North Carolina 4-H Camps are excited to announce that we have been selected as a grantee in the American Camp Association’s Character at Camp Grant Program, a competitive national initiative supported by Lilly Endowment Inc. The program is designed to strengthen character development in camp settings and highlight camps as impactful environments for youth growth.
Through the Character at Camp initiative, the American Camp Association partners with camps across the country to intentionally support the development of key character strengths in children and young people. As a grantee, NC 4-H Camps will further enhance our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that
promote belonging, leadership, and personal growth for campers and staff.
"We are honored to be selected by the American Camp Association as a Character at Camp grantee. This grant supports our commitment to developing confident leaders who value teamwork, character and respect for others. Our camps provide places where young people grow, connect, and learn to contribute positively to their communities. With this support, we will extend that impact to more youth and strengthen the lasting benefits of the camp experience for all," said Tory Lukasina, NC 4-H Camping Specialist.
During the three-year grant term starting now in 2026 and running through December of 2028, NC 4-H Camps will work across our camping system to enhance and expand our Leader-in-Training (LIT) program for youth ages 15 to 17. Millstone 4-H Camp will pilot our enhanced program during the summer of 2026.
Program enhancements will include new training and curriculum focused on leadership and skill development, preparing young people to lead and succeed in the camping industry and beyond. The program will introduce two new progression tiers that support competency building and leadership growth, while also providing paid Junior Counselor positions at all three 4-H camps.
