Hidden Valley 4-H Camp
Nature
Get outside and explore nature! Campers will spend the majority of their time exploring the outdoors and learning about the natural world around them. Programming is designed to take advantage of our hardwood forests, lake and stream, and our glen at Riley's. Some single-period programs include Wet Hikes, Forest exploration, Stream Ecology, Campfire Building with "One Match Club," Shelter Building, Geology, Tree Identification, Bird Calling, and more. Additional daily sign-ups for more in-depth programming are available for, but not limited to, Campfire Cooking, Fishing, Glen Hikes, Outdoor Photography, Camping Skills, and Extended Hikes.
Photo by Dayna Karius
Photo by R.J. Anderson
Arts and Crafts
If you enjoy art projects, you will love this program area! Youth will learn new skills such as candle making, jewelry, and basket making in the Arts & Crafts program area. Our goal is for campers to return home with new craft skills and a beautiful project each week. Other projects include: friendship bracelets, boondoggling, and painting. Photography will be offered as a special two-period program that campers can sign up for.
Photo by Danielle Cook
Aquatics
"Marco!... Polo!" and beyond! Dive into the excitement at Hidden Valley's pool, where an abundance of water games awaits. Every camper undergoes a swim test on Sunday afternoon, to evaluate their skill level and tailor their swim activities accordingly. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, our pool caters to all.
Novice swimmers may participate in activities restricted to the shallow end, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for every camper. Immerse yourself in our newly upgraded pool, where the water games are as fantastic as the memories you'll create!
Archery
Campers learn all techniques and safety commands required to be a successful Archer. Targets are 15 yards out for good aiming practice. For campers to participate in Archery, they must be eight years of age by arrival at camp. Archery will be offered as a special two-period activity during Sports & Rec.
Photo by Dayna Karius
Photo by Dayna Karius
Rocketry
Back by popular demand—3, 2, 1... Blast off! While it might not be Cape Canaveral, the excitement is just as palpable. Building your own rocket, launching it on what feels like an orbital journey, and successfully bringing it back home is an exhilarating adventure, especially for our aspiring future Rocket Scientists. Throughout the program, campers delve into the fascinating world of flight physics, employing the scientific method to hypothesize and experiment with design changes to enhance their rockets. This thrilling experience comes with an additional $25 fee, ensuring an out-of-this-world adventure for our young enthusiasts.
Evening Activities
We strive to infuse each day at camp with excitement and enjoyment. Each night is filled with lively singing, engaging games, and specialty programs aimed at introducing campers to unique activities not found anywhere else. Our weekly routine kicks off with a spirited opening campfire and concludes on Friday afternoons with the highly anticipated staff vs. campers kickball game. In the interim, we organize all-camp activities such as capture the flag, counselor hunts, talent shows, scavenger hunts, and feature special musical or dance guests. On nights when the entire camp isn't gathered, cabins have the option to participate in campfire sing-alongs, wish boats, evening hikes, star gazing, hide and seek, and more. As the week draws to a close on Thursday nights, a memorable closing campfire is held, culminating in a candle-lighting ceremony where four campers are chosen to receive the Honor Camper Award.
Photo by Heather Ainsworth