About 4-H  |  Centers & Camping  |  Citizenship  |  Honor Club & All Stars  |  Volunteers
Events |  Forms & Materials  |  Awards & Recognition  |  4-H Foundation  |  Projects  |  News
About the 4-H Centers

4-H Centers & Camping Home

4-H Center Locations

Summer Camp Programs

School Year Programs

Specialty Camps

Getting Ready for Camp

Camp Forms

Enroll in Camp

Resources
for Agents

goCyberCamp

West Tennessee — Buford Ellington 4-H Center
Central Tennessee — W.P. Ridley 4-H Center
Cumberland Area — Clyde M. York 4-H Center
East Tennessee — Clyde Austin 4-H Center

The Tennessee 4-H Centers make every effort to insure that your child has a safe and rewarding camp experience. The county 4-H agents, adult and teen volunteer leaders and permanent camp staff encourage all participants to experience new adventures and make new friends. photo of campers canoeing

Camp facilities are regularly inspected and meet Health Department guidelines. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture safety officer evaluates camp facilities to keep them free of hazards. All four Centers are accredited according to the strict guidelines of the American Camp Association.

There are first-aid stations located on the campgrounds, and local hospitals provide care in case of an emergency. Health care professionals are employed by the 4-H Centers. Medications for allergies and other illnesses are kept in a safe location and monitored by adults. However, it is the responsibility of the parents to notify 4-H agents of any medical conditions which may apply to their child.

Professional and summer staff receive training in first-aid, safety procedures and program areas. There are two volunteer leaders for every 16 children, in addition to county agents and center staff. A lifeguard and two adults for every 50 campers are on duty at the pools.

Campers should attend and participate in activities as scheduled. The camp schedules provide a variety of classes with something for everyone. Each Center offers a slightly different programs which provides greater flexibility. Below is a brief description of each 4-H Center and the facilities and activities offered.

 

WEST TENNESSEE
     The Buford Ellington 4-H Center near Milan, Tennessee is a modern camp facility. The Center joins the Milan Experiment Station, home of the West Tennessee Agricultural Museum.
     In the air-conditioned, 400-seat dining hall, food is served cafeteria style from a modern, state-of-the-art kitchen. Campers may return for seconds at any meal.
     The home-style cottages provide a restful atmosphere with bath facilities in each cottage. Accommodations for campers with disabilities are available.
The camp is accredited according to the strict guidelines of the American Camp Association.
     Campers enjoy an enormous, sparkling clean pool; a rifle range; archery range; and a large recreation pavilion. Ball fields, basketball courts and a tennis court are located on a beautiful lawn. Other facilities include a wildlife center, T-shirt shop, airbrush center, craft center, and a pond where campers can fish, canoe or enjoy a paddle boat ride. Campers can also participate in an early morning cookout at the pond, or go "creek stomping" on the daily wildlife hikes. An outdoor amphitheater is the backdrop for campfires and vespers.
    Computers are available in the learning center and campers may purchase snacks at the well-stocked canteen. Items include soft drinks, ice cream, chips and a variety of candy.
     For more information, please visit the Center's Web site at http://www.utextension.utk.edu/bufordellington/

<BACK TO TOP>

 

CENTRAL TENNESSEE
     
The W.P. Ridley 4-H Center has a beautifully landscaped 49-acre campus conveniently located just off James Campbell Blvd. (Hwy 50) near downtown Columbia.

     Campers are housed in 10 air-conditioned contemporary-style cabins with clean bath facilities. Home-cooked, nutritious meals are served in the cool comfort of a 425-seat dining hall, and campers may always return for "seconds" at every meal. The camp is accredited according to the strict guidelines of the American Camp Association.
     Campers may enjoy an Olympic-size, crystal-clear pool with a 120' figure-8 water slide, a lighted sports complex with softball field, volleyball and basketball courts. Other facilities include a wildlife center, covered rifle range, airbrush center, a creek for aquatic exploration, modern archery range with 3-D targets, low ropes course, and an 18-hole minature golf course.
     The Ridley 4-H Center also offers camps and special activities during the school year to accommodate school groups. For more information on the Center, please visit their Web site at http://www.utextension.utk.edu/ridley4hcenter/

<BACK TO TOP>

 

CUMBERLAND AREA
     The Clyde M. York 4-H Center is located near Crossville, Tennessee atop the scenic Cumberland Plateau.
     The Center is a modern camp facility that is accredited according to the strict guidelines of the American Camp Association. The Center features an air-conditioned recreation hall and dining hall, and is known for the quality of its home-cooked meals. Eight air-conditioned cabins with up-to-date bath facilities sleep more than 500 persons and provide a restful atmosphere for campers. Accommodations for campers with disabilities are also available.

     Campers can enjoy a new Olympic-size pool with a 125-foot water slide. Two lakes allow campers to enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking and even a paddle boat ride. Campers can also create projects at the woodworking center and craft house. Other facilities include a covered basketball court, sports fields, a wildlife center, and two adventure challenge courses.
     The Center is located on 194 acres offering a variety of rustic scenery. The maintained grounds are fenced for security purposes. For more information about the Center, please visit their Web site at http://clydeyork4hcenter.org

<BACK TO TOP>

 

EAST TENNESSEE
     
The Clyde Austin 4-H Center near Greeneville, Tennessee is a modern camp facility that is accredited according to the strict guidelines of the American Camp Association. The Center is nestled in the beautiful hills of East Tennessee and has a panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains.
     The sleeping quarters and dining hall complex were built in 1980. In the air-conditioned 400-seat dining hall, food is served cafeteria style from a sparkling stainless steel kitchen. Campers receive home-cooked meals and may return for "seconds." The contemporary-style dormitories provide a restful atmosphere with clean bath facilities. Accommodations for campers with disabilities are available.
     Campers can enjoy an Olympic-size, crystal clear pool, covered rifle range, a large recreation hall, ball fields and basketball courts. Other facilities include a nature center; woodworking shop; airbrush center; and a lake where they can fish, canoe or enjoy a paddle boat ride.
     In the Sight and Sound room, campers have a chance to operate computers or slide projectors, test their wits on a quiz board, or learn new board games.

     The Clyde Austin 4-H Center also offers camps and special activities during the school year to accommodate school groups. For more information about the Center, please visit their Web site at http://www.clydeaustin4hcenter.com

<BACK TO TOP>

  Univ. of TN  |  Institute of Ag.  |  4-H Home  |  Calendar  |  Contact Us  |  Indicia & Disclaimer