After nearly being put on ice by a dose of winter weather, a new camping conference will warm things up next week with new safety and youth development ideas for this year’s summer season.

The first-ever Mountaineer Camping Institute, sponsored by the West Virginia University Extension Service, will be March 9-11 at WVU Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp and Center for Lifelong Learning near Weston. The conference was rescheduled from its initial January date because of inclement weather.

The conference’s theme isThere’s No Place Like Camp.The eventopen to anyone interested in youth campingwas designed to help camp directors, key volunteers, program directors and other educators conduct safer, healthier and more educational camps for young participants in their summer learning programs.

WVU Extension Service faculty members from around the state will lead 31 educational sessions including risk management, science education, leadership development, nutrition education, camp safety and staff development throughout the three-day conference.

Debbie McDonald, 4-H Youth Development Program director, WVU Extension Service, opens the three-day event withThe Power of Camping.Guest presenters include Linda and Richard Pulliam, Virginia’s section board members, American Camping Association; Pamela Paletta, Extension educator, Pennsylvania State University’s Washington County office; Susan Taylor, Extension educator, Pennsylvania State University’s Allegheny County office; Frank Mams, 4-H volunteer leader, Elkins; Nancy Weeks, 4-H volunteer, Wheeling; and Allan Embrey, district executive, Monongalia and Preston counties, Boy Scouts of America.

Registration will be accepted until the conference’s opening day. Cost is $145 for double occupancy and $185 for single occupancy at WVU Jackson’s Mill. Fees for commuting attendees are $125. Continuing education units are available to participants for a small fee.

For registration information, contact Suzanne Gribble by phone at 304-293-2796 ext. 3442 or by e-mail at SuGribble@mail.wvu.edu For more information about the Mountaineer Camping Institute or continuing education credits, contact Patricia Mulkeen by phone at 304-293-2796 ext. 3438 or by e-mail at PAMulkeen@mail.wvu.edu .