GEAR UP SWV

Regional Camp Opportunities

GEAR UP SWV supports opportunities for students in Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming Counties to attend camps, explore professions, and more. GEAR UP SWV is excited to announce the 2024 Summer Camps! Every 7th and 8th student in Summers, Wyoming, Mercer, Monroe and Raleigh Counties is eligible and encouraged to apply and attend! The opportunities will help southern West Virginia students bridge the “summer slump” gap while exploring careers, and even college. In 2024 GEAR UP SWV students can apply for 5 summer camps!

New River CTC Outdoor Adventure Leadership Camp (day camp)
GEAR UP SWV – WVU Tech STEM Camp (overnight camp)
Be Your Own Boss – New River Community and Technical College (day camp)
Student Leadership Retreat (overnight camp) Local Coordinator Nominated
GEAR UP SWV ACE Adventure STEM Camp (day camp)
Concord University Media Camp (day camp)
Summer Boss Program (virtual camp) Local Coordinator Nominated

Space is limited so sign up today! More details on the 2024 Summer Camp Flyer below. Email gearup@concord.edu for more info.

New River CTC Adventure Leadership Camp

Where: New River Community and Technical College, Beaver, WV

When: June 10, 2024 –June 14, 2024

Who: Any GEAR UP SWV student (every public school student in Mercer, Monroe, Summers, Wyoming and Raleigh Counties class of 2028 and 2029)

What: The New River CTC Adventure Leadership Camp from June 10, 2024 –June 14, 2024 features rock climbing, zip-lining, STEM activities, hiking, team building, water park, Social Emotional Learning activities, and more! Drop-off and Pick-up will be at New River Community and Technical College, 280 University Drive, Beaver, WV, 25813. Students will be traveling to various off-site locations to participate in activities. Some off site locations include Summit Bechtel Reserve, Ace Adventure Waterpark and Arrowhead Mountain Bike Farm.

(Download New River CTC Adventure Leadership Camp flyer)

Be your Own Boss- New River CTC

Where:New River Community and Technical College, 280 University Drive, Beaver, WV

When: July 9, 2024 -July 11, 2024 from 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM (Day program)

Who: Any GEAR UP SWV student (every public school student in Mercer, Monroe, Summers, Wyoming and Raleigh Counties class of 2028 and 2029)

Room for up to 50 students in the GEAR UP SWV cohort will When: July 9-11th from 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM (Day program). Educational workshops that teach students creativity, brand building, and steps to starting a business. Students will be provided with the opportunity to design their own piece of apparel and receive the finished product. At the completion of the program, each student has the option to start their own e-commerce business with No fees or associated costs.

GEAR UP SWV – WVU Tech STEM Camp

Who: Open to 40 students in the GEAR UP SWV cohort – First come – first serve basis

What: 5-night, 6-day STEM camp held at WVU Tech campus in Beckley. Students will stay in the dorms on the campus of WVU Tech. Meals are included. Some of the curriculum activities include Introduction to Engineering, Robotics, Nursing, and Physics. There will also be lots of other fun activities.

Sample GEAR UP Schedule.xlsx

When: June 16, 2024 – June 21, 2024 (Overnight camp)

Where: WVU Tech, Beckley Campus, 400 S. Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801

(Download GEAR UP SWV WVU Tech Stem Camp flyer)

GEAR UP SWV Adventure STEM Day Camp

Ace Adventure Resort, 1 Concho Rd., Oak Hill, WV, 25901

Who: Open to any student in the GEAR UP SWV cohort (limited availability – 30 spots per day)

What: 1-day camp geared towards STEM activities in the morning associated with Ecology – Zip-lining through the New River Gorge. The afternoon will consist of lunch and fun at the water park. STEM – ACE Adventure Resort (aceraft.com)

