James 4-H Camp
The Harold and Mitzie James 4-H Camp & Outdoor Learning Center is surrounded by magnificent vistas, valleys, and meadows on 55 acres of unspoiled Ponderosa Pine forest. It is a breathtaking location that will exceed your expectations.
Through a number of generous donations, the Arizona 4-H Program is pleased to have been given the opportunity to purchase and operate its own American Camping Association (ACA) accredited 4-H camping facility.
Schools, universities, governmental, religious and special interest organizations have found the isolation and beautiful surroundings ideal for many types of programs, just 45 minutes from Prescott, AZ and 2 hours from Phoenix.
The camp offers modern facilities that are clean and comfortable. The 100 bed camp has modern heated cabins with restrooms and shower facilities easily accessible. We offer a spacious dining hall, patio, fire pit and various activity areas for programming and a spacious lawn for play and learning. The health center is centrally located and all staff are CPR/First Aid certified and have passed federal and state background checks.
The 4-H Program is grounded in university and research-based learning which allows youth to reach their full potential through experiential learning, leadership and life skill building. 4-H Camping is cooperative group living in a natural environment that focuses on hands-on learning and developing life skills by providing a framework for mentoring and role modeling. At camp youth learn how to take care of themselves and become more independent while enjoying a variety of classes and socializing with peers, teen leaders and adults from differing backgrounds.
4-H Camping Programs have the unique opportunity to reach a variety of audiences, bringing together those from limited income, underserved families as well as those with access to a variety of services; youth living in both urban and rural areas; and those who participate in other aspects of 4-H in a club or school enrichment activity.
Arizona 4-H Camping Strategic Review Report
To ensure the Arizona 4-H program is utilizing the resources provided by generous donors and the state legislature to ensure high-quality youth development experiences through the camping program a Blue Ribbon Panel was conducted in 2019. The Blue Ribbon Panel (comprised of internal stakeholders and outside experts) was an opportunity to assess the many possible strategic directions for the Arizona 4-H program. The Final report provides recommendations on the strategic investments needed to maximize the current camping resources University of Arizona Cooperative Extension has in employees, curriculum, and facilities.
Utilizing 4-H Camp Facilities & Resources
James 4-H Camp is available to non-4-H groups to host summer camp, faculty retreats, and team-building programming three seasons of the year. Youth organizations and adult groups alike have journeyed into the woods to experience the wonder of the great outdoors. Leadership and outdoor education programming can be arranged. Contact Sandra Saad for facility availability and educational programming possibilities.
Camp Resources
- Policies and Procedures
- Emergency Evacuation Form (Submit Monday before your camp begins)
- List of Items to Bring to Camp
- Cabin Assignment Worksheet - Lower Camp
- Cabin Assignment Worksheet - Upper Camp
- Camp layout
Location
Arizona 4-H Overnight Programming COVID-19 Protocol
University of Arizona and Arizona Cooperative Extension has established policies and procedures for effective and safe 4-H programming for overnight camping programs within Arizona 4-H, the majority of which occurs at James 4-H Camp during the summer months of April-August 2021. We are taking additional steps this summer to protect our campers, volunteers, Extension staff, and Camp staff. Our operations plan is designed to address COVID-19 and includes virus prevention methods, supply and resource procurement, communication and training, cabin-centric programming, and increased cleaning and sanitizing procedures. These policies and procedures are offered for internal and external groups that will conduct programming at an Arizona 4-H facility (i.e. James 4-H Camp) or hold overnight 4-H programming.
