The weather is still cold outside, but now is the time for parents to sign up their kids for summer camp with Surry County 4-H .

This summer, Surry County 4-H will travel to Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center in Reidsville for summer camp. The camp will take place from June 13 through 18, but those interested need to sign up and pay a $75 deposit by Feb. 1.

The camping opportunity is open to youth ages 8 to 14. Teresa Wilkins, Surry County 4-H extension agent, said you don’t have to be a 4-H member to attend. Campers from surrounding counties will also attend the camp with Surry County.

At Besty-Jeff Penn, kids will be grouped according to age so they can participate in age-appropriate activities. Traditional campers are ages 8 to 12, and trekker campers are ages 13 to 14.

During the weeklong camp youth will get the opportunity to swim, canoe, work on crafts, learn about nature, explore outdoor living skills, tackle ropes courses, learn about different cultures, create campfire programs share skits and talents, and learn games and dances.

“It’s a great place to go ... It’s great fellowship, and they always bond with their counselors,” said Wilkins.

Transportation to and from the camp will be provided for the campers. The bus leaves from Dobson.

The cost for traditional age campers is $250, and the cost is $270 for trekker campers. Wilkins said this a reduced fee from the regular Betsy-Jeff Penn price. Surry County 4-H was able to offset some of the costs through fundraising. The cost of camp covers transportation, lodging meals, all activities, a camp store card that campers can use to buy snacks and goodies, and a camp t-shirt.

A non-refundable deposit must be received by Feb. 1 to ensure a spot on the camp roster. Surry County 4-H must give its list of campers to the camp then.

Wilkins likes to do a one-on-one meeting with parents before the camp to talk over things such as transportation, things to pack, and paperwork.

“It helps parents feel more at ease,” Wilkins explained.

4-H camps also usually hold open houses so families can get a taste of what the camps are like.

At Betsy-Jeff Penn, there are two counselors per cabin, and Surry County 4-H also sends along at least one staff member. There also are other teachers and volunteers at camp. Wilkins said that parents who are interested in going as a chaperone can contact her for more information.

“No child is ever left alone, and we use the buddy system,” Wilkins assured.

The 4-H agent said that summer camp is an eye-opening experience for youth who are interested in joining 4-H. Those already in 4-H get the benefit of participating in a variety of activities and hanging out with their friends.

Wilkins has been to Betsy-Jeff Penn several times. She said, “They’re a great staff ... The kids had a great time.”

Betsy-Jeff Penn is one of four active 4-H camps in North Carolina. 4-H centers are among the 25 percent of youth camps nationwide that have received accreditation from the American Camp Association.

Surry County 4-H encourages anyone to call with questions about the camp or 4-H. For more information about attending Betsy-Jeff Penn with Surry County 4-H, call the cooperative extension office at 401-8025. To learn more about Betsy-Jeff Penn, visit http://bjpenn4h.org/.