Twenty-three campers enjoyed three days of classes and activities like beginning horse skills, beginning archery, fishing, knot blankets, clock making, leather stamping, and outdoor cooking.

Tyler County 4-H is still re-learning the traditions of West Virginia 4-H camping so the group was broken into two tribes, the Gold and the Blue.

Gold tribal members were: Tucker Dalrymple, Cooper Weekley, Makenna Beets, Maddi Richards, Dawson Haught, Jace Offenberger, Justice Kildow, Ty Taylor, Ella White, and Holden Haught.

Their Chief was Marilyn Foltz and their Sag was Easton Donaldson.

Blue tribal members were: Gwen Daugherty, Ashtin Wade, Xavier Schmidt, Cecelia Beaty, Taylor Mitchell, Delilah Sharp, Carmen Botkins, Sadie Logsdon, and Randalyn Foltz. Their Chief was Jaxson Haught and their Sag was Ilana Anderson.

On Saturday, the campers participated in two teamwork activities that demonstrated how to resolve conflict without arguing and work together to solve a problem. Sunday was Cloverbud Day and the youngest Tyler County 4-H members joined everyone at camp for the day. Sunday afternoon the group completed a service project, assembling hygiene bags for the Adams House and Tyler County Schools. On Monday, Rachel Meininger from WVU came to speak to the campers about West Virginia University and the programs it has on its three campuses: Morgantown, Potomac State, and WVU Tech. She encouraged those in middle and high schools to attend the campus tours that will be available in the autumn.

Monday also brought the camp to a close and campers that were attending their first year were awarded certificates. At the final council circle, special awards were given to the campers that the tribal leadership chose as having the best tribal spirit. The Gold tribe awarded Ella White and the Blue tribe awarded Delilah Sharp. Ilana Anderson was honored for completing the WV Charting Program; this program is a year-long exploration into a 4-H member’s life, beliefs, goals, and self. Charters work with the Extension Camping Instructor during camp.

The final Council Circle also honors five outstanding campers; ones that demonstrate the best of what a camper should be. These awards are called the “H’s” and campers are nominated when they demonstrate behaviors that match the “H’s”.

Head H: Given to the camper who offers good ideas and logical thought, demonstrates unbiased thinking in dealing with difficult situations. This was awarded to Taylor Mitchell.

Heart H: Given to the camper who is loyal, caring, and trustworthy. This year’s award was presented to Xavier Schmidt

Hand H: Given to the camper who is always willing to help and provide a strong positive example. This was awarded to Easton Donaldson.

Health H: Given to the camper who demonstrates physical fitness, mental alertness, and emotional maturity. Maddi Richards received this honor.

Spirit of Camp: Awarded to the Outstanding Camper who embodies all qualities of the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health awards. This was awarded to Marilyn Foltz.

Camp would not be successful if we didn’t have a group of people willing to step-up, take time off of work, or rearrange their schedules so that the 4-H youth have a great experience. The camp staff for 2026 were: Michelle Beaty, Terri Botkins, Zach Eldred, Lee Ann Goddard, Elizabeth Jackson, Emily Jackson, Kelly Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Connie Stewart, Haley Stewart, Bridgette Tenney, and Tracy Wade. Special thanks to our cooks, Toni VanCamp and Megan Leasure; our camp nurse, Brianne Logsdon, and class teachers Pete Lemley and Al Bolin.

Extension faculty and staff: Julie Bolin, Camp Director; Iliza White, Program Assistant; Jennifer Shivley, Program Coordinator. Extension Camping Instructor: Paige Fox