ACTIVITIES AT WILDERNESS CHALLENGE CAMP

Whitewater Rafting

Wahsega’s Wilderness Challenge campers will travel by charter bus to raft the world famous Ocoee River. This river in Tennessee has become the most popular whitewater rafting adventure in America, with over twenty continuous rapids for miles of endless fun and adventure.

High Ropes

Wilderness Challenge campers will have the opportunity to participate in Wahsega 4-H Center’s three high ropes challenges.  We offer zipline, flying squirrel, and climbing wall.

Wilderness Classes

Wilderness Challenge campers will learn skills to take with them on future adventures in classes developed by Georgia 4-H especially for Wilderness Challenge Camp such as fire building, campfire cooking,  shelters and knots, and wilderness first aid.

Waterfall Hike

Wahsega 4-H Center’s Wilderness Challenge campers hike to a beautiful waterfall in the Chattahoochee National Forest were they spend time swimming and playing in the falls.

Nighttime Recreation

When the sun goes down, the fun kicks up at Wilderness Challenge Camp. Nightly open recreation with our counselors: basketball, volleyball, ga ga ball, arts & crafts, board games, visit animals in the herpetology lab, 4-H line dancing in the rec hall, canteen for open souvenirs and snacks.

Wahsega Bear Hunt

They hide. Wilderness Challenge Campers seek.  The Wahsega counselors, also known as the Wahsega Bears, have some creative hiding spots around camp.  The last one left hidden wins the Wahsega Bear Hunt, all camp hide and seek game.

Pond and Falls Time

When you ask a Wilderness Challenge Camp camper their favorite part of camp, it’s not uncommon to hear pond and falls time.  Three out of their five days at Wahsega our Wilderness Challenge campers enjoy swimming in Pollywog Pond, playing in Ward Creek Falls, or both!

Making New Friends

All day, everyday at Wilderness Challenge Camp, our campers have the opportunity to make new friends with middle school aged youth from
across the state of Georgia in a very safe environment with
highly trained counselors and 4-H professionals always
providing good supervision.

Meal Time

You won’t leave Wilderness Challenge Camp hungry. There is always something good cooking in the Wahsega Dining Hall.  Meals are made to order for persons with food allergies, food sensitivities, food restricted diets or those who observe religious dietary restrictions. Communicate your dietary restrictions. Our dining hall takes pride in making sure your meal is prepared accordingly.

WILDERNESS CHALLENGE CAMP SCHEDULE 

MONDAY

1:00-3:00 Arrival & Check-in
Family group meeting, pond and falls swimming time, night recreation (line dancing in Rec Hall, arts & crafts, sports,  games with counselors, canteen open), family group campfire 

TUESDAY

Family group meeting, family group challenge class rotations (zip line, flying squirrel, climbing wall, food and fire, shelters and knots, wilderness survival, waterfall hike), pond and falls swimming time, bear hunt, night recreation.  

WEDNESDAY

Family group meeting, family group challenge class rotations (zip line, flying squirrel, climbing wall, food and fire, shelters and knots, wilderness survival, waterfall hike, pond and falls swimming time, bear hunt, night recreation.

THURSDAY

Whitewater rafting the Ocoee River in Tennessee.  Travel on a comfortable charter bus.  Evening cookout, night recreation, family group time, and campfire program

FRIDAY

Camp cleanup activities, load up luggage, closing assembly, slide show of the week.   

Depart about 10:00am. 

WHAT TO PACK FOR CAMP

CLOTHING & GEAR

• Shirts
• Shorts
• Underwear
• Socks
• Extra socks
• Swimsuit or swim trunks
• Jacket or sweatshirt (for cool mornings and nights)
• Rain jacket
• Sunglasses
• Hat

FOOTWEAR

• Sandals (sturdy sandals or crocs with a heel strap) or old tennis shoes that can get wet
• Tennis shoes or other comfortable shoes to keep dry and run around in

LINENS

• Sleeping bag (an inexpensive sleeping bag will work fine) or sheets & light blanket.  Our beds are twin-XL.
• Pillow and pillow case (pillows are not provided)
• Towels (for showering and after swimming)
• Wash cloth and hand towels
• Laundry bag or trash bag for wet clothes.  Be sure to label trash bags well.

