All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Gov. Justice presents $60,000 check to help fund upgrades to Mason County 4-H Youth Camp

Gov Jim Justice
Gov Jim Justice

SOUTHSIDE, WV – Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice joined West Virginia Senate President Mitch Carmichael at a ceremony today, where the Governor awarded a check in the amount of $60,000 to jumpstart much-needed upgrades to the Mason County 4-H Youth Camp’s kitchen and dining facility.

Gov. Justice presented the ceremonial check to Mason County Commissioners Tracy Doolittle, Rick Handley, and Sam Nibert during today’s event at the campsite. The grant represents the final portion of funding needed to start renovation work.

“I don’t know what we can do, as government, that’s better stuff than doing this – it’s absolutely a no-brainer,” Gov. Justice said. “If we can ever help do something extra for people, I’m all in.”

Mason County 4-H is a youth development camp that provides a fun and safe environment for children to learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills by participating in various projects and services in areas like science, health, agriculture, civic engagement, and more.

“All of the stuff you’re doing is unbelievable,” Gov. Justice said. “You’re our state’s leaders to-be. And these great people, that are teaching you all the skills and all the stuff that you have, it is the very best.”

Fundraising efforts to improve the camp’s dining hall have been underway for several years, as the facility lacked the appropriate appliances and utilities to serve food in-house. Instead, meals were being prepared at the Point Pleasant High School cafeteria by school cooks before a van, provided by the county, would make the 40-mile round trip – twice per day – to deliver the food at the campsite.

In the long-term, the kitchen upgrades made possible by Gov. Justice’s grant award will save over $18,000 in food costs over the next three years, freeing up funding to improve camp programs and projects.

Upon completion of this renovation project, Mason County 4-H Youth Camp leaders plan to expand the program, making it available to children in Putnam, Jackson, and Cabell counties.

For nearly half-a-decade now, local organizations and groups have been pooling additional funds to make this improvement project possible. Prior to today’s announcement, approximately $165,000 in cash contributions had already been made by the Mason County Commission, Mason County Clerk, Mildred Jackson Foundation, 4-H Leaders Association, and individual community members through fundraisers.

The West Virginia National Guard and Mason County Commission have also provided another $60,000-worth of services to the campsite.

4-H is one of the largest youth development programs in the United States, involving more than 6.5 million young people and 540,000 youth and adult volunteers.

Besides 4-H programs, the Mason County campsite also hosts activities for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church camps, youth leadership camps, and other community groups.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.

Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur welcomes new members, new president for 2025-26

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur installed Sandi LaRosa as its new president for 2025-26 after a year marked by 1,500 service hours, significant membership growth, and numerous community grants.

Kyle and Judy Lane to celebrate 60th wedding anniversary this weekend

Kyle and Judy Lane will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a gathering at Kesling Mill Lions Club on June 21, inviting friends and family to join in marking the milestone.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital welcomes Valorie Richardson as surgical services manager

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has appointed Valorie Richardson, a veteran surgical nurse and leader, as Manager of Surgical Services, citing her extensive experience and dedication to patient-centered care.

Upshur Update: Catch up on the latest local news in our June 17, 2025 podcast

This week’s Upshur Update podcast covers a new school cellphone policy, a hospital leadership hire, local student achievements, a DUI arrest, community outreach for houseless residents, a job opening, and record attendance at the Strawberry Festival.

Mother, son both earn degrees from WVWC School of Nursing

Mother and son Valerie and Noah Jordan both graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College’s School of Nursing during Commencement Weekend, celebrating their shared family tradition and commitment to nursing education and leadership.
Upshur County Courthouse

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 17, 2025

This week’s local highlights include a scholarship for the Class of 2026, a free Soulful Energy Festival, temporary service changes at Fish Hawk Acres, and open youth soccer registration for the fall.

Celebrate the summer solstice with an evening paddle hosted by the Buckhannon River Watershed Association

The Buckhannon River Watershed Association is inviting the public to a free, all-level Summer Solstice paddle and ice cream social on June 21, promoting community and river stewardship along a gentle four-mile river stretch.

Robert John Taylor Jr.

Robert John Taylor Jr., a devoted family man, avid outdoorsman, dedicated professional, and beloved community member, passed away at 71, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, service, and resilience.