Holiday Lake Forestry Camp Report for 2004

Camp has come and gone for the year, and it's hard to say who had more fun at camp this year, the campers or the counselors.

Camp had 86 students from 36 counties in Virginia, with about one-third being female students. The campers were exposed to a wide variety of forestry topics as well as exploratory classes on other topics. All students learned about wildlife, reforestation, timber harvesting, forest management, dendrology, tree improvement, and environmental protection.

Exploratory classes ranging from using GPS and aerial images to skeet shooting, kept students outdoors. Many were able to learn how to do something they had never been exposed to before. Quizzes and tests kept the students striving to do their best.

Awards were given to the top 10 academic performers, with prizes consisting of flashlights, sleeping bags and similar outdoor gear. This year's top academic performer was Allison Carlstrom from Stafford County. She walked away with a $100 Savings Bond for her efforts, along with some other nice gifts. According to camp officials, she did not score highest on any individual test, but her consistent high scores led to success among campers with very competitive scores.

Guest speakers gave presentations and demonstrations during the evening. One of the most memorable demonstrations was the 'rocket nets' used to capture wild turkeys. One entertaining presentation was put on by the campers' themselves - the camp talent show. The campers came together in a short amount of time to display their varied talents.

During the week, many students exhibit qualities that are difficult to measure on a test, such as determination, drive, spirit, compassion, teamwork, and responsibility.

Sports were a highlight of the week, as the students had both softball and volleyball competitions between the groups. Horseshoes were available at camp, as well as swimming, soccer, Ping-Pong, and tennis. All the participants showed sportsman-like conduct.

Each evening the camp took time from its hectic schedule for 'Reflections'- a few moments of silent time to collect our thoughts, followed by encouraging words or thoughts about the beauty of our environment. It was a much needed break built-in to a hectic schedule.

When it is all said and done, to know that the students have benefited from and enjoyed camp, each of us involved in camp know: it's worth it.

Last modified: Friday, 07-Mar-2008 19:18:43 UTC