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Peninsula Master Gardener Training

Master Gardeners are a vital resource to the York County/Poquoson Extension Horticultural Program. These volunteers teach classes, answer horticultural inquiries, present programs, and diagnose plant diseases. Master Gardeners extend the resources of the land-grant university through their volunteer efforts.

Course Overview

The Peninsula offices of Virginia Cooperative Extension are sponsoring the 2022 Master Gardener training.  Participants in the program attend all classes and will receive a minimum of 50-60 hours of horticultural information.

Upon graduation, the participant will return 50 hours of service to Virginia Cooperative Extension, through answering the phone, conducting educational programs, leading a team, support positions and many other areas.  Classes cover some of the following topics:

  • Insects                        
  • Lawns
  • Pruning
  • Shrubs
  • Soils
  • Trees
  • Vegetables
     

To apply for the Master Gardener Training Course, click here.

Peninsula Chapter - Virginia Master Naturalist 

Virginia Master Naturalist is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.  The Peninsula Chapter, which serves Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Gloucester and the lower half of York County, was one of four chapters formed in 2008 under the direction of the program's statewide committees.  The presence of this program on the Peninsula provides a corps of volunteers for the agencies and organizations that manage our local natural resources and provides valuable educational resources to the community.

Becoming a Master Naturalist

People who are curious about nature, enjoy the outdoors, and want to be a part of natural resource management and conservation in Virginia are perfect candidates to become Virginia Master Naturalists.  It is open to all adults regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.

In order to become a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, volunteers are required to attend a basic training class (a minimum of 40 hours of classroom and field instruction).  After training, volunteers must have additional continuing education credits (a minimum of 8 hours) and provide at least 40 hours of approved volunteer service to the community to become certified.  To find out more on training, visit the website at http://vmnpeninsula.weebly.com/about-us.html

Soil Sample Analysis

Soil testing kits are available from your local Cooperative Extension Office.  Upon getting the kit, citizens should prepare the sample according to directions and mail it along with a $10 testing fee to the Soil Testing Lab located on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia.  Response time is approximately two weeks.  You will receive a Soil Test Report with recommendations based on your soil type and plant needs.   For more information, view the Publication "Soil Sampling for the Home Gardener".  If you have any questions regarding the report call your local Extension Agent.  

Soil testing kits may be picked up at the York/Poquoson Cooperative Extension Office located at 5338-I George Washington Mem. Hwy., Yorktown, VA

The Virginia Tech Insect Identification Lab provides identification and control recommendations to Virginia Cooperative Extension agents.  Insect samples and insect damaged plant material from any structural, plant, or animal hosts are accepted. Insects are identified to the lowest taxonomic level needed for control decisions. Control recommendations accompany insect identification results, which are sent back electronically to each Virginia Cooperative Extension office. Digital photos can also be used for identification. 

Many insects can be identified and control recommendations provided by your local Extension Office.

The Virginia Tech Plant Disease Clinic is a service lab to Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) offices and provides diagnosis of plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other plant pathogens, as well as diagnosis of abiotic problems and identification of non-weedy plants. 

Both physical and/or digital samples may be submitted through your local VCE office.  A VCE agent or staff member can provide assistance with proper sample submission. 

Effective October 1, 2021, there is a $35.00 fee for submitting samples to the Plant Disease Clinic. 

Guidance for Submitting a Good Digital Submission to the Plant Disease Clinic

Although digital diagnosis is more difficult for disease samples than for insect or weed identification, we can often provide at least a preliminary diagnosis if we receive images of good quality. Smartphones generally take good images if you follow a few guidelines.

1.  Submit only digital images that are clear and in focus.

2.  Include ~3 to a maximum of 7 well-focused images that show:

       a.   the pattern of the problem in the location (e.g. field, orchard, nursery, landscape,   
            garden)

       b.   the overall symptoms on the whole plant

       c.   a close-up of the symptoms on an affected plant, including images of both leaf
            surfaces if  there are symptoms on leaves

3.  Try to avoid strong shadows on the sample; outdoor images taken on a cloudy day are best. When taking pictures indoors, try to illuminate the plant from both sides to eliminate shadows in the photo and place on a neutral background.

Image Size/File Type

•    All images must be in GIF, JPG, PNG, or PDF, but we prefer GIF or JPG.

•    Do not send small-size images (e.g. < 500 pixels); ~2,000 pixels is great.

Examples of Good Digital Submissions

Entire picture of plant
Picture of entire Landscape
Up close picture of plant

Program Overview

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Master Gardener Volunteers can answer your horticultural and environmental questions year round. Citizens can contact the Extension Horticulture Help Desk.

VCE Master Gardener Volunteers can assist in:

  • Diagnosing plant disease or insect problems
  • Identifying plants and weeds
  • Providing advice on lawn and plant care
  • Providing other Virginia Tech VCE research-based information and publications relating to landscape and gardening issues

The Master Gardener Help Desk is now online.  You may email yk.pq.mg@gmail.com if you are having problems in your yard or garden. Be sure to include your name, email address, phone number and quality pictures of issues and also of the entire plant and a brief description of your problem. 

