Campers will participate in different activities including pool swimming every day either as a program rotation or during night swim, the 35-foot rock climbing wall, Giant Swing (participants wear a full-body harness and are hoisted to the top of a 30-foot pole), paddleboarding on the Coosa River, Animal Adventures with live reptiles and birds of prey, and Sports/Party Night with options of night swim, putt putt, field games, basketball, and volleyball.
Nearly 200 acres of beautiful forestland on Lay Lake in Columbiana, Shelby County, Alabama.
Ages
9–14
Accreditations stated by camp
American Camping Association
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Land Sports
Basketball
Volleyball
Outdoor Adventure
Rock climbing
Clues to fit
Community & belonging — inclusive camp environment
We promote an inclusive camp environment where everyone feels a sense of safety and belonging. Pranks are not tolerated at camp and will result in immediate dismissal.
Homesickness is a very natural reaction to separation from familiar surroundings and routines. Some first-time campers experience homesickness. Chaperones are trained to deal with the initial signs; in severe cases, they are assisted by the program coordinator, who will communicate with parents. We encourage parents to be brave during a bout with homesickness. Parents should avoid making a pre-camp promise to pick up a homesick camper early. Emphasize to your child that they are going to camp; you are not sending them.
Our full-service conference facility [and camp] is nestled on nearly 200 acres of beautiful forestland on Lay Lake in Columbiana. Birmingham is only a 45-minute drive away, Montgomery 1 hour, Tuscaloosa 1.5 hours, and Auburn 1.75 hours.
Your child will be encouraged to renew old friendships and to make new ones. Each child will have the opportunity to try new things and will be challenged to be the best he or she can be!
Cabin & sleeping arrangements — dorms and cottages
Campers may be sleeping in a dorm or a cottage during their stay at camp. All campers are housed by their birth-determined sex. In the dorms, each room has its own or shared bathroom. In the cottages, the campers will be using a bathhouse. Pack appropriately for either because you will not know where you are staying until you arrive at camp.
The Alabama 4-H Center strives to offer kid-friendly, tasty meals. Cold cereal can be made available as an alternative at breakfast. A jelly sandwich or cheese sandwich is always available as an alternative at lunch or dinner and a veggie/salad bar is also available at those times. We encourage all campers to drink at least one glass of water at each meal to avoid dehydration.
All medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, must be turned in to the camp nurse during the check-in process. All medications are stored and locked in a separate area. This policy is for the safety and welfare of all participants at camp and to discourage misuse or inappropriate behavior. This is a requirement of the American Camping Association (ACA) through which we are accredited.
Health & Safety — nurse on property, first aid and CPR requirements
The camp nurse is on property 24 hours a day while camp is in session and is responsible for the overall care of the entire camp population. All of the 4-H Center's program staff are required to have current certification in first aid and CPR, and any staff working at the pool also must have Red Cross lifeguard certification. When health matters require it, campers may also be driven into town and seen by a nurse practitioner, a physician's assistant, physician, or even at Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster (30 minutes from the 4-H Center).
