campers around campfire at sunset

A Jefferson County Lasting Treasure

Develop leadership skills while having the experience of a lifetime!

4-H Camp Wabasso

Lifelong Friendships and Memories are Built Here

4-H Camp Wabasso is a day and overnight summer camp in the Thousand Islands region, just outside of Redwood, NY — where youth ages 6–16 build confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories on the shores of Millsite Lake.

Register for the 2026 camp season!

Our Mission

4-H Camp Wabasso’s mission is to provide educational opportunities and hands-on activities in a safe and fun camp setting in the natural environment. Through these experiences, we aim for campers to:

  • Improve their knowledge in at least one activity or skill
  • Gain confidence in doing things on their own
  • Develop a stronger sense of responsibility
  • Make at least one new friend
Campers in front of camp wabasso clover
kids at camp doing tie dye

An Unforgettable Summer Awaits

4-H Camp Wabasso offers hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and opportunities for campers to grow, make friends, and create lifelong memories. Secure your spot below!

Explore our 2026 Camp Brochure to see all the excitement planned for the upcoming camp season and get a glimpse of the adventures that await.

Don’t forget to browse the Camp Handbook for FAQs, scheduling, and other important details to help campers and families prepare for a safe, fun, and memorable camp experience.

campers hiking in woods

Important Camp Information

The Children's Camps in New York State brochure provides an overview of the New York State Department of Health requirements for operating a children’s camp. It is designed for camp operators, staff, and parents to understand safety, health, and regulatory standards that ensure a safe and enjoyable camp experience for all children.

4-H Camp Wabasso is proud to be American Camp Association (ACA) accredited! This means we meet the highest national standards for health, safety, and program quality. ACA accreditation ensures that our facilities, staff training, and camp activities follow rigorous guidelines to provide a safe, fun, and enriching experience for every camper. Read more below!

campers kayaking

Support Camp

Each year, CCE Jefferson helps make 4-H Camp Wabasso accessible to all by providing scholarships. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, organizations, camp families, and community members, over 100 scholarships were awarded in 2025!

Any contribution, big or small, helps make 4-H Camp Wabasso a place of growth, fun, and lasting memories.

Looking for another way to support our campers? Check out our Amazon Wish List, filled with items that bring joy, learning, and adventure to every camper’s experience, or order from our online store - your one stop shop for all 4-H Camp Wabasso merch!

Camp Classes

Browse through our impressive and ever-growing selection of camp classes!

4-H Yoga and Mindfulness

Get your Zen on! Campers in this class will learn different yoga poses, play yoga games, participate in partner poses, practice breathing exercises, learn strategies for stress management, and make glitter jars. 

Minimum age 8.

Adventure Basics

Campers in this beginner adventure class will participate in a variety of games and fun group initiatives designed to develop trust, teamwork, and communication. 

Minimum age 8.

Archery Basics

No previous archery experience necessary! This beginner archery class will teach campers the parts of a recurve bow and arrow, archery safety, and campers will practice to develop their archery skills.

Minimum age 9.

Archery: Beyond the Basics

Campers will improve upon their aim and archery skills, while working on advance targets and competition games. Campers will also learn the parts of a compound bow.

Minimum age 10 and 1 year of camp archery experience. 

Arts and Crafts

Be creative in this traditional camp class! Make friendship bracelets, try your hand at beading, try leather crafting, and more! Every camper will have the opportunity to take several projects home. 

Open to all campers.

Camping and Backpacking

Learn essential skills for backpacking and hiking in the wilderness! Campers will participate in activities like pitching a tent, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and outdoor cooking. Campers will also be able to spend one night in a tent on the Nature Trail. 

Minimum age 12, or 11 and have taken Wilderness Survival previously.

Canoeing and Kayaking

All aboard! Campers in this class will learn the difference between types of canoe strokes and by the end of the week they will be able to glide effortlessly through the water!

Minimum age 8.

Fishing

Campers will learn how to prepare for and go fishing. From the basics of baiting a hook and casting a rod, to learning different kinds of fish and their habitats, this class offers a fun fishing experience for all ages! Camp will provide all equipment - no need to bring your own. 

Minimum age 8.

High Ropes

Campers will spend a part of each day on our High Ropes course. Campers will navigate through the Multi-vine Traverse, Postman's Walk and Pirate's Crossing, as well as go for a ride on the Giant Swing. Campers will also get to go on our new Flying Squirrel! 

Minimum age 12, or 11 and have taken ropes previously.

Junior-Counselor-In-Training

Campers in this program will spend time developing the skills necessary to become a counselor. Campers will shadow counselors, help lead activities, and develop their critical thinking and communication skills.

Minimum age 15.

