GEAR UP SWV

Regional Camp Opportunities

GEAR UP SWV Summer Camps

GEAR UP SWV is excited to announce the 2025 Summer Camps! GEAR UP SWV supports opportunities for cohort students attending public school in Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming Counties to attend camps, explore professions, and more. Every 8th and 9th grade student, during the 2024-2025 school year, attending public school in Summers, Wyoming, Mercer, Monroe, and Raleigh Counties is part of the cohort and eligible to attend! The opportunities will help GEAR UP SWV cohort students bridge the “summer slump” gap while exploring careers, and even college. GEAR UP SWV students are those attending public school in Summers, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, and Wyoming Counties and will graduate high school in the year 2028 or 2029.

In 2025 GEAR UP SWV students can apply for summer camps!

Vital Path
WV Adventure
All Torqued Up
Sewing with Fire
Innovators of Tomorrow
GEAR UP SWV / Concord Summer Cool Academy (Overnight)
GEAR UP SWV / WVU Tech STEM Camp (Overnight)

More details coming soon! Email gearup@concord.edu for more info.

Vital Path

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

When: June 4-5, 2025 (Day Camp)

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

What: Your first step toward an exciting and rewarding career in healthcare by engaging in hands-on interactive activities, simulations, and demonstrations led by college instructors to learn how medical fields contribute to patient care.

WV Adventure

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

When: June 9-10, 2025 (Day Camp)

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

What: Raft the upper New River with expert guides while learning about the nature and history of the area including hydrodynamics and the physics of water. Spend an additional day discussing careers in hospitality and tourism from the catwalk at 876 feet high on the New River Gorge Bridge.

All Torqued Up

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

When: June 16-17, 2025 (Day Camp)

Who: Open to students in the GEAR UP SWV cohort (public school students in Mercer, Monroe, Summers, Wyoming and Raleigh Counties class of 2028 & 2029.) First come – first serve basis

What: Day campers will repair high-tech vehicles while being immersed in a hands-on and interactive environment. GEAR UP SWV students will have the option to change the oil and rotate the tires on their parent’s vehicle.

Sewing with Fire

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

When: June 16-17, 2025 (Day Camp)

Who: Open to students in the GEAR UP SWV cohort (public school students in Mercer, Monroe, Summers, Wyoming and Raleigh Counties class of 2028 & 2029.) First come – first serve basis

What: Ignite your creativity and spark your creative future by exploring the world of welding. This hands-on experience will introduce GEAR UP SWV students to the exciting world of using metal for function and art.

Innovators of Tomorrow

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

When: June 23-24, 2025 (Day Camp)

Who: Open to students in the GEAR UP SWV cohort (public school students in Mercer, Monroe, Summers, Wyoming and Raleigh Counties class of 2028 & 2029.) First come – first serve basis

What: Unlock your potential and dive into the exciting world of robotics! Build, code, and compete with cutting-edge technology as you create robots, solve challenges, and gain valuable skills for the future.

GEAR UP SWV Summer (Cool) Academy

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

When: June 25-28, 2025 (Overnight Camp)

Who: Any rising 10th-grade GEAR UP SWV student (public school students in Mercer, Monroe, Summers, Wyoming and Raleigh Counties class of 2028.)

What: The GEAR UP SWV Summer (Cool) Academy will be a three-night,4-day camp on the campus of Concord University in Athens, WV. Students who complete the 9th grade during the 2024-2025 school year, are eligible to register. Campers will get a glimpse into being a college student as they are housed in the dorms and eat in the Concord Dining Hall. Curriculum information coming soon!

GEAR UP SWV / WVU Tech STEM Camp

Where: WVU Tech, Beckley, WV

When: July 7-11, 2025 (Overnight Camp)

Who: Any rising 9th or 10th-grade GEAR UP SWV student (public school students in Mercer, Monroe, Summers, Wyoming, and Raleigh Counties class of 2028 and 2029.)

What: This five-day, four-night STEM camp provides 30 students an opportunity to experience the college lifestyle on the WVU Tech campus. GEAR UP SWV cohort students will participate in STEM-oriented activities. Students will be housed in the dorms at WVU Tech in Beckley. Meals and snacks are included.

GEAR UP SWV Summer Camp Grant Program

In addition to camps with a direct connection to GEAR UP SWV, students can also apply for a grant to a camp of their choice! Below is a list of camp options that might qualify for the GEAR UP SWV Camp Grant Program. Scholarships are limited. Please note that the camps listed below are possible examples. The lists of camps are broken down by county and camps outside of the GEAR UP SWV service areas. Students do not have to reside in the county where the camp is hosted. Please note that students will still need to register for the camp and apply for the GEAR UP SWV Summer Camp Grant Program. Grants can only be offered for qualifying activities to students who meet the latest criteria as funds are available. Check out the criteria to see how to qualify!

Opens: April 1, 2025, at 8:00 am

Closes: June 2, 2025, at 12:00 am

GEAR UP SWV Summer Camp Grant Criteria

Criteria to be considered for 2025 Summer Camp Grant Application:

1. Teacher or Mentor Recommendation (REQUIRED): Letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders who can speak to the student’s work ethic, character, and contributions. Positive endorsements from teachers show academic diligence and enthusiasm.

2025 GEAR UP Southern West Virginia Summer Camp Grant Recommendation Form– Opens April 1 at 8 a.m.

2. Clear Educational Goals: Student must demonstrate ambition and a desire to continue their education beyond middle school, with a specific interest in areas like high school academics or career aspirations.

3. Interest in Learning: Evidence of a passion for subjects or skills that are aligned with the scholarship’s goals.

4. Personal Qualities and Character: Responsibility: Evidence of maturity, good work habits, and strong time management skills. Integrity: Displaying honesty, reliability, and respect for others. Resilience: Ability to overcome challenges and maintain a positive attitude.

5. Signed Attestation Statement form from Teacher, Counselor, or Coordinator that can attest to the confirmation of the following (REQUIRED):

• The student has a good attendance record.

• The student has no disciplinary action within the 2024-2025 school year.

• Commitment: Consistent involvement over multiple academic years.

Please click below for link to Grant Application:

Opens: April 1, 2025, at 8:00 am

Closes: June 2, 2025, at 12:00 am

GEAR UP SWV Summer Camp Grant Application Opens April 1 at 8 a.m. – June 2 at 12:00 a.am.

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.

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.

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.

Most of Camp Waldo’s costs are covered by outside funding, through grants and donations.

The camp is able to 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 usually 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 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.

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!

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.

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!

Camp Hidden Meadows – Bartow, WV

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.

https://www.camphiddenmeadows.com/

2-Week Session – Traditional Camp

Ages: Finishing 1st–9th grades.

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.

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

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

Entrepreneurship Summit (rising 9th – 12th grade students)
Teen Leadership Summit (rising 9th – 12th grade students)
Junior Leadership Summit (rising 7th – 8th grade students)
Youth Opportunity Camp / Adventure Camp Week 1 (7-12 year olds)
Youth Opportunity Camp / Adventure Camp Week 2 (7-12 year olds)
Youth Opportunity Camp / Adventure Camp Week 3 (7-12 year olds)
Youth Opportunity Camp / Adventure Camp Week 4 (7-12 year olds)

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!

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!

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