ATHENS, Ga. – A rededication ceremony is planned for August 7 at the Jekyll 4-H Center on Jekyll Island. The ceremony officially marks the completion of a $1.5 million renovation project at the center which hosts more than 10,000 Georgia students each year.
Operated by UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Jekyll 4-H Center is one of six 4-H centers located across the state. Previously operated as a resort hotel, the college began leasing the hotel from the State of Georgia/Jekyll Island Authority in 1982. Students first used the facility in 1983.
“We realized in late February that major repairs were required,” said Arch Smith, assistant leader of the Georgia 4-H Program. “And it was time to modify the building to reflect the current use.”
4-H campers were housed in neighboring motels during the month of June, so the 4-H programs at Jekyll continued without interruption. Following the renovations, the center is now open to serve 4-Hers across the state.
The rededication ceremony officially announcing the completion of the project is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7. The ceremony will be followed by a tour of the Jekyll 4-H Center at 1 p.m.
UGA President Michael Adams and UGA CAES Dean and Director Gale Buchanan will be among the day’s speakers.
“We are excited about the new and improved Jekyll 4-H Center,” said Buchanan. “The renovations will allow the center to continue to serve students in this area of the state for summer camp, youth conferences and environmental education programs for years to come.”