TOILETRIES

• Shower caddy, basket, bag or toiletries kit to carry supplies to and from the bathhouse
• Soap and soap container
• Shampoo
• Toothbrush with protective holder
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Brush, comb and hair accessories
• Shaving supplies
• Feminine supplies
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent

HOW MEDICATIONS ARE HANDLED

Plan to turn in meds to your child’s 4-H leader before departure from the county on Monday morning.

• Prescription medications in their correct and unexpired bottles or packages
• Over-the-counter medications in correct and unexpired bottles or packages
• A zip-lock bag labeled with the camper’s name for their prescription and over the counter medication
• 4-H Medicine Form is required for all medicines.

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Wallet or purse
• Money for the Canteen (crisp $1 and $5 bills for drink machines. Our Coke machines will accept a card, our Canteen is cash or personal check only)
• Talent Show supplies to showcase your talent.
• Writing paper, stamps and envelopes (these items are not sold at Wahsega)
• Flashlights

PACKING TIPS

LABEL EVERYTHING

• Mark all clothing, shoes, luggage and other items with the camper’s
• Label trash bags used for dirty clothes because they can be confused with trash.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Pack a daily change of clothing at the at the minimum.  Extra outfits may be helpful.
• Shorts and T-shirts are Sleeveless shirts and tank tops are allowed (but see the Dress Code).
• Pack older clothes that can get wet or muddy, not nice new clothes.
• Pack a few plastic bags for dirty clothes and shoes.
• Pack shorts that extend at least to mid-thigh for the high-ropes.

ABOUT WET CLOTHES

• Clothes will get wet, so pack extra socks and underwear – more than you would normally.
• Blisters are a common occurance when wearing wet shoes and socks. Encourage campers to wear dry socks and shoes to prevent blisters.
• Wearing wet shorts and underwear will cause a painful rashes. Educate your child about this.

ABOUT SHOES

• Pack at least two pairs of shoes, one to keep dry, one to get wet.
• Comfortable shoes or sandals are a must.   Don’t take new shoes or sandals to camp.
• Closed-toe shoes are required for the high-ropes.
• Comfortable sandals with heel straps or crocs are okay if the heel strap is worn on the heel.
• Pack shoes to keep dry (tennis shoes for running around, hiking, climbing, and other times).
• Pack shoes that can get wet ( water shoes, or sturdy sandals with a heel strap)
• Flip flops and slides  are not allowed except for showering.
• Footwear (not flip flops) is required when wading in the creek or playing in the waterfall.

DRESS CODE

Dress modestly. Campers wearing clothes deemed inappropriate by chaperones will be asked to change. Here are some guidelines:

• Revealing shorts, pants, and sleep pants or boxer shorts worn on the outside are not
• Underwear must be worn and must not be visible.   Briefs, boxers and bras are underwear.
• Sagging is not allowed.
• Clothing with advertising that encourages breaking the 4-H Code of Conduct is not allowed.
• Halter tops, backless shirts, ripped T-shirts, one-shoulder tops, spaghetti straps, visible midriffs and other shirts or tops that are not modest won’t be allowed.
• When swimming, girls should wear a one piece or a tankin A bikini is not acceptable at camp.
• Girls may choose to wear a dark colored T-shirt cover-up, swim trunks or modest cut-offs.
• Boys swimsuits should be shorts, swim trunks, board shorts or cut-offs; not boxers or swim briefs.

WHAT NOT TO PACK

• No knives, firearms, fireworks or any other dangerous These items will be confiscated.
• No valuable jewelry, large amounts of money, expensive phones or We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• No personal food and snacks unless prearranged for dietary needs (no snacks in the cabins)
• No prescription medications kept with a camper.  Meds must be turned in to the 4-H leaders.
• No alcohol, tobacco, matches, lighters or anything else that breaks the Georgia 4-H Code of Conduct.

