Mission, Vision, Values
Front Royal, Virginia is the home of the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational and Conference Center. The Center is often mistakenly assumed to only be the site for the local public pool or “the cool place with the annual fireworks display.” The Center is much more than that. It’s actually a full-blown retreat facility! The Northern Virginia 4-H offers private lodging, conference facilities, and meal options. “While [reservations] are required, all of the programs are open to the public and not just for 4-H clubs.”
I had the chance to talk to the Center's Executive Director, Katie Tennant. We agreed that "inspiring and training the next generation of leaders" has been the Center's biggest impact on the community. I can attest to that from personal experience when I attended 4-H Camp and participated in class field trips to the Center.
The 4-H Center has 3 core values: "Educate, Inspire, Connect." The NOVA 4-H Center’s main mission is to promote those values to individuals of all ages. They achieve this through "proven experimental learning programs." Their mission isn't just exclusive to school kids. People of all ages can join in!
How can individuals join in the mission?
Be open to learning about nature: Go on a hike and learn about local flora and fauna.
Engaging with new experiences: Stretch out of your comfort zone by trying something new.
Being a good steward of nature and your local community: Volunteer at the local library or animal shelter, pick up litter, help out a neighbor... Think about a good deed and do it!
4-H Camp!
A big part of the NOVA 4-H Center is its role as the host facility for several 4-H summer camps. It serves “19 counties and localities within Northern Virginia,” said Ms. Tennant. Some of my own best memories stem from my time at 4-H camp. I grew up in Lake Front Royal, so it was pretty much right in my backyard. I went every summer for about 8 years, first as a camper then later as a counselor. Spending time at the NOVA 4-H Center inspired me to follow the 4-H mission and step up to become a leader. The staff and counselors made it so much fun and set an amazing example of how to be a kind, curious person. I still use the skills I learned and practiced there on a daily basis. Especially in my work as a Realtor®.
"The summer staff have always been the heart of the camp; they bring new life into the Center each summer and inspire campers to want to be like them. Our staff treats campers with respect and equip them to do things the campers never thought possible. [I'm] proud to come to work and be in a place that cares so much for the next generation."
- Reservations Specialist (and life-long 4-H'er) Chris N.
Ways to Get Involved!
The NOVA 4-H Center also is the host facility for many 4-H clubs and camp events for people of all ages. Each county/locality offers its own variety of club options. Check your individual community 4-H site for more information. The pool is open to the public over the summer. They offer swimming lessons for the community.
The NOVA 4-H Center is hosting the annual Fireworks event coming up on Friday, July 1st. Festivities kick off at 5:00 pm and music begins at 7:00 pm. The fireworks kick off at dusk around 9:15ish pm. The Fireworks bring out many service organizations and local small businesses as vendors. It's a huge hit every year. Don't miss out on the fun!
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