About Hidden Valley 4-H Camp

Hidden Valley 4-H Camp is open to all youth ages 6-16, without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin. Campers do NOT need to be 4-H members to attend. Campers make new friends and increase their knowledge of their own capacities and abilities.

How does Camp make a difference in the life of a child? Parents, counselors and campers all know from first-hand experience the positive developmental impacts of Camp. Research backs up these anecdotes. It indicates that a camping experience based on positive youth development (such as 4-H) and the process of skill building, and mastery can support positive decision-making, perseverance and the development of new relationships and social skills. A 2005 Oregon study of residential 4-H camps yielded evidence that campers learned how to cooperate better, work with others on a team, work through disagreements and talk more effectively with other people. The same study found that campers were more likely to find new things that they liked to do at Camp, and this success led them to want to try other activities.

Do you know a child or youth who would benefit from a Camp experience? Give us a try!

History of the Camp

Hidden Valley 4-H Camp has been in operation since 1945, run by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler. When the Civilian Conservation Corps program concluded, Schuyler County 4-H families and volunteers ensured that the property was available for New York State Parks to purchase. Through a longstanding Memorandum of Use with New York State Parks, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County has been able to host the camp every summer. Generations of young people have laughed, learned, and built strong bonds with their peers, thanks to Hidden Valley 4-H Camp.

The property is owned by New York State Parks, and when camp is not in session, it is available for other activities. If you are looking to rent the property for an event, please contact Watkins Glen State Park at (607) 535-4511.

Last updated February 9, 2023