Camping and hiking are excellent opportunities for youth to learn about the world around them and to unplug for some time in nature. These projects build confidence in youth as they learn how to navigate natural areas without the conveniences of modern daily amenities.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Learn basic outdoor safety while hiking or camping
- Understand the importance of the proper equipment, including safe footwear, while in natural areas
- Understand how to identify safe camping locations, pitch a tent, build a fire, and other basic outdoor skills
- Gain an appreciation for connecting directly to the natural world
- Practice “leave no trace” principles to the best of their ability
4-H Camping & Hiking Curriculum
Available through the Extension office or online.
Outdoor Curriculum Level 1: Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails includes shelter selection, Leave No Trace camping skills, outdoor cooking and environmental awareness and appreciation.
Outdoor Curriculum Level 2: Camping Adventures
Focuses on hiking for a day. Learn about clothing needs, packing a daypack, reading topographic maps, and orienteering skills.
Outdoor Curriculum Level 3: Backpacking Expeditions
Focuses on being on the trail for extended periods of time. It includes clothing needs; tent setup; using backcountry stoves; basic nutrition; menu planning for multi-day hikes; personal hygiene & basic first aid.
Outdoor Curriculum Helper’s Guide
Enables helpers to facilitate the teaching of the curriculum. Utilizing the experiential learning model, the guide targets technical, organizational, problem solving, safety and communication skills.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
Coming soon!
For adult helpers and club leaders
Coming soon!
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Educational Camping Bingo Game
Learn facts about camping fun and activities while playing Camping Bingo. Players will learn about campfires, poisonous plants and conservation and much more. A creative spin on classic bingo featuring brilliant color photos and informative facts on the back of each calling card.
Features
- An educational and fun twist to bingo
- Learn informative facts
- Fun for all ages
Includes
- 6 player boards, 112 chipboard bingo squares and 42 picture cards with an image on the front and facts on the back
Every observation can contribute to biodiversity science, from the rarest butterfly to the most common backyard weed. We share your findings with scientific data repositories like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to help scientists find and use your data. All you have to do is observe.
4-H Natural Resources Level 1: Step Into Nature
4-H Natural Resources Level 2: Explore the Natural World
4-H Natural Resources Level 3: Blaze the Trail
Washington Specific Reference Material
Yakima County 4-H Forestry Project
Yakima County 4-H Wildlife Project
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
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.
From Higher Education Institutions
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H
National 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Education Curriculum Collection
National 4-H Outdoor Exploration Curriculum Collection
Interested in exploring the outdoors, but don’t know where to get started? Our 4-H Camping Backpack Bundle contains our popular Classic Backpack, compass, utility knife and bandanna – which will help get you started for your next adventure.
There are a few non-negotiable items that every outdoor adventurer must have. This is one of them. Complete with a fanny pack, utility knife and compass – this essential kit consists of the basic essential outdoor survival items every young explorer will need.
Whether you need to carry your phone and wallet from home to work, store your pocket tools and compass during a weekend hike, or keep a pack of sunscreen and some tissues handy for your next family trip, this mini fanny pack is perfect way to keep all of your essentials in reach.
Stainless Steel Compass with Clover Engraving
You’ll never lose your way with this outdoor compass. This compass is made from stainless steel with a laser engraved 4-H logo. Easy to read rotating compass bezel allows accurate directional headings. Makes a great gift for your favorite adventurer.
Mini Carabiner Keychain w. Flashlight & Compass
This handy carabiner includes a twist-on flashlight and a compass. Perfect for your outdoor 4-H events, camps, and programs.
Summer Adventures Outdoor Activity Bundle
This pack includes Level 1 Forestry Curriculum: Follow the Path and Level 1 Outdoor Curriculum: Hiking Trails.
Youth will explore different types of trees and tree parts, characteristics of different forests, what forests need to grow and thrive and the different products people get from trees and forests.
Hiking Trails includes shelter selection, Leave No Trace camping skills, outdoor cooking and environmental awareness and appreciation.