Jade Ellison shows off her Reverse Tie Dye shirt made this summer as Wood County 4-H members did camp virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG –Wood County 4-H Camps went virtual this summer due to COVID-19.

Campers were given a “Camp Fun Box” full of 4-H swag, camp class supplies, a t-shirt designed by 4-H’er Mallory Marks that claimed, “We Still Bleed Green in Quarantine!” and some DIY STEM kits. Every camper received a campfire pin for “keeping the spirit of camp alive in 2020.”

Officials thanked the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley and donations from 4-H clubs and individuals, which provided campers with all camp supplies and items at no charge.

Campers were given the opportunity to participate online in real time or watch the recording later. They also had written instructions in their camp fun boxes for each learning activity. Several camp classes were offered to youth, some of which included Healthy Cooking, Arts & Crafts, Recreation, Leadership, Dancing, STEM, Shooting Sports, and others. More than 125 youth signed up for the online camps.

Campers who completed six classes received a limited edition Headband commemorating what 4-H officials hope will be the only Virtual 4-H Camp in 2020. In addition to classes, campers had the opportunity to engage in service by helping to make plarn (plastic yarn) for mats for the homeless, as well as kindness cards and Happy Grams for front line workers and nursing home residents.

Jillian Riddle made Happy Grams to thank the front line healthcare workers during 4-H virtual camp this summer. (Photo Provided)

They had a special live visit from the WVU Mountaineer during the week and had the opportunity to ask questions. Campers also earned digital badges in the areas of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, the four areas of 4-H member development.

Wood County 4-H Younger/Older Camp Winners included: Kole Biddle, Isaac Blair, Remington Blair, Nathanael Blair, Emma Casto, Douglas Casto, Emma Daley, Katie Daley, Jade Ellison, Ali Evans, Cate Evans, Conner Forshey, Ambreia Griffith, Braydyn Griffith, Whitney Griffith, Owen Groves, Brayden Keeney, Cameron Knopp, Lucas Lewellyn, Jennessa Lewellyn, Mason Lewis, Collin Lewis, Makalyn Lewis, Miryan Lewis, Mallory Marks, Carter McLain, Camryn McLain, Laekyn McLaughlin, Mackenzie Moles, Kinley Nelson, Baylee Richards, Jayla Riddle, Jordan Riddle, Colorado Sampson, Cyleigh Sampson, Isaac Sheppard, Martin Sindledecker, Malachi Sindledecker, Anna Smith, Zachary Smith, Olivia Smith, Audrey Sundstrom, Lily Sundstrom, Josiah Swiger, Brayden Thompson, Morgan Wicker and Brie-Ann Young.

Wood County 4-H Cloverbud Winners included: Kenzy Biddle, Lillian Blair, Justin Donato, Zoey Gilmore, Cate McLain, Caroline Meeks, Landyn Moles, Alan Richards and Jillian Riddle.

Lucas and Jennessa Lewellyn made fruit smoothie smashers as local 4-Hers did camp projects from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo Provided)