• 2027 W.E. Skelton 4-H Camp Summer Staff Application

  • Thank you for your interest in a summer camp staff position with the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center!

    The Skelton 4-H Center is the largest 4-H Center in Virginia and serves approximately 3500 youth each summer. Nestled on 120 acres along the shores of Smith Mountain Lake, we have offered Junior 4-H Camp for 60 years to the youth of our region. We stress the 4-H philosophy of “learn by doing” in all 4-H Center programs, which means that participants learn by becoming actively engaged in an activity. In order to meet the needs of the thousands of youth we serve each year, we hire more than twenty (20) college-aged summer staff.

    Typically, summer staff have at least one year out of high school and have work or volunteer experience in 4-H, camp, teaching, or other youth programming (previous experience in 4-H is not required). Additionally, summer staff candidates must be at least 18 years of age. Regardless of your previous work or volunteer experience, successful employment at the 4-H Center requires certain personal attributes, including, but not limited to:

    • Friendliness/Open-mindedness
    • Patience
    • Initiative
    • Enthusiasm
    • Interest in teaching and learning
    • Flexibility
    • Positive attitude
    • Desire to work with children
    • Integrity
    • Willingness to have FUN!

    We believe that 4-H Center programs and services give us the opportunity to positively impact our community. For that reason, we consider a positive attitude and the ability to be friendly and caring toward youth and adults to be as important as previous education, training, or certification. For some positions, the 4-H Center may assist applicants in identifying ways to become trained or certified.

    What are the benefits of working at the W. E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center?

    • Starting salary of $375/week
    • Lodging provided (private room)
    • Meals provided (Monday breakfast through Friday lunch with occasional weekends)
    • Shirts (staff shirts are provided at no charge)
    • Skelton swag from the Country Store
    • Most weekends off (with the exception of 2-3 weekend camps)
    • Paid training
    • Access to staff kitchen, staff lounge, wifi, washer/dryer, and select program equipment with prior approval

    We have seasonal camp staff positions available from early-May to mid-August. Part-time positions, internships, and volunteer opportunities may also be available.

  • Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.

    If you are a person with a disability and desire assistance or accommodation, please notify Rayna Wheeler at 540-721-2759 x253/TDD* during business hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

    *TDD number is 800-828-1120.

  • About You

    This form is set up so you can save your application responses and return to them. Please remember to save along the way!
  • Date of Birth*
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  • Education

  • Summer 2027

  • Please check dates you WILL NOT be available. Lack of availability does not automatically disqualify you from employment, but it is a factor in our hiring decision.

  • Skill Comfort Level

    Rate your comfort levels with the skills and programs below. We use these factors to help determine cross-training.

  • Positions

  • As you apply for staff, please consider the following positions and their descriptions. All positions report to the Youth Programs Coordinator and the Program Director.

    Archery: Leads classes on shooting safety and marksmanship. Must obtain training in 4-H shooting sports specific to archery (provided by the 4-H Center).

    Basic Horsemanship: Teaches the basics of horse care and English/Western riding. Responsible for maintaining the horses and the barn. We hire three people for this position, so the ability to work as a team is a must. Those interested MUST have extensive experience with horses. Those with experience teaching/riding with children are preferred.

    CampTok: Teaches classes on virtual content creation and facilitates the development of the weekly camp video. Must be able to work alone and late at night.

    Canoeing/Paddleboarding: Instructs classes in proper paddling techniques of tandem / solo craft and self-rescue in capsize situations. Must obtain waterfront lifeguard certification (training provided by the 4-H Center).

    Centerstage/Leathercraft (will teach both classes): Teaches the basics of performing arts and coordinates the weekly talent show. Teaches the fundamentals of leathercraft and assists campers in completing various projects.  

    Climbing/High Ropes (will teach both classes): Facilitates the climbing wall and high ropes course. Must obtain training in high ropes (provided by the 4-H Center).

    CSI/Epic Explosions (will teach both classes): Teaches the fundamentals of crime scene investigation including basic investigation skills, evidence collecting and preservation, and more. Facilitates the development and programming of STEM-based classes resulting in epic explosions.

    Hogwarts 101/Adulting 101 (will teach both classes): These two new classes will add some razzle dazzle to 4-H camp! Our Hogwarts 101 class will have education centered around everything Harry Potter, and our adulting 101 class will teach campers life skills such as cooking and problem-solving through fun and interactive lessons. 

    Kayaking: Instructs classes on proper paddling techniques of solo craft and self-rescue in capsize situations. Must obtain waterfront lifeguard certification (training provided by the 4-H Center).

    Low Ropes/CIT (will teach both classes): Facilitates teambuilding exercises on our Challenge Course. Must obtain training in low ropes (provided by the 4-H Center). Instructs the CIT (Counselor-in-training) class.

    Riflery: Leads classes on shooting safety and marksmanship. Must obtain training in 4-H shooting sports specific to riflery (provided by the 4-H Center).

