National 4-H Camp, an annual event, was held in Washington, D.C. 26 times between 1927 and 1956 before being replaced by National 4-H Conference in 1957. (Note: There were no 4-H Camps held during the war years.)

For those 26 years, National 4-H Camp made an indelible impression on the countless youth who participated in the event and experienced the speeches by national leaders, field trips to nationally significant sites, and camaraderie among participants that made it a much anticipated yearly tradition by 4-H members and leaders from around the country. The sitting Presidents and First Ladies often visited the camp site and talked with the delegates.

The annual "tent city" of the 4-H'ers on the Washington Mall, directly across from the USDA building and at the foot of the Washington Monument, could not help but be noticed by Washington, D.C. residents and visitors, alike... including the Congressmen and Senators. It was most definitely a high visibility event.