Richard Royal, Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority, and State 4-H Club Director, Arch Smith, today announced a major new partnership between the two organizations that will improve, renovate and expand what is now the Jekyll Island 4-H Club Center. Governor Nathan Deal recommended and the General Assembly approved $12 million in funds in the FY14 budget for this purpose.

Under the partnership, the Jekyll Island Authority will assume responsibility for the camp from the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. The new Jekyll Island Children and Youth Center and related facilities will be significantly improved by the construction of a new education building, replacement of the 1950s-era dormitories, a new auditorium, and other essential buildings, grounds and roadway improvements.

State 4-H Club Director Arch Smith expressed “profound appreciation to Governor Deal and members of the General Assembly for their generosity in supporting funds to make some dreams come true concerning a significant updating and a virtual new camp to serve Georgia’s children and youth coming to Jekyll Island for camp and to study environmental education.” 

Jekyll Island Authority Chairman Richard Royal stated that “under the new partnership between the Jekyll Island Authority and the Cooperative Extension Service,  the 4-H camp  will now be named the Jekyll Island Children and Youth Center.     This area will always be used for children and youth, and under this arrangement with the Cooperative Extension Service, the State 4-H Club will continue to be able to plan and conduct their programs at the site, and the Authority will assume all responsibilities for operation, maintenance, construction, security, utilities, and housekeeping at the center.  Groups renting the facility will be responsibile for planning and conducting their activities and programs while at the site.”

Governor Deal expressed appreciation to the Jekyll Island Authority and to the Cooperative Extension Service in agreeing to this new partnership and further commented that he “is enthused and excited about the progress at Jekyll Island that is underway relating to new hotels and attractions to encourage people to visit the Georgia coast.   This new undertaking at Jekyll Island  adds still another very exciting attraction for children and youth that will pay huge dividends both in environmental education and enjoying outdoor activity at Georgia’s premier barrier island.”