Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center announces new director

The new 4-H Center Director, Jeremy Stanford. Photo/Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center

Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Board of Directors of Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center, located in Front Royal, Virginia, are pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy Stanford as the new 4-H Center Director. As Center Director, Jeremy will be responsible for overall leadership of the Center to include operational management, resource development, and strategic planning to enhance the 4-H Center’s portfolio of local and regional camps, youth and adult educational programming, and other conferencing and meeting services.

Jeremy comes to the 4-H Center via Charlotte, NC, where he most recently served as Associate Executive Director at YMCA Camp Thunderbird. Jeremy has over ten years of experience in camp and retreat center leadership. Prior to working for the YMCA camp, Jeremy worked for the Camp and Retreat Ministry of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Very early in his career, he also worked for Ohio State University Extension as a Watershed Coordinator and Interim County Camp Director.

Jeremy’s career in camping has allowed him to leverage his strengths as a problem-solver, facilitator, strategist, maximizer, and amateur historian. He will be joined in his move to Front Royal by his wife, Aurelia, and their three children where they will be living on-site at the 4-H Center.

Tobin Smith, President of the 4-H Center’s Board of Directors notes that: “We are very excited to have Jeremy coming on board at the 4-H Center. He has extensive experience in camp and retreat management, facility operations, and in designing, implementing and managing both youth and adult educational leadership and development programs. He also possesses a strong understanding of the importance of developing a strong connection between the 4-H Center and the local community which is a top priority for the 4-H Center Board.”

Jeremy Johnson, State 4-H Leader with Virginia Cooperative Extension shares that “4-H was founded on the belief that when kids are empowered and supported to pursue their passions, they become true leaders in their lives, careers, and communities. Mr. Stanford’s positive history of success as a camping professional and leader will provide support the mission of 4-H through camping at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center.”

The Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization with a mission to facilitate experiential learning programs for youth, families, and adults. Since 1981, the 4-H Center has offered year-round, research-based programming to the youth and families of Northern Virginia. In addition to nine weeks of summer 4-H camp, the Center offers a full range of day and overnight camps, environmental education and team-building programs, and conference and meeting facilities and services. The 4-H Center provides meals and lodging for campers and adult guests, as well as access to the Appalachian trail, a challenge course, outdoor pool, pond fishing, sports fields, and horse stables.