Since 1931, the Los Angeles County 4-H Youth Development Program has organized a week-long overnight camp experience for youth ages 8 to 18. The camp offers a wide variety of experiences designed to provide a safe space for campers to meet new friends, participate in active games and sport activities, connect to the outdoors, work on an arts and crafts project, develop leadership skills, and much more. Youth from across California and the country participate in our camp program. The camp meets the high standards of the California 4-H Youth Development Program and the American Camp Association.
Camp Seely is situated at 4,300 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains of the Inland Empire. Features cozy cabins, historic lodge, trading post/craft room, mess hall, swimming pool, fire circle, playground, and athletic fields. Located at the trailhead of the Heart Rock Trail.
Ages
8–18
Accreditations stated by camp
American Camp Association
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking
More activities
aquatic activities
athletic activities
campfire program
guided hike
handicrafts
nature-based learning
song leading
talent show
team building
whittling
Clues to fit
Free time — camper's choice activities led by youth staff
Each full day of camp includes dedicated free time, allowing campers to bond and participate in activities of their choice led by youth staff and adult volunteers.
Setting — Camp Seely in the San Bernardino Mountains
Situated at 4,300 feet in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains of the Inland Empire, Camp Seely offers a rustic and memorable camp experience. The camp features cozy cabins that accommodate 4-5 campers, a historic lodge, trading post/craft room, mess hall, swimming pool, fire circle, playground, and expansive athletic fields — including a basketball court, volleyball court, grass field, and baseball field. Located at the trailhead of the scenic Heart Rock Trail, campers can participate in a guided hike through the forest, view a waterfall, and swim in the refreshing waters of Seely Creek.
Campers are invited to decorate their cabins and wear spirited attire based on the theme of each day at camp. Cabins and campers will earn spirit points for their teams.
Staff opportunities — activity areas and leadership development
A team of senior 4-H youth members (ages 14+) and adult volunteers work together in a youth-adult partnership to organize our annual camp program. Several different staff opportunities are available to allow youth and adults to contribute to our camp program in a specific area of interest including aquatic activities, handicrafts, athletics, outdoor awareness and hikes, song leading, team leadership (executive staff), campground facilities support, and more!
Youth-adult partnership staff model and leadership development
4-H Summer Camp is organized by a staff of senior 4-H members (ages 14+), adult volunteers, and 4-H UCANR staff. Through youth/adult partnerships, our staff have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through planning and running all aspects of the camp program. The 4-H Summer Camp Committee oversees the program policies, ACA accreditation, financial management, and selection of top camp staff leadership.
Our food consistently receives top ratings in our annual camp evaluations. This is thanks to a team of volunteers who prepare the majority of meals homemade onsite, bringing skill and care to every dish. All kitchen volunteers are trained in proper food safety and handling to ensure delicious and safe meals for everyone. For anyone with a food allergy or dietary restriction, our kitchen team will prepare a meal that will meet their needs.
Adult volunteer qualifications and supervision ratios
All adults, including approved chaperones, must be enrolled as adult volunteers with the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) 4-H Youth Development Program. All volunteers undergo a Livescan background check, complete training, and receive UCANR staff approval before participating in our camp program. Chaperones must be at least 21 years old and 4-H Adult Volunteers in good standing. They are present with youth throughout the entire camp program. We maintain a minimum ratio of one chaperone for every eight youth members.
Camp Seely cabins are small, housing 4-5 people per cabin. Each cabin is simply furnished, with only bunk beds and windows. Youth will be assigned to cabins with others in their same age group. We have two age groups at camp: Cubs (ages 8-11) and Bears (ages 12+). Cubs have an earlier bedtime. Each cabin has a cabin counselor — teen camp staff responsible for creating a safe and welcoming environment. Counselors help with theme day cabin decorations, maintain cabin cleanliness, guide campers to the restroom, ensure adherence to lights-on schedules, organize fun games, and handle other related tasks.
Cabin supervision — boys' and girls' areas, adult positioning
The cabins at Camp Seely are divided into boys' and girls' areas. Campers are not permitted in the area opposite their assigned cabin. Adult chaperones are strategically positioned around each area to maintain consistent adult supervision.
A qualified healthcare professional such as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Registered Nurse (RN), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Medical Doctor (MD), serves as our Camp Health Supervisor. Primary responsibilities include managing health forms, overseeing medication administration, providing first aid, coordinating and responding to medical emergencies, maintaining treatment and visitation records, and performing related tasks. This individual will be on-call 24 hours a day throughout the 7-day, 6-night camp program. In addition, we ensure we have adult volunteers on our team who are CPR/First Aid/AED certified at our camp to provide additional assistance should a medical issue arise.
