Categories: CharityEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNewsTheater

Jamestown 4-H Center Faces Significant Damage from Storm

Community members gather for a benefit concert at the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center.

News Summary

A severe storm has caused extensive damage to the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center in Williamsburg, necessitating urgent cleanup efforts ahead of summer camping. The center’s main cabin, which holds 30 beds, requires substantial repairs beyond what insurance can cover. A benefit concert featuring local band Good Shot Judy is planned to raise funds, as community support becomes vital for restoration. Initial fundraising has reached approximately $12,000, showcasing strong local support for the center’s recovery initiatives.

Williamsburg, Virginia – A severe storm in March has led to significant damage at the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center, with urgent cleanup and rebuilding efforts necessary before the summer camping season begins. The storm caused extensive destruction to a main cabin that accommodates 30 beds, typically at full capacity during the busy summer months.

The organization, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is working diligently to address the damage, but insurance coverage has fallen short in fully meeting the costs associated with cleanup and repairs. As a result, community support has become increasingly vital to help restore the facilities. The Jamestown 4-H Educational Center is committed to ensuring that its programs can continue and provide valuable experiences for campers.

To aid recovery efforts, a benefit concert featuring the popular local band Good Shot Judy is scheduled for Saturday, May 31. The event will take place at the center, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and performances starting at 6 p.m. The Virginia Beer Company will provide local brews for attendees, and a food truck will be on-site to offer a variety of food options. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and friendly, leashed pets are welcome to join the festivities as well.

Tickets for the benefit concert can be purchased in advance for $35 for adults, $15 for children aged 4 to 12, and free for children under the age of 3. Every ticket purchased will directly contribute to the recovery efforts, helping to restore the facilities and ensuring the continuation of the center’s programs.

The response from the community has been encouraging, with initial fundraising efforts yielding approximately $12,000 to date. This includes a touching contribution from a 12-year-old camper who donated his allowance to support the recovery initiatives. Such grassroots support exemplifies the strong community ties that the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center fosters.

Established in 1928, the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center is one of six centers across Virginia dedicated to youth development and education. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the March storm, as no individuals were present at the site when the damage occurred. A tree, believed to be over 100 years old, fell on the cabin during the storm, leading to the extensive structural damage.

Located at 3751 4H Club Road in Williamsburg, Virginia, the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center is close to Historic Jamestown, providing an ideal setting for outdoor education and recreation. As the center prepares for the summer season, the organization is calling upon local residents and businesses to help support these recovery efforts and ensure the continued success of its summer programs.

Community members and supporters are encouraged to attend the benefit concert and contribute to the ongoing recovery process. The concert not only serves as a fundraising event but also as an expression of gratitude toward the community for their generous support during this challenging time.