HORSESHOE – St. George, W.Va. – Children from across West Virginia broke free from the worries of current events to enjoy a week at Camp Horseshoe, a fun, safe, and supportive learning environment in the beautiful Monongahela National Forest.

Each July, Adventure and Governor’s Youth Opportunity Camps build teamwork, teach life skills, and promote healthy living.  Horseshoe helps 7-12 year old youth learn and practice social-emotional skills and prevent summer learning loss through fun, engaging outdoor activities that build confidence and character.

AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as camp counselors and high school students throughout the state help as volunteers. 

“These children are given the chance to smile, socialize, and enjoy a real routine full of love,” states Iris Kolenich, who is an AmeriCorps VISTA member, W.Va. Wesleyan student and WV National Guard member.

Camp Horseshoe has been providing summer camps and other youth development experiences since 1940. The camp is operated by the Ohio-West Virginia Youth Leadership Association and includes partnerships with the State of West Virginia, West Virginia Department of Education, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services, and many community and individual partners.

Horseshoe serves statewide and beyond.  For information call 304-478-2481, e-mail horseshoe@yla-youthleadership.org, or check out our web page at www.yla-youthleadership.org/programs/camp.

Attending from Upshur County July 4-10 was Emma Hardy and July 11-17 was Grayson Hoffman. Maggie O’Neill attended the week of July 18-24.