The 4-H Center offers cooperation and teambuilding programs for youth, adolescents, and adults. The primary purpose of the Low Ropes Course and these recreational programs is to challenge members of a group to overcome a series of obstacles by working together. As the group overcomes each obstacle in their course, teamwork will increase dramatically. All programs conducted on our challenge course are physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging.

Every group that visits the Center is different; therefore, each group’s individual program can be structured for the needs of that organization. Ropes Course programs can run from 3-7 hours depending on the group’s size and needs. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes with heel straps, and no jewelry.

In addition to a program on the Low Ropes Course as described above, groups may also utilize the Climbing Tower, which challenges participants’ problem solving ability as they grapple with a 25-foot wall. Multiple levels of difficulty challenge new and experienced climbers. As the individuals overcome the wall, the group will learn communication and support for one another.

Climbing Tower programs can run from 1-4 hours depending on the group’s size and needs. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes with heel straps, and no jewelry. Also note that participants wearing hard hair bows or barrettes may be asked to remove them in order to wear a helmet safely.

Enjoy a peaceful paddle along the shores of Smith Mountain Lake in a canoe or recreational kayak. Participants are asked to wear closed-toe shoes with heel straps and all participants must wear a life jacket (provided by the 4-H Center).

Test your aiming skills on the Archery Range located next to the Canoe / Kayak shed! Re-curve bows for all ages and abilities are available on 8 individual shooting lanes.

Ready, Aim, Fire! Youth and adult size .22 caliber rifles are the tool used to teach this class. Safe handling of a firearm, proper firing techniques, and detailed instructions are part of this curriculum. The range is located behind Open Air Pavilion.

Take a break and relax in the pool! Your group will enjoy swimming in this large L-shaped pool complete with a shallow end and a diving well. Lounge chairs, showers, and changing rooms are also located at the pool facility for your convenience. Lifeguards are required and provided by the 4-H Center.

Looking for a fun evening program? Reserve the campfire circle for an evening of stories, songs and fun. Located near the Willard Pavilion, the campfire circle has several tiered rows of wooden benches so that everyone has a great view of the fire. The 4-H Center provides all the wood necessary to enjoy a beautiful campfire!

Guests may enjoy fishing at the Waterfront and from the Advance Auto Parts Gazebo and Dock. Please inquire to see whether or not this area is available for your group. Also note that state fishing guidelines must be followed and anyone age 16 or older must have a Virginia State Fishing License in order to fish in Smith Mountain Lake.

Let your group enjoy an afternoon of fun at the Wiss Miniature Golf Course. Featuring 18 holes of putt-putt, this was the area’s first wheelchair accessible miniature golf course. The Center also boasts a short-fall, shaded driving range and series of putting greens in our P.T. “Patsy” Smith Memorial Golf Complex. This complex also has a nice patio with shaded benches and a picnic table where guests can enjoy a full afternoon of golf and refreshment.

Horseshoe Pits are located next to the pool.

Between structured activities, guests can use a large recreational field for free time. The field has a back-stop fence for softball games as well as movable soccer goals. Guests also have access to a recreation shed containing balls, bats, hula-hoops, jump ropes, Frisbees, tug-of-war ropes, and other items that can be used during your group’s recreational time.

Outdoor Tennis and Basketball courts are located next to the pool. There is no charge to use these facilities. A shaded basketball court is located in the Open Air Pavilion; please inquire to see whether or not this area is available for your group.

Freestanding volleyball nets are located in the Open Air Pavilion. Please inquire to see whether or not this area is available for your group.