Elkwater in Randolph County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Camp Good Luck

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 4, 2025

1. Camp Good Luck Marker

Inscription.
The first 4-H camp in the world was held one half mile due east of this site by it's founder.

J. Versus Shipman, Randolph County Agric'l Agent July 29,30,31, 1915.

The purpose of this 4-H camp was to provide a directed vacation for rural boys and girls and to teach them better practices in agriculture and home economics.

Erected 1940 by The 4-H Council and Farm Women's Bureau both of Randolph County.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the 4-H Youth Program series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 29, 1915.

Location. 38° 38.201′ N, 80° 0.512′ W. Marker is in Elkwater, West Virginia, in Randolph County. It is on Bell Crouch Road (County Route 56) 0.2 miles south of Seneca Trail (U.S. 219), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 174 Bell Crouch Road, Valley Head WV 26294, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

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specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fort Marrow (approx. 0.8 miles away); Elkwater / Col. J. A. Washington (approx. 1.1 miles away); Camp Elkwater (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Conley Graves (approx. 4.4 miles away); Old Brick Church (approx. 4½ miles away); Huttonsville (approx. 5.4 miles away); a different marker also named Huttonsville (approx. 5.4 miles away); Bishop Asbury (approx. 5.8 miles away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. Army Headquarters 1861 / Huttonsville (was approx. 5.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Regarding Camp Good Luck. Camp Good Luck, believed to be the world's first 4-H club encampment, was held in southern Randolph County July 29-31, 1915. The camp was organized by Randolph County's agricultural extension agent, J. Versus

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 4, 2025

2. Camp Good Luck Marker

Shipman. About 20 boys and girls camped for three days, sleeping in Jackson Crouch's barn and cooking outside over an open fire. Each camper brought a tin plate and cup, silverware, an empty mattress tick and blankets, toiletries, potatoes, vegetables, bacon, and a live chicken for the pot. Local farmers provided milk. Highlights included killing a big rattlesnake upon arrival, fishing and swimming in the nearby Tygart Valley River, playing games, telling stories and singing around the campfire, and learning about agriculture and home economics.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 185 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 6, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.