When: July 30, 2024 – August 1, 2024, 8am-4pm

Mercer County – July 30, 2024

Raleigh County – July 31, 2024

Summers, Monroe, Wyoming Counties – August 1, 2024

Where: Ace Adventure Resort, 1 Concho Rd., Oak Hill, WV, 25901

(Download the flyer here: GEAR UP SWV Adventure Stem Camp 2024)

Concord Media Camp

Where:Concord University, 1000 Vermillion St., Athens, WV 24712

When: June 24, 2024 – June 28, 2024 from 9:00 AM- 3:30 PM (Day program)

Who: Any GEAR UP SWV student (every public school student in Mercer, Monroe, Summers, Wyoming and Raleigh Counties class of 2028 and 2029)

This FREE engaging day camp allows students to explore the field of media through journalism, broadcasting instruction, and exploration. Students will learn the basics of digital and broadcast media through hands on instruction at Concord University’s WVCU-LPFM; a LIVE radio station! Students will also experience a TV and what it is like to produce, direct, and deliver a LIVE TV news show.

The camp will take place from June 24 – 28, 2024, and is open to any student in the GEAR UP SWV Cohort (Space is limited so sign up today).

To view the sample camp schedule, please click here. Subject to change. Watch the website for final agenda.

Concord Media Camp Flyer 2024

Concord University values your privacy; click here to learn more about your YouTube account history & privacy settings

Other Summer Opportunities Provided by GEAR UP SWV

- Student Leadership Retreat in Boone, NC
- Student Success Agency’s Summer Boss Program

Details about these opportunities are also below. Please reach out to your school’s GEAR UP SWV Local Coordinator or Partnership Coordinator for more information about how GEAR UP SWV students are selected for these programs. Email gearup@concord.edu with questions.

Student Leadership Retreat

Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.

Who: 22 students will be selected by Local Coordinators at schools. See the GEAR UP SWV Local Coordinator or Counselor at your school if interested.

What: 4-night, 5-day leadership/adventure overnight camp. Students will stay in dorms at Appalachian State University. Meals are included. Camp activities include team-building exercises, hiking, rafting, caving, rock climbing and more! There will also be lots of other fun activities.

When: July 14, 2024 – July 19, 2024 (Overnight camp)

Where: Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.

This FREE 4-night, 5-day leadership/adventure overnight camp is open to 22 students, who will be selected by Local Coordinators at schools (one student per school if possible). The Student Leadership Retreat is an overnight camp from July 14, 2024 – July 19, 2024. Students will stay in dorms at Appalachian State University, and meals are included. Camp activities include team-building exercises, hiking, rafting, caving, rock climbing and more! There will also be lots of other fun activities.

(Download Student Leadership Retreat 2024 Flyer)

Summer BOSS Program – SSA+

The Summer Boss Program is a virtual platform that provides free summer sessions on budgeting, personal finance, culture, language, health, career exploration, and more! For more information reach out to your school’s local coordinator or GEAR UP SWV Partnership Coordinator. You can also email gearup@concord.edu to request more information.

Download the flyer here: GEAR UP SWV SSA Summer Boss 2024

GEAR UP SWV Camp Scholarship Program

In addition to camps with a direct connection to GEAR UP SWV, students can also apply for a scholarship to another camp of their choice! Below is a list of camp options for that might qualify for the GEAR UP SWV Camp Scholarship Program. Scholarships are limited. Please note that the camps listed below are examples. The lists of camps are broken down by county as well as camps outside of the GEAR UP SWV service areas. Students do not necessarily have to reside in the county in which the camp is hosted to attend. Please note that students will still need to register for the camp in addition to applying for the scholarship.

Camp Scholarship Application

Mercer County, WV

Concord University Esports Summer Camp

Mercer County 4-H Camp

4-H stands out as one of the biggest youth development programs in the U.S., involving more than 6.5 million young people and 540,000 volunteers, both youth and adult. The main goal is to help children and teens pick up leadership, citizenship, and life skills through hands-on projects and community service.