CELL PHONE POLICY

Junior level 4-H’ers may bring cell phones to 4-H events and camps, and the phones may remain in their possession, but must be put away during scheduled activities and at lights out. Cell phones may be confiscated and returned at the end of the event if their possession or use, such as sending or receiving calls or text messages or using head phones, is determined to
be disruptive to the event experience. Cell phone service is very limited at the Wahsega 4-H Center so your child probably will not have cell phone service and will not have access to WiFi. Also, charging outlets are very limited in cabins.

VALUABLES AT CAMP

Please do not allow children to take expensive or valuable items or electronics to camp. Youth often bring some spending money to camp to use in the canteen. They should keep this money in their pocket or hidden in their suitcase in the cabin.

LOST AND FOUND

We will attempt to return items while your child is still at camp. Remind your child to be responsible for their own property. Please label all items with a permanent marker for easy identification.  While at camp lost and found items are placed on the crosstie wall around the basketball court or in a bin in the rec hall.   Call immediately if you discover that your child’s belongings are missing. The more time that passes, the less likely it will be found. We are not responsible for property that is lost, stolen, damaged or left behind.

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES FOR CHAPERONES

Some adults are comfortable traveling light and others aren’t. Experienced chaperones can anticipate camp but people new to this may not, so here is a big list of some of the items that adult leaders may want to include in their luggage.

• Folding lawn chair
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Air freshener
• Small cooler (we have ice available in the Dining Hall)
• Hats
• Sunglasses
• Book to read
• Flip flops for the shower
• Alarm clock
• Electronic device cords and wall adapter (for computer, iPod, iPad, Kindle, cell phone, )
• Batteries
• Flashlight
• Personal fan
• Extension cord
• Clip on book reading light
• Small folding TV tray table to serve as a bedside table
• Writing pen or Sharpie
• Variety of shoes and sandals
• Extra towels
• Soft drinks (only caffeine-free drinks are sold in the vending machine at Wahsega, the canteen offers caffeinated Coke and Diet Coke)
• Snacks (not allowed in cabin, they will attract mice and ants, but can be kept in Pavilion 4)
• Beach towels
• Cash or checks for souvenirs, snacks and (We aren’t set up to take credit cards.)

CAMP RULES

Each camper signs the 4-H Code of Conduct. Campers should understand the rules. Failure to adhere to the rules will result in disciplinary action.These rules are worded positively. We believe positive statements help us advance a vision for what we want to happen. We expect campers to show a great deal of responsibility for themselves, their behavior and their property. Both emotional and physical aggression is cause for discipline. Campers may not exert force against anyone or harm or threaten them nor may they take or damage anyone’s property including the 4-H center’s property.

1. Respect everyone – their body, their space, their property and their emotions
2. Be respectful to all adult leaders and counselors—they are in charge to keep you safe and unsure everyone has a fun time—do what they say
3. If you are having a problem with another camper tell an adult leader—they are here to help you
4. Respect other living creatures including plants, snakes and other wildlife
5. You may pick up rocks and look at them, then place them back on the ground
6. Wear shoes or sandals at all times except when swimming in the pond or showering
7. Wear shoes or sandals while wading in the creek or playing in the waterfalls
8. Sleep on pillows rather than fight with them
9. Store and eat food outside of the cabin.  Food inside the cabin attracts ants and mice.
10. Be waiting at the Dining Hall when the KP bell rings if it’s your turn to be on KP
11. When the bell rings, hurry to where you are expected to be
12. Leave chewing gum at home
13. Only go into your own cabin rather than other people’s cabins
14. Keep your money with you rather than leaving it in your cabin
15. Throw all trash in trashcans and cans and bottles into recycling
16. Dress modestly
17. Leave electronic devices at home or in your cabin
18. Coffee served in the dining hall is for adults only
19. Phones are only for adult use

DISCIPLINING MISBEHAVIOR AT CAMP

Georgia 4-H policy states that no corporal or physical punishment is allowed. We will correct minor misbehavior by having a child take an immediate time out. Continued misbehavior may result in the camper being assigned additional cleaning duties.

