Story of the Development of The Frederick County 4-H Camp and Activities Center

1977-2008

31 Years of Progress 

In the late summer of 1964, David Eigenbrode, a 4-H Extension Agent in our County at the time, called a few 4-H club local leaders together and suggested,” Why not a Frederick County 4-H Camp?”  In prior years, parents ahead transported their 4-Her’s to far off Garrett County to conservation camp.  In later years there had been uncertainly in planning for a 4-H program at state owned Camp Misty Mount and Greentop.  When Eigenbrode moved on to accept a state position with 4-H, the idea laid dormant until 1974 when 4-H Extension Agent Dan Braucher called some of the same 4-H local leaders together and suggested again, “why not a Frederick 4-H Camp” if we are to continue camping as an important part of the 4-H program?  Originally, we had visualized the gift of a parcel of land that might be suitable, but as county land became more valuable and with more being earmarked for development, we knew we would need to seek out and purchase a suitable site, if a Frederick County 4-H Camp WAS TO BE REALITY!

Under the leadership of Charles C. Smith, who later became the president, Articles of incorporation were obtained for the Frederick County 4-H Camp Center, in December 1978, After several set backs in the search for suitable land, Mr. And Mrs. Joe Biser offered 70 acres with a generous financial arrangement, the land we now own.  In late summer of 1978 we began cutting trees for the roadway and campsite.  We then had Bittle Brothers remove the stumps, grade and stone the driveway.

In the spring of 1981, Ausherman Construction built four cabins at a cost of $103,108, with $75,000 from the University of Maryland.  We then needed to have water and sewer. Easterday Well Drilling was approached to drill a free well, which they agreed to, if Earl Nicholson and Charles Smith would help out if there were problems.  They drilled 7 holes before getting water. We settled by giving them a steer, no cost to the camp.

In 1981 we hired Mr. Harry Allen as caretaker, he had his own mobile home and we prepared the site, we began to feel the need for a large Multipurpose Building.  It also became apparent we needed to raise more money; with Bill Kepler as president a capital fund drive was organized with Sterling Bolinger chairman, and Buck Gladhill as honorary chairman.  The drive was launched March 10,1982 and in September of 1982, a 70x90’ Butler metal building was constructed as a conference center, housing the Kitchen, dining room, meeting rooms and rest rooms.  The building open the summer of 1983, Buck Gladhill was the general contractor and at the same time Southern States donated a 30x 40 picnic pavilion.

Mr. Allen was moving his mobile home, which meant we needed a home for the caretaker. We purchased and installed a used mobile home for the caretaker.

In the late 1980’s there was a committee given authority to build a                     swimming pool and pool house if they raised the money, they had the pool built and paid for it with fundraisers.

We again felt the need for many improvements such as air conditioning, black top driveway, parking lot, addition to pavilion. Lighting of driveway and some kitchen equipment.  Under the leadership of Lester Dudrow we organized another capital fund drive and were successful in raising more than we projected.

In 1995 the mobile home needed a lot of repair and we purchased a modular home and placed it on the site.  The home was paid for with money received from a 4-H supporter’s estate.

A memorial from the Lester Dudrow family was given to create a memorial garden and vesper area, which is located in the woods in front of the cabins.

A parcel of land, containing 17 acres, joining our land to the south was for sale.  This land was landlocked and we wanted control.  Establishing a ½ acre club by selling memberships to the club, and raised enough to pay for it in a very short time.

Our tractor was in bad condition and seeing a need for a tractor and loader for the camp center.  After much searching we were offered a Hesston four- wheel drive 45 hp tractor at a good price and bought a loader for it.  Again we established a tractor club and sold memberships to the club and again raised more money than the tractor cost.  This is an example of the interest and concern so many, many friends of 4-H have demonstrated during the building of this 4-H Camp Center.

VOLUNTEERS- the very foundation of the 4-H Club Program have been, and will continue to be, a very valuable asset to the on-going development of this Frederick County 4-H Camp Center.  From the food that was prepared and given to the men and women clearing out the first trees, to the fundraisers, to cleaning up and preparing today’s annual meeting, the volunteers are the key.  Often times there have been two and three generations of 4-H families working together at the camp center.  So the 4-H members and Volunteers leaders can rightfully be proud of this Frederick County 4-H Camp Canter, one of the finest facilities of the type in the area, and debt free.

We can look forward to enjoying it for many years to come and to opening it’s doors that others can also share in the enjoyment of the facilities in the picturesque setting.  To each of you who have helped in any way.

Charles and Jane Smith