4-H summer camps canceled

A normal summer is a time for 4-H to shine across the state. This includes our summer camping experiences at the North Dakota 4-H Camp near Washburn. You also know this is not stacking up to be a normal summer.

4-H is part of North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension and as a state agency we have been following the guidance given us by the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH), Governor Burgum and NDSU. Due to the ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision has been made to NOT hold the majority of camps as originally scheduled.

It would be difficult to manage a situation that includes the responsibility of managing a communicable disease, like the coronavirus, in the close confines of a camp setting where campers come from various locations in our state. Without a way to predict the scale of the pandemic, this decision is in the best interest of the health and safety of all involved. Please know this is not a decision we chose to make, rather it was a decision we had to make.

We are currently working with the camp leads to possibly offer the Just Starting to Ride: Wish I Had a Horse Camp (originally scheduled for May 31-June 4) and the Livestock Camp (originally scheduled for June 7-11) camps later in the summer. We will be in direct contact with you if you have registered for one of these camps.

Camps that are canceled will receive a full refund. Refunds will also be available for camps that are re-scheduled but the date does not work for the family or if you choose to not participate. We are also planning some virtual 4-H camp opportunities, in select subject areas, and will let you know those opportunities as they are finalized.

While this decision is not an easy one, we must honor the requests of our state leaders and keep the health and safety of our campers, staff and guests our highest priority. It saddens us that we have to cancel these plans. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to a different situation in 2021. Additional information can be found on our COVID-19 Response Page on our website here: https://www.ndsu.edu/4h/covid_19/