Camp Washington Carver: Clifftop, WV

Campers at Camp Washington Carver

 

Camp Washington Carver opened its doors in 1942 as the first 4-H camp for African Americans in the United States. Originally named “The West Virginia Negro 4-H Camp,” it became known locally simply as “Clifftop.” Each year, black children from all over the state came to enjoy the fun and experience of being a camper.

 

Campers build a human pyramid at Camp Washington Carver

Although not a 4-H camper himself, Norman Jordan recalls his memories of the camp. “I had very vivid memories of going to the camp … to play baseball, swim, and have church picnics. Sometimes Dad would take me and my brothers and sisters along, and as soon as the car stopped at the camp we would jump out and run around on the grounds. [We would] bounce up and down on the see-saw, slide down the sliding board, and, most of all, ride on the merry-go-round. I rememberthe smell of chlorine at the bathhouse and the swimming pool, as well as the happy sounds of swimmers splishing and splashing in the water and diving off the diving board.”

The seeds for an African American 4-H camp were planted in 1928 when West Virginia University hired James E. Banks and Lulu B. Moore. As State Extension Agents, they were tasked with investigating 4-H Club activities for African Americans within the state. Their reported showed that forty-four of West Virginia counties held 4-H camps for white campers, but no camps existed for black campers.

 

Campers at meal time

With this information in hand, Dr. John W. Davis, president of West Virginia State College, began the process of seeking funding for an African American 4-H camp. Other African American leaders in the state joined his efforts. Nearly a decade later, the West Virginia legislature appropriated $25,000.00 for the creation of a 4-H camp for black campers. The efforts of Dr. Davis also led to the receipt of a large Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant to help construct the camp.

Dr. Davis, who had “fallen in love with the beautiful scenery and serenity of the land” in the Clifftop area, chose the current location for the camp. Construction of the first buildings occurred between 1939 and 1942. WPA and Civilian Conservation Corps workers, along with prison laborers from Moundsville were the earliest construction crews. The Great Lodge, the largest log structure on site, was built entirely of West Virginia chestnut. It housed the assembly hall, dining hall, and kitchen. Other buildings included a two-room guest house, a small cabin used as a Health Center, and dormitories for campers. A water tank and pond were also constructed.3

Use of the camp began immediately and reached its peak during the 1950s, when approximately 1,600 campers attended annually. A camper’s day began with an early breakfast followed by cabin cleaning. The main part of the day was spent in activities including nature study, music, drama, and arts and crafts. Campers had instructional time in swimming, first aid, health care, and nutrition. Of course, recreational time included swimming and sporting activities. After supper, campers had free time, followed by a play, evening vespers, and a camp fire.

 

Story time

Besides the 4-H camps, the African American community utilized the facility for a wide variety of activities and events. Boy Scout and Girl Scout camps, mining encampments, home economics encampments, church camps, and reunions were held here. The buildings were used for meetings, gatherings, and training classes by groups and organizations from around the state. West Virginia State College conducted staff and faculty trainings and special classes at the camp. The site was used for pre-season band and football conditioning by black schools. The camp was also utilized for the military training of black pilots and ROTC maneuvers.

Statewide integration in the 1950s eliminated the need for a separate 4-H camp for African Americans. However, the creation of the camp in the 1940s filled a void in the lives of many West Virginia black residents. The camp provided learning and recreational opportunities and instilled pride and built self-esteem in thousands of black youth. The camp provided a safe environment for black children to participate in and enjoy amenities normally unavailable to them.

In 1980, the camp was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and the name officially changed to Camp Washington Carver. Today, the camp serves as a cultural arts center for the West Virginia Department of Culture and History.