State Conservation Camp
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What Is State Conservation Camp?
Since 1941, the WV State Conservation Camp has welcomed youth from all over the state to kick off their summer with new friends and opportunities to explore the natural world of WV and learn more about WV's natural resources!
The goal of this camp is to acquaint West Virginia youth with the social and economic values of our natural resources and environment; to create in them a desire to save and defend from waste these resources; and to develop future conservation leaders.
WHO
Any youth who is at least 14 years of age at the start of camp and not yet 18 years of age by the last day of camp is eligible to attend the WV State Conservation Camp. Youth do not have to be 4-H members to attend Conservation Camp.
WHEN
Monday, June 9, 2025 - Friday, June 13, 2025
Camp will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025
WHERE
Camp Caesar, Cowen, West Virginia (Webster County)
COST
$TBA
SCHOLARSHIPS
- Scholarships may be available from local conservation, sportsmen and civic groups. These include many Conservation Districts, garden clubs, hunting and fishing clubs, etc. Contact Ben Spong for additional information. The deadline to request a scholarship is June 2, 2025.
- Scholarships are available on a first come, first served basis. Apply early for the best opportunity to be granted a scholarship.
- Individuals, including parents, may sponsor a camper by paying the $230 registration fee.
Camp Details
- Registration Information
- Activity Information
- Notes & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Camp Directors
WV State Conservation Camp Website
Registration Information
The 2024 State Conservation Camp registration has been closed and the event has passed. Please stay tuned for news and announcements on next year's State Conservation Camp!
Adult Volunteers
All adult volunteers must be fully vetted through WVU Extension and register for the event through ZSuite, our online registration system. The complete vetting process must be completed at least 15 days in advance of the event. Learn about the volunteer process.
If you are interested in volunteering for this state camp, please contact the Camp Directors.
Activity Information
Classes, all instructed by natural resource management professionals, are arranged to provide every camper with at least one hour of instruction in each of the following topics:
- Fish Management
- Forest Protection
- Conservation Law Enforcement
- Nature Awareness
- Watershed Management
- Wildlife Management
- Soil Conservation
- Forest Management
- Youth Conservation
- Parks and Recreation
- Forest Products
- Water Quality Conservation
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Trap Shooting, Archery, Small Boat Safety/Handling, Rappelling, Ax Throwing, Stream Quality Improvement, .22 Caliber Rifle Marksmanship, Outdoor Cooking, Fishing Skills, Non-game Wildlife, Paul Bunyan Night, and traditional camp activities including campfire program, group activities, recreation/sports and dancing!
Notes & FAQs
- The event registration fee includes food, lodging and basic insurance, which covers campers from the time of departure from their place of residence until they return home at the close of camp.
- Youth participants sleep in cabins with bunk-style twin beds. Participants are clustered with other youth of the same age and gender. The cabins are supervised by trained and vetted volunteers and professionals.
- The altitude at camp is above 2,500 feet. Even though it is summer, campers should be prepared for cool weather. Campers need to bring bed linens, pillows, pillow cases, towels, soap, toiletries, etc. Personal items and accessories must be brought from home.
- Camp clothing must be comfortable and adaptable to varied weather conditions. Camp clothing needs to be functional…not fashionable.