Camp Barbour, a West Virginia University Extension 4-H camp in Barbour County, has received a significant boost with the donation of 52 complete bed sets valued at $33,000. The sets include mattresses, headboards, footboards and bed frames. The generous donation came from Battlers Knob LLC, a rental space company that has taken over the old campus of Alderson Broaddus University.
The beds at Camp Barbour had been in use since the 1960s, and this donation marks a considerable upgrade. The donated items were previously dorm furniture at Alderson Broaddus University.
“When I first saw the value of these items, I was shocked,” Jody Carpenter, WVU Extension agent in Barbour County, said. “To have someone so invested in youth development in Barbour County and not mind the value or price tag is unmatched. With this donation from Craig Phillips, who bought the Alderson Broaddus University campus, and the other businesses his family has brought to the county, it is all to help young people foster healthy relationships and steer them in a better direction.”
Female campers already had the chance to experience the new beds this summer. However, upgrades are needed in the male dorms to ensure the longevity of the beds before they can be used, as explained by Carpenter.
Barbour County 4-H has been striving to restore its numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic, and community support like this is crucial for the program’s success, Carpenter noted.
“Battlers Knob is committed to the youth in Barbour County and surrounding counties,” said Cherri Sturm, property manager of Battlers Knob. “We believe 4-H is a very important part of children growing up. We also think that the 4-H camp provides opportunities for youth not only associated with 4-H, and we felt that this was a great way for us to help.”
The Phillips family has a long history of supporting the Barbour County 4-H program and other youth organizations in the county. The family has purchased animals from youth livestock sales, supported the land judging team for national competitions and contributed to the Salvation Army bell ringing when 4-H clubs are volunteering, Carpenter explained.
“This donation is a tremendous upgrade for Camp Barbour,” Carpenter said. “We are forever grateful, and the effects of this donation will be felt for a while. The Phillips family truly wants the best for the youth of Barbour County.”
For more information about investing in the future of WVU Extension 4-H or other programs, contact Lauren Seiler, director for development, at 304-293-5692 or via email at Lauren.Seiler@mail.wvu.edu.
To learn more about 4-H activities in your community and keep up with the latest in West Virginia 4-H news, follow @WestVirginia4H on Facebook and @wv_4h on Instagram.
For more information about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
