The Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island, opened in 1947, is one of six 4-H centers in the state. Situated on six acres on a tidal creek surrounded by marsh, the camp operates year-round and can accommodate outside groups for reunions, conferences, meetings and more.
By the early 2000’s, time, weather and heavy use had taken a toll on the 57 year-old camp and extensive renovations were necessary to prevent the closure of the center. 4-H alumni and avid supporters, Bob and Maxine Burton immediately offered to help with a donation to the Georgia 4-H Foundation to help upgrade the center. Growing up, Maxine was involved in 4-H in Forsyth County and attended camp at Rock Eagle, Wahsega and Tybee Island. Bob attended camp at Rock Eagle, and as a University of Georgia student spent the summer of 1968 as a counselor at the Tybee Island camp.
In 2004, the University of Georgia, which operates the 4-H program through its College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, renamed the facility the Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island in recognition of the Burton’s generosity. Their gift, along with other contributions, helped pay for additional repairs and renovations. Electrical upgrades, new floors and wall coverings for cabins; renovation and expansion of the dining hall; and construction of a new staff house and improved teaching facilities and equipment for the environmental education program were made possible by these donations.
On November 1, 2021 the Burton 4-H Center on Tybee hosted an event to celebrate 75 years of Georgia 4-H programming on Tybee Island. A small number of speakers including Maxine and Bob Burton shared their thoughts on the history, future, and impact of the Burton 4-H Center. It was great to listen to how far back our reach goes and to be inspired about the future we have here impacting youth. Follow the link here to view a slide show of historic photos showing the property changes over the years.
9 Lewis Avenue
Tybee Island, GA 31328
Phone: (912) 786-5534 Fax: (912) 786-9814
Email: burton4h@uga.edu
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (working cooperatively with Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the counties of Georgia) offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status and is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action organization.