Any youngster between 9 and 21 years old during the current 4-H year, which spans from October 1 to September 30, can join. The Cloverbud program is for kids aged 5-7. Locally, 4-H provides community clubs, specialty clubs, Cloverbud clubs, county camps, club outings, Achievement Banquets, and more! In 4-H, youth get to socialize, learn, and build life skills in a secure, educational environment.

Studies show that 4-H Members:

excel academically
demonstrate increased motivation to assist others
feel empowered to explore new endeavors
attain a sense of self-worth
cultivate enduring friendships

Membership is open to any youth when he/she is at least 9 years of age and is not older than 21 within the current 4-H year. Phone: 304-425-3079. Visit our website.

Monroe County, WV

Camp Greenbrier

100 Camp Greenbrier Drive Alderson, WV 24910

Visit Our Camp Greenbrier Website | (304) 445-7168

Camp Greenbrier operates three programs: the Boys Camp for boys from 7 to 15 years old – the Leadership Academy for young men who are 16 or 17 years old, or who have finished the 10th grade – and House Party, our family camp for everyone. Camp Greenbrier is a summer camp for boys nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, on the beautiful Greenbrier River in Alderson, West Virginia.

First Term – Sunday, June 23 to Saturday, July 13, 2024
Total Camp Fee (Incl. Tax) $4, 275.00
Second Term – Sunday, July 14 to Saturday, August 3, 2024
Total Camp Fee (Incl. Tax) $4,275.00
Full Season – Sunday, June 23 to Saturday, August 3, 2024
Total Camp Fee (Incl. Tax) $7,400.00

Raleigh County, WV

Surprise Valley Youth Camp in Beckley, WV

Non-profit youth program in a Christian setting. We promote Bible studies, growth, and fellowship in a peaceful environment where the campers interact with others in a Christ-like manner. Our recreational learning activities include Chapel services, singing, praying, devotions, campfires, soccer, hiking, basketball, crafts, soccer, and more.

Junior Week (Ages 7-12) – June 23 – June 29
Junior Week (Ages 7-12) – July 7 – July 13
Senior Week (Ages 13-17) – July 14 – July 20
All Age Week (Ages 7-17) – July 21 – July 27

http://surprisevalleyyouthcamp.com/

4H Camp

200 Martin St. Daniels, WV 25832

304-255-9321

Raleigh County WVU Extension Office and Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority together provide an amazing camp for local youth to engage in outdoor activities. With a few week long camping opportunities youth can play, learn, and experience southern WV.

Raleigh County 4-H Youth Camp is managed by a Board of Directors who volunteer their time to give back to a camp that means so much to so many.

If you are interested in being involved, have a child interested in joining a community 4-H Club or a 4-H Horse Club please call, or want more information call Raleigh County WVU Extension Office at 304-255-9321 or visit https://extension.wvu.edu/raleigh/4h

Summers County, WV

Camp Waldo

Hinton, WV

Camp Waldo is an overnight camp on the banks of the Greenbrier River in southern West Virginia. We teach rising 4th-10th graders to respect, conserve and protect the environment. Camp programs include ecology, environmental education, overnight camping trips, paddling, archery, ropes course, arts, and other adventures and educational opportunities.

We will host one three-week session of Camp Waldo in Summer 2024. June 8th – June 29th. Costs for Camp Waldo will be determined on a sliding scale based on family income for summer 2024 Camp Waldo is a nonprofit camp, and even families at the top of the sliding scale pay much less than actual cost per camper. Most of Camp Waldo’s costs are covered by outside funding, through grants and donations.

Cost for Camp Waldo in 2024 will be:

For families earning an annual income of $90,000 and above – $1000/camper
For families earning an annual income between $60,000 and 90,000 – $600/camper
For families earning an annual income between $35,000 to $60,000 – $300/camper
For families earning an annual income less than $35,000 – $200/camper

We do not want the cost of camp to keep any child from attending Camp Waldo, particularly families with more than one camper attending camp. We are able provide financial assistance when necessary. If you would like to discuss financial assistance, please contact Kevin Johnson at kjohnson@appheadwaters.org.

