With at least three of its Hs tied up in hope, the local 4-H camp has made a move to attract more youngsters to a scenic stretch of river north of here.

The governing body of the only 4-H camp left in North Dakota has hired the Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation to run its summer programs. The Western 4-H Camp Association hopes the foundation's broad reach can bring more kids to the 38-year-old Washburn-area retreat.

"The numbers of campers have not been significant the last few years," 4-H board member ElRoy Haadem said Wednesday. "The audience that was being catered to tended to be somewhat more rural. There's been a switch now to include more urban youngsters from the area. That camp has been there for a considerable number of years, and a lot of people in Bismarck-Mandan don't even know it's there. Hopefully, now, more people will see it."

The foundation took over camp operations Jan. 1, and will run things there when the camps begin in June. Foundation director Kristie Frieze said they're focusing on helping with marketing and promotion. The several camp programs - which are open to all kids, not just 4-H members - still will be led by experienced personnel from the 4-H association.

The Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation, which also is located in Washburn, hopes to be able to increase and expand use of the 80-acre camp. The facilities are tucked under cottonwood trees near the Missouri River, midway between the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan. In the coming years, the foundation wants to offer such opportunities as canoeing and camping outings for families and other groups at the camp, when 4-H-sponsored programs are not in session. It also would be a good jumping-off point for excursions to Cross Ranch State Park and the Knife River Indian Villages.

"It's a good fit because our missions are similar,"Frieze said. "We're both in the business of education, and this gives people a reason to come and visit in extended stays. This is a great opportunity in a beautiful area. It can really enhance the visiting experience for both the campers and the visitors to Fort Mandan and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center."

The foundation has designed a new eye-catching brochure for the 4-H camp, and also is helping to secure money for scholarship opportunities. David Borlaug, president of the foundation, said the goal is to be able to provide reduced enrollment fees for every camper. Typical program costs are $175; scholarships could reduce the cost by about $50, Borlaug said.

Depending on the program, the 4-H camp is open to kids in first grade through high school. The camp has two- and five-day programs on everything from outdoor skills to tractor safety. There is a "Survivor" camp, which has kids taking part in activities similar to the ones on the TV show, and a horse-riding camp for kids who don't have horses. For a full list, as well as registration and contact information, check out the Web site at www.western4hcamp.com or call 877-462-8535.