VCE Publications  

Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech) Website Information

The publications list below can help you manage your landscape with research-based information from Virginia Cooperative Extension. The home page is www.pubs.ext.vt.edu. To find a publication, go to the home page and type either the name or number of the publication in the search window box in the middle of the screen. If you want to view lists of publications, click on one of the topics on the side panel. Our Master Gardener Help Desk can also help with lawn & garden questions, plant disease and insect and plant ID.  Email yk.pq.mg@gmail.com or call the York/Poquoson Extension Office 757-890-4940.  

Virginia Cooperative Extension list of Publications

Watch videos from the York/Poquoson Master Gardeners to learn tips & tricks for all your gardening needs.

Learn How to Videos from York/Poquoson Master Gardeners

Lawns

Lawn Best Management Practices Checklist

Establishing Lawns

Lawn Maintenance Calendar (Cool Season Grasses) Fescue Lawns

Lawn Maintenance Calendar (Warm Season Grasses) Bermuda and Zoysia Lawns

Lawn Care:  Guidelines for a Healthy Lawn

Soil Sampling for the Home Gardener

Lawn Fertilization in Virginia

Moles

Controlling Voles

Garden Overview

The Virginia Cooperative Extension-York County/Poquoson Master Gardeners established the Learning Garden in 1994 as an educational garden designed to display ornamental plants that thrive on the Peninsula. Each plant is marked with the botanical and common name to help you identify the plant and species.

Garden Maintenance

York County/Poquoson Master Gardeners plan, maintain and execute the design and care of these gardens.

Self-Tour

The Learning Garden is open to the public and anyone wanting to take a self-tour is welcome to do so. Plant lists may be found in the mailbox within each garden.

Plant Sale

The Learning Garden Plant Sale is held on the 1st Saturday in May from 8 a.m. to noon.

Garden Support

We minimized labor and construction costs of the garden's raised bed planters, composting demonstration bins and benches in the Education Theater by partnering with the Carpentry/Construction Trades Program students at New Horizon's Career and Technical Education Center, Woodside Campus.  The partnership is a win-win for both partners.  The cost to the Master Gardeners is only the cost for the materials.  To thank New Horizon's, the Master Gardeners contribute an additional 10% and those funds go into New Horizon's honorarium fund awarded each year at graduation to several of the construction students.

Brent and Becky's Bulbs usually provide an annual fall bulb donation.

Location

  • 301 Goodwin Neck Road
  • Between Goodwin Neck Road and the York County Public Safety Building
*
York Learning Garden Map.jpg
Loading player for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgCEYfifHP8...

Garden Overview

The Virginia Cooperative Extension York County/Poquoson Master Gardeners established the Poquoson Learning Garden in 2013.  It is a "sunny" garden that compliments the York Learning Garden and Arboretum, a predominately "shade" garden.  It is composed of individual raised bed gardens for vegetables, herbs, cut flowers and perennials.  The adaptive Gardening sections includes a variety of ideas for wheelchair or limited mobility gardeners or those with space limitations or constraints.  The garden includes a large outdoor classroom and is a great place for learning about sustainable gardening practices that can be introduced into home landscapes and garden.

Benefits

Both gardens provide a space for hands on learning, demonstration, and for engagement with York County/Poquoson residents and school children.

​Garden Maintenance

York County/Poquoson Master Gardeners plan, maintain and execute the design and care of these gardens.

Self-Tour

The garden is designed to be fully accessible, with hard packed, safe and stable pathways throughout the garden.  The Information Mailbox Center at the entrance to the garden has a series of mailboxes with:  Information on the Garden, Raised Bed and Adaptive Gardening, Square Foot Gardening, Straw Bale Gardening, The Poquoson Museum, Native Plants, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Butterflies, Birds and Pollinators and Bees.

The Learning Garden is Open 365 days a year and York/Poquoson Master Gardeners are onsite every Wednesday morning.

​Plant Sale

The Poquoson Learning Garden plans to have an Annual Fall Plant Sale.

Garden Support

We minimized labor and construction costs of the garden's raised bed planters, composting demonstration bins and benches in the Education Theater by partnering with the Carpentry/Construction Trades Program students at New Horizon's Career and Technical Education Center, Woodside Campus.  The partnership is a win-win for both partners.  The cost to the Master Gardeners is only the cost for the materials.  To thank New Horizon's, the Master Gardeners contribute an additional 10% and those funds go into New Horizon's honorarium fund awarded each year at graduation to several of the construction students.

Brent and Becky's Bulbs usually provide an annual fall bulb donation.

Location

968 Poquoson Avenue, directly behind the Poquoson Museum's barn.

Information from the PLG Mailboxes

Poquoson Learning Garden Brochure

Raised Bed Gardening

Adaptive Gardening

Square Foot Gardening

Straw Bale Gardening

How to become a Private Applicator

Link to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Pesticide Services (VDACS OPS) website for instructions and description.

https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticide-private-applicator.shtml

How to become a Commercial Applicator

Link to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Pesticide Services (VDACS OPS) website for instructions and description. 

https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticide-commercial-applicator.shtml

How to become a Registered Technician

Link to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Pesticide Services (VDACS OPS) website for instructions and description.

 https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticide-registered-technician.shtml

Community Garden at Charles Brown Park

Charles Brown Park Community Garden

Location

The York County Community Garden is located at Charles Brown Park, 1950 Old Williamsburg Road, in the Lackey area.