Visit https://appheadwaters.org/program/camp-waldo/ for more information

Bluestone Camp & Retreat

Bluestone Camp & Retreat is a Presbyterian Summer Camp Program with organized summer youth and family camp activities over 4 weeks in June and July, and a three-season Retreat Destination for a variety of church, non-profit, and family groups April through November.

The “Hogan Experience” is rustic living in a remote setting away from the main campus. A Bluestone Hogan is an open-air frame structure with canvas tarps covering all the windows and doors. The activities described below under Venture 1 are common for all age levels of Venture Camp.

VENTURE 1 is for rising 7/8 graders.

Campers will learn and put into practice a variety of outdoor living skills… including cooking with Dutch Ovens! At least one meal will be planned, prepared, and cooked over an open fire each day of their week at camp. Vespers by campfire light will complete each day.

VENTURE 2 is for rising 9/10 graders.

Camper groups have the option to take an extended wilderness hike to Barton’s Ridge and enjoy panoramic views enroute to an old historic cemetery, or paddle seven miles of the Bluestone Reservoir in canoes from Indian Creek to Bertha. In addition, they will experience a meditative “Quest Walk”.

Venture Camps are offered every week of Summer Camp.

Tier 1 Registration Fee = $350, Tier 2 =$425, Tier 3 = $500

Camp Dates

Week 1: June 16 – 22
Week 2: June 23 – 29
Week 3: June 30 – July 6

https://bluestonecamp.org/summer/parent-info/

Summers County 4-H Camp

When: TBA

Studies show that 4-H Members:

excel academically
demonstrate increased motivation to assist others
feel empowered to explore new endeavors
attain a sense of self-worth
cultivate enduring friendships

If you qualify for the reduced camp rate, you will also need to fill out the Free and Reduced form. https://extension.wvu.edu/summers/4h

Wyoming County, WV

Wyoming County 4-H Summer Camp

Studies show that 4-H Members:

excel academically
demonstrate increased motivation to assist others
feel empowered to explore new endeavors
attain a sense of self-worth
cultivate enduring friendships

https://extension.wvu.edu/wyoming/4h ,

West Virginia State Conservation Camp

Join us for a week at WV State Conservation Camp to explore West Virginia’s natural world, connect with experts, discover career paths, and make lasting friendships. Since 1941, we’ve been introducing young adults to responsible resource use. Be part of the legacy and let Conservation Camp open the door to the outdoors for you!

June 10-14, 2024

https://wvconservationcamp.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsvKe7MbM_QIVk8iUCR15DwVrEAMYASAAEgJ-J_D_BwE

Other WV Counties

Governor’s Schools of West Virginia

Offering free summer programs for students in grades 7 to 11, this program covers a wide range of areas including arts, humanities, mathematics, science, and technology. https://wvde.us/gov-schools/

Governor’s STEM Institute

Two Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Institute schools will engage students in topics ranging from the science of food to the magic of the universe and the mysteries of outer space.

Where/When

West Virginia University: July 6–13, 2024 or July 14-21, 2024
Green Bank Observatory: July 7-20, 2024

https://wvde.us/gov-schools/stem-institute/

Camp Alleghany

Caldwell, WV – Greenbrier County

https://campalleghanyforgirls.com/about/

Camp Alleghany is an all-girls overnight summer camp, located in the Alleghany Mountains in Greenbrier County, West Virginia.

In everything we do, we believe girls need healthy self-esteem and their own, individual voice to confidently navigate life’s challenges.

Girls aged seven to sixteen spend three weeks at a time on the beautiful and peaceful banks of the Greenbrier River; the perfect environment to achieve our mission of naturally inspiring growth through honor, loyalty and friendship.