CALLS ABOUT  MISBEHAVIOR

It is rare to send a child home from camp for misbehavior, but it does happen. We will work with you to help your child be a successful camper.  Behavioral reasons causing dismisal from camp include but are not limited to:

• Refusal to comply with the Georgia 4-H Code of Conduct
• Behavior that endangers other campers or staff
• A persistent pattern of recurring misbehavior
• Physical, verbal or psychological bullying
• Instigating social drama and interpersonal conflict
• Sexually explicit or suggestive language or behavior

There are times, due to violating the Georgia 4-H code of conduct, that we have to call law enforcement. If this happens we will also call you and keep you fully informed of what is happening.  This is Georgia 4-H Policy.  Examples of some misbehaviors that trigger calling law enforcement are hitting or seriously threatening another camper or inappropriate sexual behavior.  Our goal is always to make Georgia 4-H events, including summer camp, a very safe place for all children to be.

DAMAGE TO THE FACILITY

Occasionally, children cause minor unintentional damage for which you are responsible even though the damage was an accident. We will work with you to address incidents that result in damage fees whether they are intentional or unintentional.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT WILDERNESS CHALLENGE CAMP

Expect a Challenging Adventure

Everyone should expect to participate in the challenging adventure programming of Wilderness Challenge Camp. Classes are more advanced and active. The high ropes elements and rafting on the Ocoee River is for everyone!  No one should expect to sit out of any activities.

Expect Old-Fashioned Summer Camp Cabins

Wahsega’s cabins were built in the 1930’s by the CCC and provide a true camp experience.  Most of our cabins are a single large room of twin xl bunk beds. Each camper has their own bed. Each cabin has a window unit air conditioner.

Expect Bathhouses

There are separate girls and boys bathhouses with separate individual shower and toilet stalls. Campers carry their toiletries to the bathhouse. A cabin group is assigned to clean the bathhouse each day.

Expect Campers to Serve on KP

(Kitchen Patrol) KP is where campers are asked to clean tables, mop and sweep the dining room.  A Dining Hall staff member leads campers in KP.

Expect Great Food!

Wahsega serves three meals per day cafeteria style.  There will only be one main entree and about two sides and a drink.  We design our menu carefully to serve food that children will enjoy eating. If campers have food allergies, observe religious dietary restrictions or have other special dietary needs, let your county 4-H leader know. We are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions.  Let your child know that even if they don’t like the food served it’s important to eat it because they will be active all day and there are no other snacks served.  At times the canteen will be open which does sell snacks like chips, candy or freeze pops.  A sample menu is posted on our Dining Services page.

Expect Campers to Drink Lots of Water

Please stress the importance of drinking water to campers. The weather will be hot and we will be outside all day. We have a hydration station near the basketball court with water and Gatorade.

Expect Campers to Behave

Each camper signs the 4-H Code of Conduct. Campers should understand the rules. Failure to adhere to
the rules will result in disciplinary action.
Expect chaperones to discipline appropriately
Georgia 4-H policy states that no corporal or physical punishment is allowed. We will correct minor
misbehavior by having a child take an immediate time out.

Expect All Camp Program Expenses to be Covered

There are no additional or optional activities that cost extra money. For example, there are no optional
arts & crafts or optional water activities that cost extra money. Only snacks and souvenirs cost extra.

Pick up and Drop off Times

Drop off is MONDAY 1:00p.m-3:00 p.m

Pick up is FRIDAY 10:00AM

Map to Wahsega 4-H Center

STOP: Use Our Directions

GPS, smartphone map apps and online maps provide directions that are not accessible to buses. These navigation options select the route with the shortest distance to camp. The shortest route into Wahsega travels down rough winding forest service dirt road. Use the driving directions that we provide here . The best routes to Wahsega 4-H Center will always include traveling the entire length of Camp Wahsega Road. Please communicate this to your bus company or school bus drivers and individuals driving their personal vehicles to camp.