Plots

 Now accepting applications for the 2022/2023 season.  Apply at Virginia Cooperative Extension, York/Poquoson office,  5338-I George Washington Mem. Hwy. in the Washington Square Shopping Center.

There are 30 plots available to York County residents at a small fee:

  • 10'x20' plots cost $15 annually

Plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Application must be approved by the Community Garden Coordinator. 
 
For those who rent a plot, the Garden Coordinator and Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent will provide them with assistance in the form of educational programs that will be held at varying times throughout the year.

McReynolds Athletic Complex Community Garden

Location

The York County Community Garden is located adjacent to the baseball fields at the McReynolds Athletic Complex, 412 Sports Way just off Route 17.

Plots

Currently, all plots are rented.  If you would like to be added to the waitlist, email yorkcomm.garden@gmail.com.

There are 48 plots available to York County residents at a small fee:

  • 10'x12' plots cost $15 annually
  • 10'x20' plots will cost $25 annually.

Plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Application must be approved by the Community Garden Coordinator. If you are interested in obtaining a plot, email yorkcomm.garden@gmail.com.

For those who rent a plot, the Garden Coordinator and Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent will provide them with assistance in the form of educational programs that will be held at varying times throughout the year.

 
McReynolds Athletic Complex

Junior 4-H Summer Camp is a week-long, over-night residential summer camp program available to residents of York County and the City of Poquoson ages 9-13.  Teens 14 years of age can serve as Counselors-in-Training (CIT) during camp and teens ages 15-18 can serve as Teen Camp Counselors (see below for camp age policies and CIT/Counselor information). Camp is held every year at the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center in Williamsburg, VA.

Please note that the York/Poquoson Extension Office is in charge of planning for and processing registration for our week of 4-H Summer Camp. Jamestown 4-H Center is just the facility we use during the week for camp programming. Registration and/or questions regarding York/Poquoson’s 4-H Summer Camp should be directed to the York/Poquoson Extension office at 757-890-4940, not the Jamestown 4-H Center.

4-H camp provides youth countless opportunities to develop responsibility, independance and life skills in a camp setting while interacting with the natural world around them. Days are filled with camp classes, unstructured recreation and swim time, flag ceremonies, evening programs, and campfires.

The classes and evening activities offered at camp vary from year to year. An example of classes offered include: swimming, water polo, archery, air rifle, canoeing, kayaking, low ropes course, robotics, videography, art and crafts, outdoor living skills, and marine science. Youth will select the classes that they are most interested in on the first day of camp. Evening activities may include outdoor games, carnival games, a pool party, and a talent show. We try to make sure there is something for everyone at camp!

Teen Counselors 

Teen Camp Counselors are required to be between the ages of 15-18.  Teens that will be 15 years of age between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023 can apply. Scholarships are available on an as needed basis. A completed scholarship application must be received prior to December 10, 2022 to receive consideration, and will remain confidential.  Call the Extension office at 757-890-4940 to request an application.

For those candidates selected as Teen Counselors, we will begin training TBD.  All teen counselors are required to attend all trainings. This will allow us to complete the mandatory hours of training to meet compliance with American Camping Association policy.

Counselor-In-Training (CIT)

Youth interested in developing leadership, citizenship, and life skills that will benefit you, and your community, in the future. 

So, what is the CIT program?

The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program is designed to train teens in camp counseling skills while training with the hired teen counselors leading up to camp, taking a CIT class at camp, and minimally assisting in camp. This experience is needed and teens should serve as a CIT before becoming a 4-H Junior Camp Teen Counselor.

The philosophy of this program is for teens to develop and improve their skills as well as utilize their abilities to work with others in a camp setting, to learn responsibility and the importance of following through, and to learn camp procedures and program skills. The CIT program is designed to teach new counselors how to work with younger children and to have them return as teen counselors in the coming years. CIT’s will learn the purpose of camping and how it relates to the total or overall 4-H program. The CIT program provides opportunities for teens to grow and develop as well as learn leadership, team building, and life skills.

The objectives of the CIT program include:

  • To develop and improve leadership skills
  • To enhance by utilizing abilities
  • To learn how to make wise decisions
  • To improve self-esteem
  • To discover and explore positive capabilities and potential talent
  • To learn to work positively with younger children, peers, and adults
  • To learn counseling techniques and how to be a friend to others
  • To assist and lead under the guidance and direction of experienced counselors and staff
  • To learn and understand camp objectives
  • To become familiar with and enforce camp policies and procedures
  • To learn to be a follower as well as a leader

Requirements for CIT’s/Job Description:

  1. Teens who are 14 years of age between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023.
  2. Serve under the guidance of an experienced 4-H Camp Teen Counselor, Adult, or Camp Staff.
  3. Have a strong interest/experience in working with children.
  4. Assist with meal time activities such as table setting.
  5. Potentially serve as an assistant to a Teen Counselor or Adult during group meetings, as well as during recreation/leisure activities.
  6. CIT's will not be allowed to serve in a supervisory position of campers.  They will work as an assistant or apprentice to a teen couselor or adult.
  7. Serve a a POSITIVE influence and role model to every camper at all times!
  8. Promote the Six Pillars of Character...Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

If you have any questions about applying for Teen Counselor or CIT positions, please call our office at 757-890-4940 or email Yvonne Hurst, yhurst@vt.edu.