Term Camp

Each summer, Camp Alleghany offers two 3-week sessions for rising 2nd-10th grade girls. Our campers can choose to attend one of our 3-week sessions, or spend 6 weeks with us as a “Full Term” camper! In these 3 or 6 weeks, campers have four daily activities to choose from – each one offers growth, goal-setting opportunities, and practical experiences in leadership.

Most campers live in a tent with three or four other campers and one Counselor. Girls in rising 2nd-7th grades live in Junior Camp, while rising 8th-10th grade girls live in Senior Camp. The oldest campers, aged 14 and 15, live in a tent next door to their counselor.

Term Camp is designed for courageous campers who are ready to spend 3 weeks away from home, learning new skills, making friends, and of course, having fun!

First Term June 23- July 13
Second Term July 14 – August 3
Full Term June 23 -August 3
Leaders-In-Training June 23 -August 3

2023 Regular Rates (updated rates for 2024 were not on the site)

One Term: $4,982 – first term June 23 – July 13, second term July 14 – August 3
Full Term: $8,692 – June 23 – Aug 3

Camp Hidden Meadows – Bartow, WV

https://www.camphiddenmeadows.com/

Camp Hidden Meadows is an all gender overnight camp offering 1- and 2-week sessions for campers ages 7-17 in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia.

For the past 30 years, we have been dedicated to providing young people with experiences that are fun, safe, and rewarding. We set our sights high and our families appreciate it. While great camps exist in many places we believe our stunning location, beautifully maintained facility, and wide range of activities stand out.

Providing summer programs for kids is what we do. Period. Our directors and staff bring a wealth of knowledge to the program and are fully invested in creating a wonderful summer program.

We take pride in maintaining the highest standards in the camp industry. American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation means that Camp Hidden Meadows has submitted to a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation. ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation.

2-Week Session – Traditional Camp

Ages: Finishing 1st–9th grades.

Session 1: June 16 – June 29
Session 2: June 30 – July 13
Session 3: July 14 – July 27
Session 4: July 28 – August 10

Tuition: $3,500

Perfect For: campers eager to fully immerse themselves in the rhythms of camp life. Our two-week sessions offer double the fun, double the adventure, and double the friendships. Here are some of the benefits of a two-week session: Unlock New Adventures that only happen every other week. Time to thrive, even after a couple of days of homesickness. Surveys show that two-weekers are more likely to try something new and achieve one of their goals.

1-Week Session – Traditional Camp

Ages: Finishing 1st–9th grades.

1-A: June 16 – June 22
1-B: June 23 – June 29
2-A: June 30 – July 6
2-B: July 7 – July 13
3-A: July 14 – July 20
3-B: July 21 – July 27
4-A: July 28 – August 3
4-B: August 4 – August 10
5: August 11 – August 17

Tuition: $1,900

Perfect For: nervous first-time campers & returners with jam-packed summer schedules. Our one week program offer campers the timeless sleepaway camp experience in a session that fits into your busy summer calendar. It’s amazing what we can fit into just a week: your camper will get to enjoy on-site workshops, off-site New Adventures, special events, and ample time connecting with cabinmates.

Camp Rim Rock for Girls – Hampshire Co, WV

For 70 years, Camp Rim Rock has provided a place where girls from around the world spend a summer filled with fun, friendship and new opportunities in a caring environment. During a 2-week session, the girls will participate in Horseback Riding, Performing Arts, Arts & Crafts, Sports and Aquatics.

(Phone) 1 347-746-7625

https://camprimrock.com/

GENERAL CAMP SESSIONS

RISING 2ND TO 10TH GRADERS

June 23, 2024 – July 6, 2024
July 7, 20234- July 20, 2024
July 21, 2024 – August 3, 2024

2 weeks – $3700

June 23 – July 20
July 7- August 3

4 weeks – $6700 (multisession discount included)

Experience Learning Inc.

