Construction of the Center began in 1979 with a contract to build a lodge, the Lem Morrison dormitory, a manager’s residence, and a swimming pool funded by Tine W. and Eunice Davis. In 1980, the Center opened to 4-H’ers.

Since the initial Center building project and the first group of campers, the 4-H Foundation has led efforts in raising support and expanding the 4-H Youth Development Center. In 1984, the Cecil Mayfield Recreation Building was constructed largely through a gift from the Brown Foundation and honoring the state 4-H Leader who devoted his entire career to the vision and development of the 4-H Program and the 4-H Youth Development Center. That same year, the ALFA dormitory was built through gifts from county Alabama Farmers Federation organizations. In 1987, the Lem Morrison Conference Center wing was added through private individual donations honoring the man who unselfishly gave of his time and resources to the 4-H

Youth Development Center and served as a Board Member and later Chairman from 1964 until his death in 1992. The Extension Memorial Chapel, dedicated in 1991, was funded by memorial gifts in honor of deceased Extension workers. In 1992, five cottages were converted to dorms. In 1993, the Ann E. Thompson Learning Resource Center was built and named for the retired Alabama Cooperative Extension System director in tribute of her support of the Center and to the work of the board. More...