Leader-in-Training

In this leadership class campers will start learning what it takes to become a counselor. Through fun, hands-on activities campers will develop necessary life skills such as communication, cooperation, teamwork and problem solving skills.

Minimum age 13, precursor to Junior-Counselor-in-Training.

Low Ropes Team Challenge

Camper focus on team-building and communication skills through the use of low ropes elements. Campers also learn spotting and safety techniques as they move through our low ropes course. New elements will be included this camp season.

Minimum age 10.

Nature Art

Get creative with Nature! Do nature themed crafts like leaf and flower pressing, leaf paintings, make pine cone bird feeders and more! Campers will get to take home multiple projects.

Open to all campers. 

Nature and Hiking

Campers in this class will learn the Leave No Trace principles through fun, hands-on activities and explore the nature trails at camp.

Open to all campers.

Paddle Boarding

Campers will learn the different parts of a paddle board and learn how to paddle in the sitting, kneeling and standing positions! By the end of the week campers will be able to paddle like a pro!

Minimum age 10.

Sports and Recreation

Come out and play! Campers will participate in sports such as lacrosse, kickball, soccer and volleyball! Campers will learn rules, sportsmanship and strategies for these sports. And just maybe we will have our new basketball court in place to try out!

Open to all campers.

Swimming

All campers at 4-H Camp Wabasso are automatically assigned a swim class for their week at camp. After camp registration, youth will take a swim test down at our beach and be placed into a Red Cross swim class. Youth will get a chance to advance their swim skills, spend time on our beautiful beach, and have FUN! 

Open to all campers.

Water Games

Come out and play in the water! Campers will play games such as Marco Polo, sharks and minnows, water volleyball and frisbee. Campers will have fun in Millsite Lake!

Minimum age 8.

Wilderness Survival

If you want to have fun and learn skills as you explore the outdoors, then this class is for you! Campers will learn how to build a fire, work together to build shelters, learn how to tie knots, and more!

Minimum age 10.

Wildlife Exploration

Through hands-on activities, campers in this class will learn about common plants and animals found at camp. Campers will also participate in fun games that teach them about habitats, adaptations, carrying capacity, and how animals interact with each other. 

Minimum age 8.

Why Families Choose Wabasso

At 4-H Camp Wabasso, campers unplug, explore, and grow. From archery and ropes challenge course to swimming and fishing, every day is packed with adventure and discovery

 

Campers stay in Adirondack-style cabins, enjoy meals in our modern dining hall, and are guided by trained, caring staff who prioritize safety and belonging.

Testimonials

"My boys LOVE Camp Wabasso and enjoy the friendships and experiences gained being there. They look forward to camp every year!" - camp parent

 

"My daughter loves camp, it is always the highlight of her summer, every time she leaves all she talks about is the next time, the friends she has made, the activities, mealtime, talent show, the nightly fire, songs she learns, swimming, archery, all of it" - camp parent

Joy & Friendship

99% of campers enjoyed being at camp!

96% of campers made new friends!

 

Belonging & Support

97% of campers felt adults care

97% felt it’s safe making mistakes

92% felt they belong at camp

 

Meet Your Camp Staff!

Sabrina Derue
Position: Camp Director

Years Worked at Camp: I’ve worked at camp for 5+ years!
Lisa Vaughn
Position: Camp Registrar
Years Worked at Camp: I’ve worked at camp for 5+ years!
Larry Tiller
Position: Camp Facilities Coordinator

Years Worked at Camp: I’ve worked at camp for 5+ years!

Join Our Camp Staff!

Are you ready for a summer of amazing experiences and memories that last a lifetime? We’re looking for responsible, enthusiastic, and spirited individuals who can serve as role models and mentors at camp. Working at 4-H Camp Wabasso is a beneficial experience. You will be contributing to many wonderful memories for our campers and helping our campers build valuable life skills, while also having the best summer ever and growing your own skills! 

Open Positions:

Fill out the application, today!

 

More Than a Summer Camp!

4-H Camp Wabasso isn’t just a summer camp for youth - it’s open year-round and offers off-season opportunities for everyone! Educational programming includes school field trips and adventure programs, while birthday parties bring fun and celebration to youth of all ages. Our facilities are also available for rent, making them ideal for a family getaway, team retreat, or any special occasion.

Programming Beyond Summer Camp

The Adventure Program is designed to build trust, teamwork, group dynamics, communication, and self-esteem in youth, teens, and adults. 

Programming consists of teambuilding initiatives and includes low and high ropes elements that challenge individual and group abilities. 

Programming is designed to meet the individual needs of each group. 

Packages: 

  • 4 hours: $25 per participant
  • 8 hours: $50 per participant 

*8 participant minimum.

*Program length can be modified.

