Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center facts for kids
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Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center
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Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center entrance, March 2013
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1267 4-H Camp Road; Route 2, Box 630 near Appomattox, Virginia |
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| Area | 11.17 acres (4.52 ha) |
| Built | 1937-1938 |
| NRHP reference No. | 11000091 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 15, 2011 |
The Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center is a special place located near Appomattox, Virginia, within the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. It's also known as Surrender Grounds Forest and Holiday Lake 4-H Camp. This center has a rich history and has been a popular spot for young people for many years.
Contents
A Look Back: How the Camp Began
Building the Camp in the 1930s
The Holiday Lake 4-H camp was first built in 1937. It was created by workers from the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was a government program in the 1930s that helped people find jobs during a tough economic time. These workers also helped with a big project to replant trees and fix up old farmland in the area.
The WPA workers who lived at this camp also helped build the nearby Holliday Lake State Park. After their work was done, the camp was given to the state of Virginia. It became part of the state forest and park system over several years.
The 4-H Camp Today
How 4-H Took Over
By 1941, the original WPA camp was not being used. The federal government owned it, but the Virginia State Conservation Commission was in charge. A local group called the Lions Club asked for improvements to the roads and buildings. They also wanted electricity to be brought to the area.
The 4-H Club then took over the camp in 1941. Since then, the 4-H Club has used the facility and made it even bigger. Today, the 4-H Club still uses the camp. They lease it from the State Department of Forestry.
What You'll Find at the Camp
The historic part of the camp has many important buildings and areas. These include a large dining center where everyone eats together. There are also 15 cabins where campers stay, along with their outdoor areas. You'll find separate bunk houses for girls and boys. There's even a covered outdoor amphitheater for shows and gatherings. Much of this historic area is nestled between two natural hills, with a flat, man-made field in the middle.
Why This Camp is Special
A Unique Piece of History
The Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center is very important because it's one of the few WPA camps left in Virginia. Most of these camps were meant to be temporary. They were taken apart by the 1950s. This camp is special because it has been used continuously as a 4-H camp since 1941.
Most WPA camps were not kept, but this one survived. There was only one other group of buildings like it in Virginia. That was a former CCC camp, which was organized more like a military base. The Holiday Lake WPA camp was different. It had several small cabins for about eight people each, instead of large barracks.
Recognized for its Importance
Because of its unique history and survival, the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. This means it's recognized as a place that's important to the history of the United States.
Understanding the Name: Holiday vs. Holliday
You might notice two different spellings for "Holiday" in this area. The state park is called "Holliday Lake State Park" with two "L"s. This spelling comes from a family named Holliday who used to own land there. One of the creeks that fills the lake is also called "Holliday Creek" for the same reason. Some maps might even call the lake "Holliday Lake."
However, the 4-H camp is spelled with one "L": Holiday Lake 4-H Camp. The official name on the National Register of Historic Places is also "Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center" with one "L." So, it's a little tricky, but both spellings are used for different things in the same area!