Our General Location

Wahsega 4-H Center is 12 miles north of Dahlonega on Forest Service Rd. 28, one mile from the end of Camp Wahsega Road and the entrance to the Army Ranger Training Facility. We are in the Ward Creek valley on property owned by the University of Georgia in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Directions from the Atlanta area

• You will need to travel north on GA 400 out of Atlanta.
• GA 400 ends near Dahlonega at GA HWY 60 where the highway becomes a 2-lane road.
• Go to the end of GA 400, which is 53 miles from the exit off I-85.
• Take a LEFT onto Highway 60 toward Dahlonega at the end of GA 400. If you pass the Home Depot on your left and the road becomes 2 lanes, you have missed the left turn.
• Skip to Step #1 in the Directions Continued section below.

Directions from the Athens area

• You will need to travel north.
• Take US 129/Jefferson Hwy/Pierce Avenue north out of Athens.
• In Gainesville, cross Jesse Jewel Pkwy and stay on GA 60.
• Go 15.5 miles from Jesse Jewel Pkwy to where GA 60 crosses the end of GA 400.
• Skip to Step #1 in the Directions Continued section below.

Directions from other areas

• Use GPS, online maps, or a Georgia map to go to the intersection of East Main Street (GA 60/GA 52/U.S. 19) and Morrison Moore Parkway (GA 60/GA 52/GA 9/U.S. 19) in Dahlonega.
• If you use GPS or online maps to find it, the address of a Walgreens  at this intersection is 566 East Main Street.
• Skip to Step #4 in the Directions Continued section below.

Directions Continued

1. Go north toward Dahlonega for 5.4 miles from the end of GA 400 to the first traffic light.
2. Turn RIGHT at the traffic light onto Morrison Moore Parkway (GA 60/GA 52/GA 9/U.S. 19).
3. Continue through the 1st traffic light to the 2nd traffic light. Prepare to turn LEFT on East Main St.
4. Turn onto East Main St. toward downtown Dahlonega. Walgreens is on the corner at this intersection across from the entrance to the Walmart shopping center and Consolidated Gold Mine.
5. Go to the traffic light and turn RIGHT on North Grove Street. Pueblo’s Restaurant is on the corner.
6. Go 2.2 miles on N. Grove St. Watch for signs to Camp Frank D. Merrill and Wahsega 4-H Center.
7. Turn LEFT onto Camp Wahsega Rd. and go 8.5 miles to Frank D. Merrill Army Ranger Camp.
8. Curve around the barricades and pull up to the stop sign across from the military check point.
9. Turn LEFT on Forest Rd. 28-1 (Hightower Church Rd) . After 100 feet of pavement, this road is gravel. Continue 1 mile.
10. Turn LEFT into Wahsega 4-H Center. The driveway is named Cloverleaf Trail.

Emergency Contact Information

In the case of a family emergency, please call your local Extension office during office hours. The Extension office staff can help you determine who to talk to at camp and what to do next.  After office hours, call our main office number and listen to the greeting for further information at 706-864-2050.

Medication at Camp

PRESCRIPTION MEDS – If your child is taking prescription medication during camp, complete a Medication Summary form for the county 4-H office, which describes the medication, storage procedures, time and amount of dose. It’s very important that we know if your child takes prescription medication for allergies, ADD, ADHD, asthma or anything else. These medications affect behavior and we want to make sure they get their medication on time daily.

OTC MEDS – The 4-H office has to have approval to give your child over-the-counter medication as well as prescription medication, so OTC medication needs to be on the Medication Summary as well.

Insurance Information

Complete the Medical Information and Release Form and a 4-H Code of Conduct Form. In case of an emergency, your child will be taken to an appropriate doctor or hospital. A person from your county will talk to you before taking your child to a doctor. In an emergency, you will be notified if your child is taken to the hospital.

If parents need to call Wahsega

Expect to:

• Have messages delivered on the same day.
• Leave a voice mail when calling after business hours.
• Call the county Extension office to find out if the county has arrived safely at camp.
• Call the county Extension office first to check on a child or talk to a child during the week.