When it comes to providing your child with a life-changing experience, there’s nothing quite like 4-H summer camp. Camp provides the full benefits of a 4-H experience coupled with the fun and wonder of camping in the great outdoors.
WHAT: Kitsap 4-H Camp – Theme – 4-H Camp Beneath the Stars Among the Myths
WHEN: July 26, 2026 (5PM) – July 30, 2026 (10AM)
WHERE: Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp, Shelton, WA. It is located on 30 acres of land surrounded by 490 acres of tree farm owned by Panhandle/WSU/etc. The setting is ideal for learning and playing in a “wilderness” atmosphere. Buildings include a large dining hall, restrooms with plenty of showers and toilets, and an outdoor covered craft area. Each week we use the lodge one night for a camper dance party.
WHO: Campers: Ages 8-16 (as of October 1, 2025). Prior 4-H membership is not required.
COST: $280 (Early bird pricing of $250 available if registered and $75 deposit received by March 26, 2026.) Limited scholarships are available if needed. Scholarship request form.
How to Register:
- Complete the Google Form “Kitsap 4-H Camp 2026 Registration for Campers.“
- Enroll in the camp event through 4honline.com.
- Submit your $75 NON-REFUNDABLE camp deposit by cash or check (made payable to Kitsap 4-H Summer Camp) to the 4-H Office to hold your space within 2 weeks of completing the above registration (Google form.) Cash or checks can be mailed or delivered to the Kitsap 4-H Office at, 345 6th Street, Suite 550, Bremerton WA 98337. Schedule an appointment if you would like to drop off paperwork and payment by emailing kitsap.county4h@wsu.edu.
- You will receive a confirmation of registration/enrollment from kitsap4hyouthcamp@gmail.com.
- Final payments are due by July 9, 2026. Cash or checks (made payable to Kitsap 4-H Summer Camp) can be mailed or delivered to the Kitsap 4-H Office at, 345 6th Street, Suite 550, Bremerton WA 98337. Schedule an appointment if you would like to drop off paperwork and payment by emailing kitsap.county4h@wsu.edu.
- Please note, spot is not guaranteed until paid in full.
- Health certificate and behavior contract will be emailed to all registered campers to complete 30 days prior to camp.
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Adult Volunteers: Adult Volunteers are needed to fill a variety of positions. More information about the positions can be viewed on the Adult Volunteer Positions page. We give our campers many wonderful experiences through the support of the team of amazing volunteers. Our days are long, but extremely rewarding. If this would be your first time volunteering or if it has been a number of years since you participated in camp, please fill our New Kitsap 4-H Camp Adult Volunteer Information. If you are a returning volunteer, please email us at kitsap4hyouthcamp@gmail.com. We will be in touch with you to discuss how you can be involved the upcoming camp.
- Adult Volunteer Cost: $100
Teen Counselors and Counselors in Training: Teenage youth are trained as Counselors and Counselors-In-Training over the course of the year as part of the Kitsap Adventurers 4-H Club. They also are involved in planning camp activities during monthly meetings. We are proud of the leadership skills these youth develop. Costs for Teen Counselors and Teen Counselors in Training are as follows:
- Teen Counselor Cost: $100
- Teen Counselors in Training (CIT) Cost: $280 (Early bird pricing of $250 available if registered and $75 deposit received by March 26, 2026.) Limited scholarships are available if needed.
WHY 4-H CAMP:
The best gift we can give our kids is to empower them with skills that will last for a lifetime, which is why parents have been sending their kids to 4-H summer camps for decades.
4-H was founded on the belief that when kids are empowered to pursue their passions and chart their own courses, their skills grow and take shape, helping them to become true leaders in their lives, careers and communities.
4-H is grounded in a deliberate, research-backed development and delivery model, which means at 4-H camp, kids learn critical life skills like resilience and independence. If we want our kids to be able to bounce back from adversity, stress, challenges and failures, teaching them resilience is key. Having experiences outside their comfort zones help young people become more resilient, more independent and better able to plan and reach their long-term goals.
KITSAP 4-H CAMP DESCRIPTION:
Campers have the opportunity to participate in activities like archery, swimming, canoeing, hiking, fishing, sports & outdoor games, crafts, environmental awareness, and much more. Campers are placed in groups of six to ten youth of all ages, led by at least one Teen Counselor, one Teen Counselor in Training, and supported by an Adult Volunteer. Campers make new friends, learn new skills or improve on them, experience outdoor living.
Tent camping has been our form of lodging for many years. All staff are ready and willing to help new-comers set up tents, cots, air beds, whatever is necessary to be comfortable. Often, those first-time campers list “I learned how to sleep in a tent” as one of their positive experiences at camp. Teen leaders and adult volunteers place their tents throughout the camping area. An outhouse is available for night time relief.
WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP:
| – Tent & ground cloth – Rain tarp (recommended) – Sleeping pad, bag & pillow – Clothes for warm & wet days | – Plastic tote (keep clothes dry) – Shoes (no open toed shoes or sandals) – Toothbrush, toothpaste – Shampoo | – Hat – Flashlight – Swimsuit – Towels |
THINGS TO LEAVE HOME:
| – All electronics including cell phones and smart watches |
HEALTH INFORMATION
Health guidelines set by the CDC for Resident Camp settings at the time camp is held will be followed.
4-H Camp Photos
