2026 District 8 4-H Surge
Objective: To prepare teen leaders from the 21 counties in District 8 for leadership roles. These roles might be at the county level, or county committees, or their clubs. The hope is that participants will take information back from SURGE and share it with members back in their counties. SURGE is set up to be enjoyable and fun, but there is work too. Many workshops are set up that will require concentration and serious participation. Speeches are delivered for officer elections. 4-H members in grades 8-12 (of the current 4-H year) are eligible to attend. We work and we play. Play time is set up with activities that build teamwork skills and camaraderie in the district.
Date: June 9-11, 2026
Location:
Texas 4-H Conference Center, Brownwood
Registration on 4-H Online:
May 1, 2026-May 15, 2026
Registration Fee:
$275/students, $250 adults
Release Forms: PDF (Required for youth and adults)
REMINDER THIS YEAR!! The completed, signed forms will need to be scanned as a pdf and uploaded to 4-H Online during the registration process. Please note: The forms require a copy of the participant’s insurance card.
Participant Information:PDF
Camp Schedule: PDF
WHAT TO BRING: – Your own pillow/blanket (all other linens are provided by the hotel
Pillow, sheets, light blanket, towels, wash cloths, personal items
− Swimsuit (for any lake and pool activities at camp)
− Water shoes or old tennis shoes for the lake (must have a strap/back)
− Comfortable, casual clothes for workshops, dances
− No flip flops or other backless sandals are allowed during the dance. They
must be close-toed shoes.
− Sturdy shoes for active games
− A light jacket or sweater is also recommended, as the classrooms may be cool
− Sunscreen
− Bug Spray
− The 4-H Swag store will be open at various time. If you would like to purchase
4-H gear, you will need extra money for that.
WHAT NOT TO BRING: – Fireworks, ropes, roping dummies, water balloons, water guns, silly string, etc.
– Expensive jewelry/accessories
– Excessive food/drinks and gum
– Bad attitude
– Alcohol
– Unnecessary electronics
DRESS CODE: Please remind 4-H members that the 4-H Dress Code will be in effect:
– Items not allowed: tops with spaghetti straps, halter type tops, shirts that reveal the midriff, excessively loose-fitting pants or jeans, short shorts or skirts, clothing advertising or
referencing alcohol, drugs, violence or having sexual content.
– Two-piece swimsuits are allowed but should adequately cover all body parts.
– Campers will be given 1 warning about dress code violations and will then be provided an opportunity to change or have their parent retrieve them from camp.
– We will participate in an Etiquette Dinner, as well as a more formal evening. For this evening, we encourage you to dress the part. Sunday best is preferred.
PARENT HANDBOOK: Detailed information about dress code, behavior expectations, emergency contact information for parents, etc. can found in the Parent Handbook: We will follow
this dress code for our camp. https://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu/services/youth-camps-and-retreats/parent- handbook/
SCHEDULE: A tentative schedule is enclosed; however, it is subject to change. During your free time, the following recreational opportunities will be available:
Zip Line water slide, volleyball, ping pong, softball, tennis, basketball, swimming and a variety of other games.
THEME & DANCE THEMES: A tentative schedule is enclosed; however, it is subject to change.
OFFICER ELECTIONS: One of the major events of SURGE will be the election of officers for the District 8 4-H Council. Refer to the standing rules for eligibility. Council Officer Applications are due on 4-H Online by May 24, 2024. Refer to the separate officer election letter for further details. That information can be found on the District 8 4-H Council Officer page:
SURGE Form: 2025 Surge Participant Forms
For more information visit: SURGE! (Leadership Lab) – District 8 4-H Youth Development