Families looking for hands-on summer learning opportunities can now explore the 2026 St. Johns County 4-H Summer Day Camp lineup, featuring programs in nature, cooking, sewing, quilting, gardening, animal science, archery, leather crafting, folklore and more.
Hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County 4-H Youth Development Program, the camps are designed to give children and teens the opportunity to build practical skills, explore new interests and learn in a fun, educational environment. Registration opens to the public for non-4-H members on March 30, with camp information and registration links available through the St. Johns County 4-H website under 4-H Events and Activities.
Non-4-H members are welcome to register, but all participants must be enrolled as youth participants in 4-H Online when signing up for camp. This allows camp leaders to collect health, contact and allergy information for each camper. Families should also note that 4-H age is determined by how old campers were on September 1, 2025, not their age at the time of camp, unless otherwise noted.
June 2026 Camps
Florida Youth Naturalist 4-H Camp
The Florida Youth Naturalist Program is designed for young nature enthusiasts who want to learn more about Florida’s environment. Campers ages 10 to 13 will explore Florida’s ecosystems, from uplands to freshwater habitats to the coast, through hands-on activities, journaling and field trips. Youth who complete all three ecosystem experiences will earn a Florida Youth Naturalist pin, certificate and backpack.
The camp includes three sessions: June 4 and 5 at the Wind Mitigation Building, June 17 and 18 at the Wind Mitigation Building, and June 23 and 24 at the St. Johns County Extension Office Auditorium. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $90 for all three sessions, and space is limited to 10 campers. Leaders are Julia Kelly and Sarah Tomlinson.
Beginning Sewing 4-H Camp
Beginning Sewing 4-H Camp is for youth who want to learn the art of sewing or refresh their sewing machine skills. It is also a prerequisite for those who want to join the 4-H Busy Bee Sewing Club in the fall or participate in 4-H Quilt Camp. Campers will receive high-quality sewing supplies and the materials needed to make an apron. They will learn how to read a pattern, identify parts of a sewing machine and properly use the machine to complete sewing projects. Campers will model what they have made during a Fashion Show for family and friends at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 12.
The camp takes place June 8 and June 10 through 12. Campers do not meet on June 9. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Johns County Extension Office Auditorium. The cost is $120, and the camp is open to ages 10 to 18. Space is limited to 12 campers. Leaders are Courtney Toelle and friends from the Piecemakers Quilt Guild.
Little Skeeters Cloverbud 4-H Camp
Little Skeeters Cloverbud 4-H Camp is a bug-themed summer camp for younger campers. Participants will learn how to catch and release bugs, make arts and crafts, and discover fun insect facts to share with friends and family. The camp takes place June 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wind Mitigation Building. The cost is $25, and the camp is open to ages 5 to 7. Space is limited to 12 campers. Leaders are Courtney Toelle, Ms. Rocky and team.
Hydroponic Adventure 4-H Camp
Hydroponic Adventure 4-H Camp gives youth the chance to build, grow and take home their own mini hydroponic system. Campers will learn about soil-free farming and how plants grow through hands-on activities from start to finish. Campers should bring a bag lunch. The camp takes place June 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Johns County Extension Office Auditorium. The cost is $50, and the camp is open to ages 8 to 15. Space is limited to 25 campers. Leaders are Jeet Ramjattan and Terra Freeman.
Animal Science 4-H Camp
Animal Science 4-H Camp is for campers interested in livestock and production animals. Participants will learn about cattle, horses, chickens and goats, as well as different phases of the animal industry. The camp also includes animal-related crafts and field trips to local farms where campers can see animals up close. Campers should bring a bag lunch each day. The camp takes place June 22 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wind Mitigation Building. The cost is $75, and the camp is open to ages 8 to 13. Space is limited to 13 campers. Leaders are Livestock Agent Tim Wilson and Kellie Anderson.
Grilling 4-H Camp
Grilling 4-H Camp is designed for youth who want to improve their grilling skills, whether they are brand-new to the grill or already have some experience. Campers will learn about preparing a charcoal grill, marinating, food safety, measuring internal temperatures and grilling techniques for pork and chicken. The camp also includes a tour of a local grilling hot spot, and lunch will be provided. The camp takes place June 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wind Mitigation Building. The cost is $75, and the camp is open to ages 11 to 18. Space is limited to 12 campers. Leaders are Livestock Agent Tim Wilson and Kellie Anderson.
July 2026 Camps
Leathercrafting 4-H Camp
Leather crafting 4-H Camp introduces participants to the basics of leatherworking through projects they can take home. Campers will learn about types of leather, leather working safety, terminology, cutting leather, setting rivets, smoothing sides and punching holes. One project will include making a belt. Youth who have a show buckle or another buckle that needs a new belt are encouraged to bring it so they can make their belt to fit that specific buckle.
The camp takes place July 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Johns County Extension Office Auditorium. The cost is $150, and the camp is open to ages 13 to 18. Space is limited to 10 campers. Leaders are Courtney Toelle and team.
Worm Whisperer 4-H Camp
Worm Whisperer 4-H Camp is all about red wigglers. The day will include science, art, games, food and maybe even a worm or two to eat — candy worms, of course. Campers should bring lunch, and snacks will be provided. Participants should wear sun protection, insect repellent, closed-toe shoes and play clothes. Water bottles and hats are recommended. The camp takes place July 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Johns County Extension Office Auditorium. The cost is $15, and the camp is open to ages 8 to 12. Space is limited to 12 campers. Leaders are Sarah Tomlinson and Master Gardener Volunteers.