4-H Camp Wabasso offers unique, specialized field trips and programs to youth groups year round. All programming is developed using 4-H research-based curricula. 

Programming examples include: hiking, wild edible identification, geocaching, environmental education, wilderness survival skills, STEM challenges, archery, and more! 

In the winter we offer snowshoeing, skiing, winter shelter building, tracking, and more! 

**Programming availability is dependent on group size, staffing, and weather. 

Cost: $15 per participant 

Fil out our online field trip request form and we will be in contact soon! 

Host your next birthday party (turning age 6+) at 4-H Camp Wabasso! Enjoy your heated dining facility (kitchen included) and the beautiful grounds of camp. Birthday parties included a guided 4-H activity, determined by your group. Options include hiking/snowshoeing, crafting, recreation, animal science, tie-dye, and more. 

Basic Package 

$300 includes:

  • Up to 20 participants ($5 per additional adult, $15 per additional youth)
  • Cupcakes (limited designs, will be determined with each group)
  • 2-hour birthday party (typically 1-3 PM, 2-4 PM, or 3-5 PM). Plus 1 hour of set-up time and 30 minutes of clean-up time.
  • One 45-minute guided 4-H activity for all youth ages 6+ 

*Birthday parties are customizable and final cost will be determined at party confirmation. Start your reservation for a camp birthday party today! 

Rent our facilities for your next event

Smaller groups may rent a portion of camp based on their needs.

Option 1- The entire facility, except the A-frame (Director’s Quarters) and Jordan Hall, can be rented for $750 per day. There is no specific check in or out time. 

Option 2 - There are 10 cabins at a cost of $100 per day, per cabin. Two of the cabins are fully insulated and heated and have a capacity of 12 people. Four of the cabins are fully insulated with real windows and doors, but are unheated, and have a capacity of 12 people. Four of the cabins are updated with real windows and doors, and have a capacity of 9 people. A minimum of two cabins must be rented. 

Option 3 - Hiawatha Dining Hall - A heated commercial kitchen and dining facility for up to 125 people at a cost of $350 per day. Two bathrooms (one with a shower) are also included in the facility. There is a walk-in cooler, a chest freezer, upright freezer, refrigerator, commercial dishwasher, six-burner range, grill, and double oven as well as pots, pans, plates, silverware, and other cooking utensils.

Option 4- Health Center (including bathhouse)- Insulated cabin with three bedrooms, living room, a bathroom and shower, and a kitchenette at a cost of $175 per day. Can sleep up to six people. 

Option 5 - Day-Only Rental for Community Organizations - Rent the 125 person dining hall, plus grounds, for a conference, training, or organizational retreat at a cost of $350 for use of the space, plus a staff member present. Maximum amount of people is 125. Use of the commercial kitchen is included.  

Option 6 - The entire facility, except the A-Frame (Director’s Cabin) and Jordan Hall, for Weddings. $1000 per day. We understand with rentals for weddings, groups need a little more support leading up to their event. This includes a staff member on site the day of the wedding as well as multiple visits to camp leading up to the wedding. 

Meals- Meals may be provided by camp, depending on availability of a cook. Prices vary, contact us for more information. 

Lifeguards- to have use of the waterfront, rental groups must have a certified lifeguard with a NYS Department of Health acceptable waterfront certification and CPR PRO certification. It is recommended that groups have one lifeguard per 25 people swimming. Lifeguards may be provided (subject to availability) for $30 per hour with a three hour minimum. Rental groups may use boats, but a lifeguard must be on duty. 

Insurance- The renter also needs to provide $1,000,000 in insurance; this is accomplished through a homeowner’s policy. No insurance is needed for groups that are only using the ropes courses.

Calling all Camp Alumni

We are looking for help building our alumni database and documenting our camp history!

Are you a:

  • Former camper?
  • Current or former camp parent?
  • Current or former camp staff?

Please consider filling out our short survey below with your camp memories. 

fall picture at camp wabasso looking over lake

Our Supporters in Driving Camp Success

Thank you to all of our 2025 donors!

Theresa Progress GroupSons of American Legion 586The Clipper InnAllen Giles Post 588Knowlton Technologies
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1757Dionne-Rumble VFW Post 7227Geraldine FinkAmerican Legion post 821 - Colon CouchArt’s Jug
Carthage Elks #1762Antwerp American Legion Post 916Rainbow Rod & Gun Club  
  • Bruce Armstrong
  • Donna Bibbins
  • Carmelita Britton
  • Corey Campbell
  • Kate Eves
  • Linda Garrett
  • Rick Hafemann
  • Erich Leonard
  • Mike Lumbis
  • Carl McLaughlin
  • Julia Robbins
  • Sherry Wilson