Need some new ideas on how to make the 2004 4-H camping season the best one ever? A new three day event designed specifically for camp directors, volunteers and educators should help.

The Mountaineer Camping Institute will be held Jan. 27 29 at Jackson’s Mill State 4 H Camp and Center for Lifelong Learning near Weston. The West Virginia University Extension Service is sponsoring the event.

The conference, whose theme is”There’s No Place Like Camp,”was developed to assist program directors, key volunteers, camp directors and Extension educators to conduct better, safer camps for youth.

Workshops will be led by experienced youth camping professionals from around the region. Session topics include camp safety, youth leadership skills, volunteer management, nutrition and health and camp management.

Featured speakers are Maile Armstrong, chairperson, Virginias Section Standards Committee of the American Camping Association, and Debbie McDonald, state 4 H program leader, WVU Extension Service. Armstrong will discuss”Creating a Risk Management Plan”and McDonald will present”The Power of Camping.”

Registration must be submitted by Jan. 16. Cost is $145 for double occupancy and $185 for single occupancy at WVU Jackson’s Mill. Fees for commuting attendees are $125. For registration information, contact Suzanne Gribble at 304-293 2796, ext. 3442 or e mail SuGribble@mail.wvu.edu . For more information about the Mountaineer Camping Institute, contact Patricia Mulkeen at 304-293 2796, ext. 3438 or e mail PAMulkeen@mail.wvu.edu .