If you do not have access to a computer or the internet and as a result cannot complete online registration, please contact our office (757-890-4940) before registration opens.

Youth that have already been selected as CITs or Teen Counselors (applications are due in November) do NOT have to register online through this system.

In order to register, you must click on the link for a Male or a Female Camper (one link to register a female camper, one link to register a male camper) and complete the online registration form. You can register up to 2 youth of the same gender at once. For example, if you have two sons you will be able to select 2 spots when you register. If you have two sons and one daughter, you will have to register your 2 sons together using the Male Camper link, and then register your daughter separately using the Female Camper link. Once you have submitted the registration, you will receive a confirmation email.

We CANNOT accept payment online.  Once you have received your confirmation email, you must mail in or drop off a deposit of $100.00 (or the whole camp fee of $360.00, if you choose per camper) by April 28, 2023.
NOTE:  A $50.00 fee will be charged for any Returned Checks. 

You may mail payment to:
VCE-York
Attention: Camp Registration
PO Box 532
Yorktown, VA 23690

Or you may bring the deposit into our office at: 5338-I George Washington Mem. Hwy, Yorktown, VA 23692. Our office is located in the Washington Square Shopping Center next to Subway and York County Parks & Rec.
 
We can accept cash or checks made out to VCE-York.   Please put your camper's name in the memo line of all checks or attach a note with your camper's name to any cash payments.  Deposits must be received by April 28, 2023 or your spot in camp will be given to someone on the waitlist. You are NOT fully registered until we receive your deposit of $100.00 (or the whole camp fee of $360.00, if you choose per camper). The remaining camp fee balance (if any) will be due on June 2, 2023.

If camp spots are already full when you go to register, you will be prompted to “add your name to the waitlist”. This will put your child/children’s name(s) on our waitlist and we will contact you by phone and email if and when a spot opens up. If you add your name to the waitlist, you do NOT need to mail in a deposit. Your deposit will be due if a camp spot opens up for your child.

York/Poquoson 4-H Camp fills very quickly. It is possible that you will be prompted to add your name to the waitlist within minutes of the time camp registration opens. 
 
For questions regarding camp registration, please call our office at 757-890-4940.

Fees & Due Dates

The cost to attend camp for 2023 is $360.00.  A deposit of $100.00 is due within 2 weeks of the date you register. The remaining camp balance is due by June 2, 2023.

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance in the amount of a 75%, 50%, or 25% discount on camp fees is available to youth with financial need. Guidelines for financial assistance eligibility are based on the USDA’s eligibility guidelines for free and reduced school lunches; however, we do also consider extenuating circumstances in our financial assistance if necessary.

If you plan to apply for financial assistance, you should still register online like everyone else. Everyone, regardless of if they receive financial assistance or not, is required to register online and pay the deposit of $100.00. Once you complete the online registration process, you should call the Extension office at 757-890-4940 to request a Financial Assistance Application.

Once your Financial Assistance Application is received and reviewed, you will be notified of any financial assistance you will awarded. At that time, you can choose to accept the financial assistance and keep your child enrolled in camp (any remaining balances will be due by the regular camp fee due date) or cancel your child’s enrollment and receive a full refund of your deposit.

A camper is any youth that is 9-13 years old.

  • A child that will turn nine before September 30, 2023 can attend camp as a camper (Thus, some 8 year olds can attend camp, as long a they will turn nine before September 30, 2023)
  • Youth that are 13 years of age between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023 must attend camp as a camper.   They cannot serve as a Counselor-in-Training (CIT).
  •  Youth that will be 14 between October 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 can attend camp as a camper or can apply to serve as a CIT.

A Counselor-in-Training (CIT) must be 14 years of age.

  • Youth that are 14 between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023 can apply to serve as a CIT.

A Teen Camp Counselor must be 15-18 years of age.

  • Teens that will be 15-18 between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023 can apply to serve as a Teen Camp Counselor.

Any cancellations made prior to June 2, 2023 will result in a refund of payments made minus a processing fee of 5% of the deposit. ($100.00 deposit minus a 5% fee ($5.00) = $95.00 Refunded)

Any cancellations made after June 2, 2023 and before July 3, 2023 will result in a refund of all but the deposit and a processing fee of 5% of the full cost of camp.  ($360.00 - $100.00 - $18.00 = $242.00 Refunded)

Any cancellations made after July 3, 2023, WILL NOT be refunded unless accompanied by a letter from a physcian, or a documented family emergency.  In the case of a documented reason, all but the deposit and a processing fee of 5% of the full cost of camp will be refunded.  ($360.00 - $100.00 - $18.00 = $242.00 Refunded)

Adult Volunteers help us provide a safe, supportive, and fun environment for our campers. Serving as an Adult Volunteer is an incredibly rewarding and fun experience. Adult volunteers serve as caring adults for the campers, and have the opportunity to experience many of the camp classes and activities. During the week, Adult Volunteers assist with classes and activities as needed, but mostly serve as adult chaperones and role models for all youth at camp.

