What: Campers, alumni, families, community members and supporters are invited to join Florida 4-H and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) at Camp Cherry Lake for a ceremonial groundbreaking celebration to initiate the next phase of facility improvements.
Where: 4-H Camp Cherry Lake, 3861 NE Cherry Lake Circle, Madison, FL 32340
When: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Media RSVP contact: Jamie Groh, Public Relations Specialist, (o) 352-294-3313, jamieg@ufl.edu
About:
For nearly 90 years, 4-H Camp Cherry Lake has helped Florida youth build leadership skills, confidence and lifelong connections through hands-on learning and outdoor experiences.
“One of Florida 4-H’s primary goals continues to be investment in our camp facilities in order to provide meaningful learning experiences and workforce programs preparing a generation beyond ready for work and life,” shared Stacey Ellison, 4-H state program leader.
The groundbreaking celebration, open to all community members, marks an important milestone in the camp’s ongoing commitment to serving youth, families and communities across Florida through leadership development, outdoor education and experiential learning.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 1 p.m., with the ceremonial program beginning at 1:40 p.m. and groundbreaking to commence at 2 p.m. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from, and engage with, UF/IFAS Senior Vice President Scott Angle, and other influential Florida 4-H, state and community leaders, as well as experience camp facilities.
As the camp approaches its 90th anniversary, critical facility improvements, made possible through years of planning, partnership and support, are helping ensure future generations can continue to benefit from those transformative opportunities.
“4-H Camp is a life-shaping experience for our youth, and these investments reflect a shared commitment to our children and the future of our rural communities and beyond,” said Betsy Barfield, 4-H alumnus and organizer of Dirty Pecan Gravel Ride.
The new facilities will enable Camp Cherry Lake to serve more youth, families, schools and community groups through expanded leadership, outdoor education, workforce development and summer camp programs.
While significant progress has been made, continued support and engagement remain essential to ensuring future generations have access to these life-changing experiences.
Florida 4-H engages more than 220,000 youth statewide in learning experiences that empower youth with practical skills for work and life. 4-H Camps are an integral part of the positive youth development experience, helping youth foster independence, confidence and resilience while connecting with future career pathways.
Rather than representing an endpoint, the project reflects a continued commitment to investing in opportunities that help Florida youth learn, lead and thrive.
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
ABOUT FLORIDA 4-H
4-H is the youth development program of the land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension System. The program provides hands-on educational programs and experiences for youth ages 5 to 18 with the objective of developing youth as individuals, and as responsible and productive citizens. In Florida, 4-H is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University.
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