Quilt 4-H Camp
Quilt 4-H Camp gives campers the opportunity to make their own quilt in one week. This popular camp covers quilting techniques including building blocks, adding borders, sandwiching a quilt, making a binding, creating a label and adding a sleeve. Each camper will also have the opportunity to enter their quilt into the QuiltFest Show, held September 17 through 19, 2026, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center in Jacksonville. Beginning Sewing 4-H Camp is a prerequisite for this camp, though Quilt Camp is not a prerequisite for the 4-H Busy Bee Sewing Club.
The camp takes place July 20 through 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Johns County Extension Office Auditorium. The cost is $65, and the camp is open to ages 10 to 18. Space is limited to 12 campers. Leaders are Courtney Toelle and friends from the Piecemakers Quilt Guild.
Introduction to Archery 4-H Camp
Introduction to Archery 4-H Camp is designed for youth who plan to join the Toxophily 4-H Archery Club in August 2026. In addition to attending camp, participants must show that they are focused, disciplined and able to follow directions to be eligible for the club. Campers must not have previously enrolled in this camp. Archers will have plenty of hands-on shooting time, and all equipment will be provided. For safety, the briefing begins at 9:10 a.m. If a child misses the safety briefing, they will not be allowed to shoot. Non-shooting activities will be held in the climate-controlled schoolhouse, and shooting will take place in the covered arena, rain or shine.
Families may choose one of two camp sessions: July 20 and 21 or July 22 and 23. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds, with drop-off at the School House. The cost is $75, and the camp is open to ages 8 to 18 as of July 20, 2026. Campers must not have graduated high school. Space is limited to 15 campers. Leaders are Kevin Kelly and team.
Science of Merengues & Macarons
Science of Merengues & Macarons combines chemistry and cooking for youth who are serious about learning. Campers will study the science behind meringue cookies and macarons through both classroom instruction and hands-on baking. Because successful macaron making requires trial, error and practice, this is considered an intermediate-level baking class. Youth with no cooking experience may still participate, but campers should be prepared for a focused learning environment. Participants will make meringue cookies and macarons in class and will also receive recipes and techniques for shells and fillings so they can continue experimenting at home.
The camp takes place July 27 and 28 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at the St. Johns County Extension Office Auditorium. The cost is $125, and the camp is open to ages 11 to 18. Space is limited to eight campers. Leaders are Shipra Panda and Sachin Mishra.
Florida Folklore 4-H Camp
Florida Folklore 4-H Camp invites campers to explore storytelling, mythology and local legends. Campers will learn how myths are created and may even discover a local legend along the way. Participants should bring a bag lunch. The camp takes place July 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Johns County Extension Office Auditorium. The cost is $15, and the camp is open to ages 8 to 13. Space is limited to 12 campers. Leaders are Sarah Tomlinson and Barbara Bailey.
Enchanted Container Gardens 4-H Camp
Enchanted Container Gardens 4-H Camp introduces campers to the magical world of enchanted gardening. Campers will first explore the on-site enchanted garden and participate in a scavenger hunt to find natural materials. They will then use succulent plants and gathered materials to create an original habitat to take home. The finished project may be a fairy habitat, dinosaur habitat or another imaginative garden creation.
The camp takes place July 30 and 31 from 9 a.m. to noon at the St. Johns County Extension Office Auditorium. The cost is $25, and the camp is open to ages 8 to 10. Space is limited to 10 campers. Leaders are Sarah Tomlinson and Patty Plourde.
Registration, Payment and Location Information
Camp registration information and links will be posted on the St. Johns County 4-H website. Families can visit the website, click on 4-H Events and Activities, and find the Summer Day Camp flyer under Events & Activities. Registration opens to the public on March 30.
Payment may be made by credit card through 4-H Online. A non-refundable processing fee applies to credit card payments. Families who wish to pay by check should contact the 4-H Office directly. Payment must be received by the 4-H Office within five days after registration or the registration will be canceled. Payment will not be accepted on the first day of camp.
Full refunds will be given if notice of cancellation is provided at least 14 days before the first day of camp. If payment is made by credit card, the processing fee is not refundable. Refunds do not include Clover Awards, which will be reimbursed in August after the parent has paid for camp and the youth has attended.
Campers should wear 4-H appropriate attire. Shirt straps must be at least two inches wide, and spaghetti straps, halter tops, muscle shirts, cut-off shirts and tube tops are not permitted. Shorts must be no more than four inches above the knee. Clothing should not include offensive or inappropriate language, graphics or logos, and shirts, pants or shorts should not have holes. Pajamas, low-cut pants and low-cut shirts are not permitted.
Closed-toe shoes are required. Campers should also bring bug spray, sunscreen, a water bottle and insect repellent. Some camps require campers to bring a bag lunch.
Most camps will be held at UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County facilities in St. Augustine. The St. Johns County Extension Office Auditorium is located at 3125 Agricultural Center Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32092. The Wind Mitigation Building is located at 3111 Agricultural Center Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32092. The St. Johns County Fairgrounds, where archery camp will be held, is located at 540 State Road 207, Elkton, FL 32033.
Families interested in joining a 4-H club can begin registration for the new 4-H year on August 1. A new club list will be posted on the St. Johns County 4-H website in July with club and project information. Youth must re-enroll every year in 4-H Online to join a club.
For questions about 2026 4-H Summer Day Camps, contact the St. Johns County 4-H Office at 904-209-0430, ext. 4777, or email Kellie Anderson at kelliecanderson@ufl.edu. The UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County 4-H Youth Development Program is located at 3125 Agricultural Center Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32092. Families can also follow St. Johns County 4-H on Facebook and Instagram.
More Info >> https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/stjohns/4-h-youth-development/
