If you would like to encourage your child’s “wild” behavior this summer - here is the perfect opportunity, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). The Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center (located between Covington and Jackson on Ga. Hwy. 36) is hosting three “Wildlife Camps” to provide wildlife education and outdoor safety training in a dynamic environment for young boys and girls. There are two wildlife camps for youth age 10-15, to be held July 10-15 and July 17-22, 2005. In addition, there is an Advanced Wildlife Camp available for youth age 11-16 from June 26-July 1. The goal of the wildlife camp is to teach young boys and girls about outdoor sports and safety and to increase their awareness and appreciation of wildlife. Registration is open, but space is limited – so call now!

“Today’s youth need to be taught the importance of wildlife management and the role that outdoor sports play in preserving the health of many species in Georgia,” says FFA-FCCLA Center Director Todd Teasley. “This camp provides the opportunity to teach wildlife conservation in an interactive and exciting environment.”

The weeklong residential wildlife camp will center on firearms and hunter safety (taught by certified firearms instructors). Participants will receive their Hunter Safety Certification and will have opportunities to demonstrate safe firearms use with instructors. In addition, attendees will enjoy fishing, outdoor cooking, deer stand safety and construction, canoeing and wildlife instruction.

The Advanced Wildlife Camp is for youth who have attended a previous wildlife camp at the FFA-FCCLA Center or who already have their hunter safety certification. Opportunities during this weeklong camp include bow hunting, survival, wildlife education, firearms and firearm maintenance.

Campers are divided by age group and stay with the same group throughout the entire week. All programs are designed to be ‘hands-on’ and geared toward the age of the participants. Recreation facilities at the camp include a swimming pool, miniature golf, ping-pong and basketball. The cost is only $275 per camper, which includes lodging, meals, instruction, recreation and a t-shirt.

The Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center, situated on over five hundred acres of rolling hills, woodlands and fields combines a picturesque atmosphere with all of the facilities necessary for an educational and memory making experience. It is a non-profit educational facility designed with the purpose of providing the youth of Georgia with a site for leadership and career development. Started in 1937 as a camp for rural youth, it has evolved into a premier camp facility and conference center for the FFA and FCCLA Organizations, as well as many other youth and adult organizations.

Sponsorship is needed for awards and door prizes and volunteers are needed to help with the camp. If you would like to assist in sponsorship opportunities, volunteer or for more information on the Wildlife Camp, contact Shannon Miles with the Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center at (770) 786-6926, ext. 8, ShannonLMiles@aol.com or visit www.wildlifecamp.com .

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