Spruce Knob Mountain Center – Pendleton County, WV.

https://experience-learning.org/

18 Woodlands Way
Circleville, WV 26804 USA
Email: info@experience-learning.org
Phone: 304-606-3233
Fax: 304-567-2666

Mountain Trekkers – entering Grades 6-8 https://experience-learning.org/camps/mountaintrekkers/

Rivers & Rocks – entering Grades 9-12 https://experience-learning.org/camps/high-school/

All Things Rock (caving) – entering Grades 7-9 (must be 13 years old) https://experience-learning.org/camps/all-things-rock/

Hike, Climb, Paddle – entering Grades 8-11 https://experience-learning.org/camps/hike-climb-paddle/

Camp Horseshoe – Tucker County, WV

Click here for more info: Camp Horseshoe – Youth Leadership Association (ylaleads.org)

309 Horseshoe Run Road, Parsons, WV 26287

yla@ylaleads.org

(304) 478-2481

Event Dates Below. Registration Deadlines are May 17, 2024:

Entrepreneurship Summit (rising 9th – 12th grade students) June 9 – 15, 2024
Teen Leadership Summit (rising 9th – 12th grade students) June 16 – 22, 2024
Junior Leadership Summit (rising 7th – 8th grade students) June 23 – 29, 2024
Youth Opportunity Camp / Adventure Camp Week 1 (7-12 year olds) June 30 – July 6, 2024
Youth Opportunity Camp / Adventure Camp Week 2 (7-12 year olds) July 7 – July 13, 2024
Youth Opportunity Camp / Adventure Camp Week 3 (7-12 year olds) July 14 – July 20, 2024
Youth Opportunity Camp / Adventure Camp Week 4 (7-12 year olds) July 21 – July 27, 2024

COST:

$315 per student.

$280 for program officers.

Late fees apply if paid after the deadline.

Contact Horseshoe to learn about adult and advisor housing and rates.

Includes 6 nights lodging, and breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.

West Virginia Science Adventures

We have expanded our summer camp offerings from just Cabell county to also now include camps in Kanawha, Fayette, and Tucker counties thanks to our new partnership with the National Youth Science Foundation.

West Virginia Science Adventures (ssawv.com)

For 6th-12th grade information, please contact wvprogramming@nysacademy.org or 681-317-5257.

Registration opens in March.

Different counties offer different camps, so parents would have to click on the county they would be interested in traveling to see which camps are available. Prices also seem to be different based on location as well. Scholarships are also available.

Camp Twin Creeks, a summer camp for kids ages 7-16 in the Allegheny Mountains

9235 Huntersville Road
Marlinton, WV 24954-5866
Phone: 1.800.451.8806

With over 60 years of history, we exclusively offer a traditional two week program; campers arrive and depart together, enabling them to form lasting friendships. A totally complete summer camp experience! We’re beyond excited for 2024 and yet another unforgettable summer with our traditional 2-week sessions!

Here are our 2024 session dates:

Session 1: Sunday June 23rd – Saturday July 6th
Session 2: Sunday July 7th – Saturday July 20th
Session 3: Sunday July 21st – Saturday August 3rd
Session 4: Sunday August 4th – Saturday August 17th

We welcome campers from 6 to 16 years old! Each lives with a cabin of their own age and grade level and enjoys an age-appropriate program and experience!

$3,800 per session
$300 discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

Tuition includes these practical features; camper emails and photo downloads, director access and guidance throughout the camp session, onsite laundry, meals, snacks, canteen and all cabin activities.

Visit https://www.camptwincreeks.com/about/ for more information

Other States

Virginia Tech. Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity. Pre-College Programs.

Building Diversity in the College of Engineering! It’s a great time to start thinking about your goals for college! Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering offers a number of programs designed to help you get ahead and experience Engineering at this important time. Programs are available for middle school, high school, and incoming freshmen students. (Links for several different programs).

215 Hancock Hall (0275)
490 Old Turner St.
Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061

Phone: (540) 231-7411

https://eng.vt.edu/ceed/ceed-pre-college-programs.html