Adult Volunteers camp for free and volunteers that stay all 4 nights of camp receive a discount for their camper if they have a youth attending camp.

Adults interested in volunteering must: Complete Adult Volunteer Application (Volunteer positions are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis), submit to and pass a background check, attend an in-person interview, complete Civil Rights training, and complete camp specific adult volunteer training.

Adult Volunteers must be at least 19 years of age by the first day of camp. They must also complete training prior to camp.  The hours of training can be a combination of online and in-person training.

To inquire about serving as an Adult Volunteer for 4-H Junior Summer Camp please call our office at 757-890-4940 or email yhurst@vt.edu.

Jamestown 4-H Eductional Center

How do I register for 4-H Camp?

Registration for 4-H Camp will only be collected through our online format. Registration will open at 9:00 am on Saturday, April 15, 2023.  

I do not have access to a computer and/or the internet. How can I register for camp?

If you do not have access to a computer and/or the internet and as a result cannot complete online registration, please call our office at 757-890-4940. We will collect your camper’s information and we will attempt to complete the registration process for you. We will try to register your child online on April 15th at 9:00 am the exact same way everyone else is attempting to register. Having our office register your child because you do not have access to a computer/internet does not give you an advantage over others registering themselves. We cannot guarantee that your child will be registered in camp. We take requests to complete the registration process for you on a first-come-first-served basis. Thus, we will attempt to register the first person that contacted us first then register every other person in the order in which they contacted us.

How will I register once it turns 9:00 am on April 15th? What information will I need to have ready to register? 
 
At 9:00 am on April 15th, you should click on the links on our website to take you to the registration page for either a MALE or FEMALE camper (You must register male and female campers separately via two separate links). In the top box on that registration page, labeled “Registration Information”, you will see a drop down box on the far right under “Quantity”. You will select the quantity of campers you wish to register (you are allowed to register 1-2 campers of the same gender at one time) and then click on the large, green “Register” button.
  
Once you click “Register” you will be taken to the registration page. At this point you have secured your registration spots. (Registration spots are “secured/held” once you click register.) Those spots will be held for 8 minutes while you complete the registration information. If you do not submit the registration information within 8 minutes, your registration spots will be released and will become available to others trying to register.
 
In order to complete the registration, you will need the following information for each camper
       Parent/Guardian First and Last Name
       Parent/Guardian Home Phone Number 
       Parent/Guardian Email Address
       Parent/Guardian Mailing Address
       Camper First and Last Name
       Camper Birthdate
       Camper Gender
       Camper T-shirt Size (Youth S, M, L, or Adult S, M, L, XL)

Are my spots in camp “confirmed” when I hit the “Register” button of when I submit the registration information?

Once you click the “Register” button on the registration home page your spots will be held for 8 minutes while you complete the registration information. At this point you have secured your registration spots. (Registration spots are “secured/held” once you click register.) Those spots will be held for 8 minutes while you complete the registration information. If you do not submit the registration information within 8 minutes, your registration spots will be released and will become available to others trying to register.

How many campers can I register at one time?

You can register up to 2 campers of the same gender at one time. You must register male and female campers separately via two different web-links.

How will I know my registration is complete/confirmed?

As soon as you submit your registration, a webpage will pop up with order information. You will also receive an email with your registration confirmation. This email may take several minutes to appear in your inbox.  If it doesn't appear in your inbox, please check your spam folder.

PLEASE NOTE HOWEVER: There are two steps to the registration process. Step 1 is registering online. Step 2 is submitting your deposit/per camper. Registration is NOT complete until we receive the deposit of $100.00 per camper (or the whole camp fee of $360.00, if you choose). Deposits must be received by April 28, 2023 or your spot in camp will be given to someone on the waitlist.

How do I pay for camp?

We cannot accept online/credit card payment for 4-H camp. Once you complete the online registration process, you will need to mail a deposit of $100.00 per camper (or the whole camp fee of $360.00, if you choose) to our office at:

VCE-York/Poquoson
Attention: Camp Registration
PO Box 532
Yorktown, VA 23690

You can also bring the deposit into our office at: 

5338-I George Washington Mem. Hwy.
Yorktown, VA 23692

We are located in the Washington Square Shopping Center next to Subway and York County Parks & Rec.
 
We can accept cash or checks made out to "VCE-York". Please put your camper's name in the memo line of all checks or attach a note with your camper's name to any cash payments. Deposits must be received within 2 weeks of your registration date or your spot in camp will be given to someone on the waitlist. The remaining camp fee balance will be due on June 2, 2023.

I would like to apply for financial assistance for my child to attend camp. How do I do that/Do I register online like everyone else?

Financial Assistance in the amount of a 75%, 50%, or 25% discount on camp fees is available to youth with financial need. Guidelines for financial assistance eligibility are based on the USDA’s eligibility guidelines for free and reduced school lunches; however, we do also consider extenuating circumstances in our financial assistance if necessary. To request a Financial assistance application, call the Extension office at 757-890-4940. If you plan to apply for financial assistance, you should still register online like everyone else. Everyone, regardless of if they receive financial assistance or not, is required to register online and pay the deposit of $100.00. Once you complete the online registration process, you should mail your financial assistance application in with your deposit. Once your application is received and reviewed, you will be notified of any financial assistance you will be awarded. At that time, you can choose to accept the financial assistance and keep your child enrolled in camp (any remaining balances (if any) will be due by the regular camp fee due date) or cancel your child’s enrollment and receive a full refund of your deposit.

