The Jekyll Island 4-H Masterplan concepts were guided by three overarching goals:
Create a campus that reflects the mission of the environmental education programs
Environmental education, the reason why the majority of campers arrive at Jekyll, is currently found in the programming of the camp: the classes, the labs, the nature walks, and activities. However, the purpose of the camp is not evident from the site itself. We propose that the campus grounds and buildings reflect the mission of the program. To this end, environmental or best management practices should be implemented throughout the site. The campus should be a green jewel along Jekyll’s coast, a place where campers go not just to learn about, but also to enjoy and interact with the natural environment. To this end, landscape improvements should not be an afterthought, rather a core element of campus revitalization.
Improve safety by addressing and improving the campus circulation
Not only is the large parking lot that constitutes the heart of campus unattractive, it is also unsafe. No clear circulation routes exist for the main flow of campus between the Dolphin Inn, the cafeteria, and the classrooms. By relocating this parking lot to the campus periphery most of the potential vehicle/pedestrian conflicts are removed. The center of campus can then become a desirable place with sensible pedestrian connections between building destinations.
Provide facilities that will improve functionality and increase camp capacity
Existing facilities should be improved and new ones provided so that the camp may function better and open its doors to more campers in the future.