    Small Animal Science: Teaches the basics of poultry, small ruminant animals (sheep, goats), and dairy calf care and maintenance. Maintains all animals and the barn. Experience with farm animal care is required for this position.

    Swimming/Snorkeling (will teach both classes): Teaches campers basic water safety, in-water comfort, and aquatic survival techniques. Teaches advanced swimmers basic snorkeling techniques and facilitates snorkeling activities. Must obtain lifeguard certification (all training provided by the 4-H Center).

    Wilderness Survival: Teaches outdoor living skills and basic wilderness survival along with Leave No Trace principles. Cares for the reptiles in the nature center.

    The following non-instructor position is also available:

    Camp Medical Staff: Camp medical staff provide health care services to camp groups. Responsible for medication distribution and trauma response in addition to maintaining supplies, camp health records, the health clinic, and assisting with other camp duties when possible. Current medical certification is preferred, but not required. Applicants should have at least one year of experience.

    Below, please indicate your top three choices. In the field of "relevant experience", please explain how you are suited for the position. You will have a chance later to submit your certifications.

  • Please select classes you would NOT be comfortable teaching:

  • In addition to teaching positions, the following managerial positions are available:

    Camp Coordinator: Must have at least 1 year of 4-H camping experience. The Camp Coordinator works with the Staff Coordinator to oversee summer staff, coordinate all Junior 4-H Camp programs and activities, modify 4-H camp schedules as needed, and communicate changes effectively. The Camp Coordinator oversees evening activities and communicates with summer staff regarding evening program agendas. Must be comfortable coordinating peers and communicating with a diverse group of 4-H Extension agents. This position takes the place of teaching a class.

    Staff Coordinator: Must have at least 1 year of 4-H camping experience. The Staff Coordinator works with the Camp Coordinator to oversee summer staff, coordinate all Junior 4-H Camp programs and activities, modify 4-H camp schedules as needed, and communicate changes effectively. The Staff Coordinator supervises summer staff in their responsibilities and assists in problem-solving and conflict resolution. Must be comfortable coordinating peers and communicating with a diverse group of 4-H Extension agents. Ages 21+ preferred. Strong leadership skills, flexibility, initiative, and experience in 4-H camping required.This position takes the place of teaching a class.

    Aquatics Manager: oversees both the waterfront and pool. Must be a seasoned lifeguard. Responsible for leading bi-weekly lifeguard in-service trainings.This position does not take the place of teaching a class and is supplemental to your teaching role.

    Ropes Manager: oversees low ropes, the climbing wall, and high ropes course. Responsible for safety, care/maintenance of equipment, equipment logs, and direct communication with leadership regarding supplies and maintenance. Must have experience working with the ropes course and knowledge of harnesses and knots. This position does not take the place of teaching a class and is supplemental to your teaching role.

    SIT Manager: Facilitates the Staff-in-Training program including contact prior to camp, questions from S.I.T.s, evaluations of S.I.T.s, and more. (One male, one female). This position does not take the place of teaching a class and is supplemental to your teaching role.

    Social Media Manager: create consistent, creative content for the 4-H Center's social media accounts to increase engagement and visibility. This position does not take the place of teaching a class and is supplemental to your teaching role.

  • 4-H & Camp Experience

  • Please tell us more about your experiences with 4-H and/or camp in general. While camp and 4-H experience are not necessary for employment, we like to know peoples backgrounds and experiences. 

  • Do you have experience with 4-H?*
  • Do you have any summer camp experience outside of 4-H?*

  • Work Experience

  • Describe all paid, military, and applicable volunteer experience beginning with your current position and working backwards chronologically. Highlight your knowledge, skills, and abilities that best demonstate your qualifications for this position. 

  • Certifications

    Include any pertinent certifications such as first aid, CPR, lifeguard, EMT, etc.
  • Are you currently or have you ever been a lifeguard?*
  • Are you interested in being trained as a lifeguard? All training is paid for and provided by the 4-H Center, and lifeguards receive additional daily pay.*
  • Are you currently trained in ropes course facilitation (includes both low and/or high ropes)?*
  • Are you interested in receiving medication administration training?*

  • Miscellaneous

  • References

  • Please list four references (may not be family members or other summer staff applicants) who can attest to your personality, character, and professional qualities. Please ensure that contact information is up-to-date and a working e-mail address is provided for each reference listed. 

    Your first reference must be your 4-H Agent, if applicable.

  • Final Questions

  • Form Submission

  • By typing my name below, I hereby certify that all entries in this application are true and complete, and I agree and understand that any falsification of information herein, regardless of time of discovery, may cause forfeiture on my part to any employment in the service of the 4-H Educational Center. I understand that all information on this application is subject to verification and I consent to criminal history background checks. I also consent to references, former employers, and educational institutions listed being contacted regarding this application. I further authorize the 4-H Educational Center to rely upon the use, as it seems fit, any information received from contacts. Information contained on this application may be disseminated to other agencies, nongovernmental organizations or systems on a need-to-know basis for good cause shown as determined by the center head or designee. 

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