When I try to register all I see is an “add to waitlist” option.

If the only option you see when you try to register is to “add to waitlist” that means the camp is full and we are putting people on the waitlist. If you see this option, please click on the “add to waitlist” option. You will be asked to provide the name of your camper as well as an email address and phone number you can be reached at when/if a spot opens in the camp. Registration for 4-H Junior Camp in York/Poquoson fills very quickly. It is likely that you may only be able to “add to waitlist” within the first few minutes after registration opens. Unfortunately, you can only add one person to the waitlist at a time. If you are trying to register more than one child of the same gender, you will have to add one child to the waitlist, then go back and add the other child/children to the waitlist one at a time.

How do I know what number my child is on the waitlist? What happens when my child gets put on the waitlist?

Unfortunately, the system does not tell you your position on the waitlist immediately. Registration for 4-H Junior Camp in York/Poquoson fills very quickly. It is likely that you may only be able to “add to waitlist” within the first few minutes after registration opens. We will send an email to everyone on the waitlist 3 business days after registration opens letting you know your position on the waitlist. The reason for the delay is to give us time to ensure the waitlist is accurate – i.e. some people add their children multiple times. We like to be able to remove duplicates if necessary so that we can give you an accurate position on the waitlist.  When/if a spot in the camp opens up for your child, you will be contacted by phone and email. You will be given 2 business days from the time we contact you to claim the spot. If we do not hear from you within 2 business days, we will offer the spot to the next person on the waitlist. Once you have claimed a spot in camp, the camp deposit will be due within 2 weeks.

The York/Poquoson 4-H Junior Camp is very popular and registration fills so quickly, why don’t you offer another week of the camp?  

Unfortunately, that is not an option. There are six 4-H camping centers throughout the state, and every county/city in the state is assigned one week of camp at one of the centers. The Jamestown 4-H Center serves 23 different counties and cities by providing one week of summer camp to each location. There are really only about eight full weeks that can support camps in the summer, so those 23 localities partner up and each “cluster” of localities takes a week. There is not a 4-H camping facility available to host another week of camp for York/Poquoson. 

If my child does not get into the York/Poquoson week of 4-H Camp, can they attend another week of 4-H Junior Camp with another locality?  

All of the camp “clusters” work together, and we share our waitlists with each other. Thus, if another week of camp has open spots, they let the 4-H programs in the other localities know and we send them our waitlists if we have them. It is our goal to fill every single spot in every single week of camp if possible. However, most localities try to fill their week of camp with residents from their own county/city first. After a certain time, if they haven’t filled with their own residents, they will open it up to residents from other counties/cities. You would have to contact each locality and ask them how they handle registration for non-residents. You can find the camp schedule and contact information for each week on the Jamestown 4-H Center website

Club Overview

4-H Clubs provide safe-environments for youth to explore topics of interest to them in partnership with caring adult volunteer leaders. Being a member of a 4-H Club offers youth countless opportunities to develop leadership and life skills.

There are several different formats that a 4-H Club may take:

  • 4-H In-School Clubs (for ages 9 to 18) take place during school time and are often led by teachers or parent volunteers
  • 4-H Afterschool Clubs (for ages 9 to 18) take place in schools or community centers during "afterschool programming time" and are often led by parent volunteers or staff members of an afterschool provider
  • 4-H Project Clubs (for ages 9 to 18) are led by adult volunteer leaders and all members in the club focus on the same project/topic area (examples include: archery clubs, robotics clubs, equine science clubs, photography clubs, etc.)
  • 4-H Community Clubs (for ages 9 to 18) are led by adult volunteer leaders that carry out a planned program throughout the year; however, club members choose individual projects/topic areas of interest to them to explore in-depth
  • 4-H Cloverbud Clubs are led by adult volunteer leaders and are made up of youth ages 5 to 8. These clubs meet year round and explore a variety of topics, providing club members with a breadth of 4-H experiences. Cloverbud clubs do not elect officers.


Regardless of the delivery mode, all 4-H Clubs are led by adult volunteer leaders, have a planned program throughout the year (or the majority of the year), elect officers, conduct regular meetings, and participate in community service and other 4-H activities.

In addition to the year-round club formats mentioned above, 4-H Special Interest (or SPIN) Clubs can also be formed. SPIN Clubs focus on a specific topic for a shorter period of time (at least 6 lessons/contact hours). Examples may include: a LEGO robotics club that meets once a week for six weeks, a gardening club that meets every other week in the summer, etc. These clubs are led by adult volunteer leaders, but do not elect officers or conduct regular business meetings. SPIN Clubs are a great way to generate interest in a particular topic or provide youth with exposure to a new, exciting topic.

Existing Clubs

Patriot Shooting Education Club - Youth ages 9-18 learn safety, discipline, leadership, and life skills through the use of shooting education. Members practice shooting air rifles and can participate in local, state, and national shooting competitions.

