CCE Chemung and 4-H Camp Explore

Discover 4‑H Camp Explore 🌱

4‑H Camp Explore is a fun, engaging summer day camp offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County. Designed for youth ages 6–12, Camp Explore introduces children to the excitement of 4‑H through hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, creative projects, and new friendships. Each day is filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.

What Makes Camp Explore Special?

• Hands-On Learning Through Adventure
  Campers participate in a variety of interactive activities including STEM experiments, arts and crafts, nature exploration, team-building games, cooking projects, and more. Every activity embraces the 4‑H philosophy of "learning by doing."

• Programs Tailored to Every Age
  Campers are grouped by age to ensure activities are engaging, age-appropriate, and developmentally meaningful. Older youth can also build leadership skills by serving as junior or senior counselors, helping mentor younger campers.

• Welcoming to Everyone
  Whether your child is already involved in 4‑H or trying it for the first time, Camp Explore offers an inclusive and welcoming experience where every camper can feel connected, valued, and encouraged to succeed.

Building Skills for Life

Throughout the week, campers develop important life skills that extend far beyond camp, including:

• Problem-solving and critical thinking through science, nature, and creative challenges
• Teamwork and communication through collaborative games and group activities
• Leadership and responsibility through peer mentoring and camp involvement
• Practical skills in areas such as gardening, cooking, environmental education, art, and more

These experiences help youth build confidence, independence, resilience, and lasting friendships while fostering a strong sense of community.

Part of a Strong 4‑H Tradition 🍀

Camp Explore is only one of many youth programs offered through Chemung County 4‑H. Throughout the year, local youth participate in clubs, leadership opportunities, educational events, community service projects, fairs, and hands-on learning experiences. All programs are rooted in positive youth development and are led by dedicated educators committed to helping young people thrive.

Why Families Choose Camp Explore

• Affordable introduction to camp and 4‑H programming
• Opportunities for learning, discovery, and personal growth
• Focus on leadership, inclusion, and community involvement
• Fun, memorable experiences that keep kids engaged all week long

Why Your Support Matters ❤️

Every child deserves the opportunity to experience camp, regardless of their family's financial situation. While many families would love to send their children to Camp Explore, the cost can be a barrier.

Your donation helps provide camp scholarships for youth who might otherwise miss out on this life-changing experience. Contributions support registration fees, educational supplies, daily programming costs, and transportation assistance, ensuring that more children can participate.

No gift is too small. Every donation helps create opportunities for local youth to learn, grow, build confidence, and make lasting memories at Camp Explore. Together, we can ensure that every child has the chance to explore, discover, and belong. 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters last year, 15 additional youth were able to attend camp on scholarship and create memories, develop confidence, build friendships, and learn new skills.

Now we're hoping to do it again ... and we can't do it without you! Whether you make a gift, share our campaign, or encourage friends and family to support us, you're helping provide life-changing experiences for local youth.