Conservation Camps

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) operates three conservation camps in the Commonwealth: Camp John Currie on Kentucky Lake, Camp Earl Wallace on Lake Cumberland and Camp Robert C. Webb on Grayson Lake. View map and directions.  Each camp operates ten weeks every summer (June through August) with a capacity of 200 campers per week per camp. Camp is open to all Kentucky students who are in grades 4-6 and NOT older than 13 years.  Preference is given to 5th and 6th grade students who attend conservation education classes. Applications are distributed during Conservation Education classes in February.

Campers are transported to camp by bus on Monday morning and return home on Friday afternoon. Transportation is arranged by KDFWR personnel through local school districts or by charter bus service.  The camp fee includes transportation costs.  Campers are picked up Monday and dropped off Friday at a predetermined location.

Each of the three KDFWR camps has eight cabins which house 25-30 campers (bunk beds).  Every effort is made to assign friends and classmates to the same cabin.

Each camp staff consists of six Conservation Education Program Leaders (CEPL's), including Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, Hunter Education Trainer, Waterfront Supervisor, Camp Superintendent, and maintenance personnel.  These are full-time KDFWR employees.  Each camp has two certified teachers as interim employees who assist with the supervision of counselors and campers.  Twenty-two college-age counselors are screened, hired and trained to chaperon the campers and to assist the program leaders with camper safety, instruction and supervision.  These counselors stay in the cabins with the campers.

Camp Activities:

Scheduled hands-on activities include: Wildlife Identification, Archery, Boating and Canoeing, Outdoor Survival, Firearm Safety (rifle and shotgun shooting), Fishing and Casting, and Swimming (Red Cross approved). Successful completion of a camp activity entitles the camper to an achievement patch. Campers may also earn the nationally recognized Kentucky Hunter Education Certificate.  In all activities, campers are given basic, but complete, instruction in the safe pursuit of outdoor activities and skills related to our natural resources.

What to Bring:

Toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, towel, changes of clothing, socks, swimsuit, sheet and blanket or sleeping bag, pillow, sunscreen, light jacket or long-sleeved shirt.  The camp canteen is open at specified times after meals where campers may purchase snacks, souvenirs and postcards.  We suggest campers bring $10-15 in spending money for the canteen.

Away from Home:

Homesickness is a very real and natural emotion that can occur when anyone leaves familiar surroundings.  The key to dealing with homesickness is to try and prevent it by preparing your child for the stay.  Here are some suggestions from the American Camping Association:

• Arrange for a first-time camper to attend with a friend or relative.
• Discuss what camp will be like before your child leaves home.
• Don't tell children up front that you will rescue them if they don't like camp right away.
• Send letters to children before camp begins so messages from home will be waiting.

Most campers overcome homesickness and adjust to camp within a day or two.  Our policy is to try to convince the homesick camper to giving camp at least one night's try.  If the camper insists on calling home the first day, he/she may do so.

Note:  Restrictions may apply to camp insurance.  Camp insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions.  If medical need arises, camper's health insurance may be billed first.

For more information call 1-800-858-1549.