For more information to join this club, please contact the Extension Office at 757-890-4940.

New Club Areas of Interest

There are unlimited possibilities for club and/or individual member areas of interest:

  • Animal Science
    • Livestock
    • Horse
    • Pets
    • Poultry
    • Veterinary science
  • Art
    • Arts and crafts
    • Painting
    • Photography
    • Theater
  • Career Exploration
  • Communications
    • Presentations
    • Public speaking
  • Environmental Education and/or Outdoor Recreation
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
    • Child care
    • Family life
    • Financial literacy
    • Sewing
  • Foods, Nutrition, and Health
    • Cooking
    • First aid/CPR
    • Healthy living
    • Personal safety
  • Horticulture and Agriculture
    • Beekeeping
    • Gardening
  • Science, Engineering, and Technology
    • Aeronautics
    • Computer programming
    • Leadership Development
    • Maker
    • Robotics
    • Rocketry
    • Woodworking Invention

Start a Club

All that is needed to start a 4-H Club is at least two adults willing to serve as volunteer club leaders and at least 5 youth club members. Volunteer leaders must complete an application, interview, reference checks, and a background check, and will receive training in 4-H program delivery.

Club members must enroll in the club through our online enrollment system 4-H Online. The Extension 4-H Agent will provide club leaders with curriculum resources, project books, and additional training on various topics as needed. Once established, the club will elect officers, create a constitution and bylaws, and receive a club charter from the State 4-H office.

Contact the Extension Office today to start your own 4-H Club - 757-890-4940!

Program Overview

Teens, age 13-16 can learn to be a historical interpreter at a living history museum! The 4-H Peer Teacher/Jr. Interpreter Program is operated in conjunction with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. It provides countless opportunities for teens to gain skills in public speaking and interacting with museum visitors from around the globe. Youth gain skills in certain trades demonstrated at any of the five interpretive sites, and enjoy an amazing opportunity to share their love of history.

Eligible Persons

Teens from Gloucester, York/Poquoson and James City County ages 13-16 are eligible to participate in this program. Eligible teens must submit an application to Gloucester - Virginia Cooperative Extension and complete an in-person interview to be scheduled at Yorktown or Jamestown. Selected youth will be required to attend two days of orientation, and will then be assigned to one of five interpretive sites (based on their preferences) for training. Sites include: At the Jamestown Settlement: Paspahegh Town, recreated Ships, and recreated James Fort; At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown: Continental Army Encampment and Revolution-era Farm.

Process

Once assigned, youth will spend five days training alongside a costumed interpreter to master one station within their site (it could be knots for example on the ships).   Participants must be present for all 5 days to successfully complete the program.  Upon completion of the training sessions and successful mastery of the station, youth may be asked to continue volunteering for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation as a costumed interpreter. They would be expected to volunteer at least 8 hours per month during the school year and 16 hours per month during the summer. 

Deadline for applications to be submitted is April 14, 2023. 

More Information and the Application can be downloaded from the links below:

 

If you have any questions, contact Krista Gustafson, 4-H Agent, Gloucester County at kgustafson@vt.edu  804-693-2602

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2023 Junior Interpreter Application (003).pdf
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2023 4H Jr Interpreter PeerTeacher Flyer JYF.pdf

District Contests

Youth (ages 9 to 18) from throughout the Southeast District gather to demonstrate their talents and practice public speaking and  presentation skills. Contests include:

  • Art
  • Fashion
  • Presentation
  • Public speaking
  • Talent

Fashion Revue - This event helps youth develop decision-making skills in making or purchasing apparel based on individual resources and needs:

  • Category 1: Constructed garments
  • Category 2: Purchased garments

Presentations - A presentation can be a demonstration or an illustrated talk.  It is a way to show others how to do something or to teach others more about a subject. Depending on age, presentation times vary from 2 to 15 minutes.

Public Speaking - A speech about a topic that the member wants to share.  Visual aids are not used.  Depending on age, presentation times vary from 3 to 7 minutes.

Science Presentation - Teams of 3 to 8 will present on a current problem that researchers, scientists, or engineers are currently using science to address. Teams will also create their own innovative solution to address the problem.

Share-The-Fun - Share-the-Fun encourages youth to discover and develop their talents and to develop confidence in performing before an audience.  Acts may consist of one to four individual.  Time limit is 4 minutes per act.  Categories are:

  • Combination
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Instrumental
  • Variety
  • Vocal

Visual Art Contest

  • Drawing
  • Mixed Media or Fiber including a narrative written by the member
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Sculpture

4-H State Congress - Held every year on the Virginia Tech campus, high school students develop leadership abilities through participation in workshops, college tours, competitions, and recreational activities. State Congress is usually held in June.

Intermediate 4-H Congress - Held every year on the Virginia State University campus, middle school students develop leadership skills through fun and interactive workshops, demonstrations, and recreational programs. Intermediate Congress is usually held in July.

4-H Day at the Capital - Designed to enhance knowledge of governmental procedures, teens visit with legislators, observe the legislative process in action, and tour the Capital. Day at the Capital is typically held in February.

