• Cost: $10/participant
• Date & Time: August 3 & 4, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

*Rooted in Nature Camp | August 10-12

From the forest floor to garden soil, campers will explore the wonders of the natural world through hands-on discovery and outdoor adventure. With a focus on plant identification, local ecosystems, and water quality, this immersive camp experience encourages curiosity, observation, and environmental stewardship.

Registration Information

• Age Range: 8-13
• Participant Limit: 17 Youth Participants
• Cost: $60/participant
• Date & Time: August 10-12, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

End of Summer Fun | August 15

Wrap up the summer with our Family Fun Event! We invite all campers and their families to join us for an exciting celebration filled with activities, laughter, and great memories. This event is also open to community members interested in learning more about New Hanover County 4-H. Come out, connect, and discover all that 4-H has to offer!

Registration Information:

• Open to all community members
• Cost: Free
• Date & Time: August 15, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Rain Date: August 22, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.