From June 24–26, youth from across East Tennessee gathered at Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville, TN, for the 2025 Eastern Region 4-H Quilt Camp. This year’s theme, “Glamp and Stitch,” brought a touch of glamour and fun to the art of quilting during this unique three-day, two-night camp experience.

The camp, open to 6th–12th grade 4-H members, is specially designed to teach and inspire young people to learn quilting skills in a creative and supportive environment. Campers stayed in the Clyde Austin Lodge and spent their days learning various quilting methods. This year’s featured quilt pattern was the “Disappearing Nine Diamond,” a fun and creative design that allowed youth to explore technique, precision, and creativity. By the end of the week, each camper proudly completed their very own lap quilt to take home.

In addition to honing their sewing skills, campers enjoyed a variety of glamping-style activities that added to the fun and bonding experience. These included making s’mores, cooking breakfast over a campfire, yard games, a picnic dinner, and swimming in the camp pool. These activities offered campers a chance to relax, laugh, and enjoy the outdoors while building lifelong memories and friendships.

Union County was proudly represented by two campers, Jaelyn and Lexxi Cummings, who joined fellow 4-H’ers from throughout the region. In addition to the campers, Union County also had the support of two dedicated volunteers, Debbie Morgan and Connie Heiskell, who helped mentor and encourage youth throughout the quilting process. Union County’s Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Abigail Thomas, also attended and assisted in organizing and supporting the camp activities.

We would like to extend a special thank you to those who made this camp possible! Thank you to Camp Director Lendsey Russell, FCS Agent in Hancock County, and Co-Director Tracy Chandler, FCS Agent in Unicoi County, as well as the many agents, volunteers, and contributors who gave their time and resources to make Quilt Camp a success.

If you are interested in attending Quilt Camp in the summer of 2026, please contact Abigail Thomas, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, at 865-992-8038 or email athom237@utk.edu to learn more.