Teen Excellence in Leadership Institute - A multi-event experience held throughout the year in which teens develop a personalized action plan for engaged leadership and design a team project to address needs in their communities. Teens must apply to the program and applications are usually due in September.

State 4-H Cabinet - Comprised of elected teen officers from throughout the state, cabinet members plan state-wide 4-H programs and advocate for 4-H with elected officials.

4-H All-Stars - 4-H All Stars is an honor/service organization. Membership in 4-H All Stars is the highest recognition that a Virginia 4-H'er can achieve. Virginia 4-H All Stars is service oriented, and volunteer operated. The All Star's goal is to contribute to positive youth development through "service" to the 4-H program of which they are a part.

Specialty 4-H Camps -  The six 4-H Educational Centers in VA offer day and overnight camps to youth throughout the state all year long. Camps include Cloverbud, Teen Weekends, Science, Horse, Shooting Education, Marine Science, and more!

State 4-H Website

Citizenship Washington Focus -  A week-long citizenship program for high school students that takes place at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Washington D.C.

Leadership Washington Focus - A week-long leadership program for middle school students that takes place at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Washington, D.C.

National 4-H Congress - Held in Atlanta, GA, National Congress provides teens a week of leadership workshops, service learning projects, motivational and keynote speakers, and fun recreational programs. Outstanding 4-H members are selected to represent Virginia at National 4-H Congress. Candidates for selection must be senior 4-H members in the current 4-H year who are able to demonstrate outstanding achievement as a 4-H member in the areas of leadership, citizenship, and personal development.

National 4-H Conference - A week-long civic engagement program in Washington D.C. in which delegates choose an important societal topic and present a briefing on the topic to officials in Washington D.C.  

National 4-H Website

  • Junior 4-H Summer Camp
    • Ages 9-13
    • July 31-August 4, 2023
    • Registration starts April 15, 2023 at 9:00am
  • District Contests 
    • Ages 9-18
    • Gain presentation and public speaking skills and win prizes
  • 4-H Peer Teacher Program
    • Ages 13-16
    • Spend the summer training to become a costumed interpreter with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

Al's Pals Program

Register now for the Al's Pals Program for ages 3 to 5 (must be 3 by August 31st). This comprehensive, age-appropriate curriculum teaches kids to make Healthy Choices that uses puppetry, play, and songs to teach children how to express feelings appropriately, gain self-control, accept differences, solve problems peacefully, and keep themselves safe and healthy. Classes will be held on Friday's starting September 9, 2022 through May 26, 2023 from 9:30am - 11:00am at St. Marks Lutheran Church, 118 Old York-Hampton Hwy., in Yorktown. Fee is $30.00 per month and scholarships are available. To register call: 757-564-2173 and leave a message.

Al's Pals Program Flyer

Infant/Toddler Playgroups
  1. Infant/Toddler (All ages to 5 years old) Playgroup – Monday, March 13, 20 & 27 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. No playgroup on Monday, February 6
  2. Infant/Toddler (All ages to 5 years old) Playgroup – Tuesday, February 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

HAPPY SPRING!!!  Reminder both York and James City County are CLOSED to groups Monday, April 3rd – Friday, April 7th for Spring Break

APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH – SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY WEARING BLUE AND PLANTING A PINWHEEL GARDEN

A special “Child Abuse Prevention Event” sponsored by Child Abuse Prevention Coalition of Greater Williamsburg will take place on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 5:30-7:30 pm at King of Glory Lutheran Church.  All are welcome. Please see attached flyer for additional information.

The VCE, FCS Family Focus Center in York County will be offering the following April Playgroups for parents and/or caregivers and their children (Please see attached April Calendar for additional information). 

1)    Infant/Toddler (All ages to 5 years old) Playgroup – Monday, April 10, 17 & 24 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

2)    Infant/Toddler (All ages to 5 years old) Playgroup – Tuesday, April 11,18 & 25 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The VCE, FCS Family Focus Center in James City County will be offering a NEW Special-6 week Playgroup Series “Plant and Play” – Thursdays: April 13, 20 & 27 and May 4, 11 & 18 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Fee: $30.00 for the 6-week series. Complete 5 of the 6 sessions and receive fun planting tools! ***Limited to the first 10 families that sign-up! Please see attached flyer for additional information.

Remember enrollment is required for all VCE, FCS Family Focus Playgroups.  To enroll for April groups please call (757) 564-2173 and leave a message. The fee per playgroup is $5.00 per family (except for the special JCC 6-week series playgroup which is $30.00). Cash or Checks payable to VCE-JCC (There is a $50 return check fee.) Scholarships are available upon request.

Excited to offer a Spring PARENTING CLASS at our York County center: “Active Parenting First Five Years” on Wednesdays, April 19 through May 24 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.  This 6 week research-based parenting class is perfect for new parents and parents with children to age five.  Please see flyer for additional information.

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Child Abuse Prevention Event.pdf
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2023AprCalendar_VCE_FF_YC JCC.pdf
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Plant And Play Playgroup Flyer JCC April.pdf
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Active Parenting 1st 5 years Spring 2023.pdf

Engaging with Communities

Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:   

Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.

Do you have a question about Community Viability?

Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expert system.

Community Viability Specialists

See a list of our Community Viability Specialists