Six Years of Outdoor Adventure Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists

Written by: Donna Shriver, Digital Communications Manager

Content Contributions from: Anita Walls & Lynn White

This summer, 52 young outdoor enthusiasts traded screens for streams during two free, three-day Conservation Camps hosted at the Hamilton Chapter Izaak Walton League chapter property. Now in its sixth year—and its third year at the chapter’s beautiful outdoor facility—the camp continues to connect kids with nature through hands-on learning, outdoor exploration and unforgettable experiences.

Campers explored a wide range of conservation topics, including survival skills, first aid, forestry, fishing, water quality, birds, reptiles, amphibians, bees and decomposers. Rather than learning from a classroom, they spent their days outdoors, discovering the natural world firsthand.

The camp’s success is made possible by an incredible team of volunteers and partners. Izaak Walton League members, Butler Soil and Water Conservation District staff, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service employees, MetroParks staff, Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists, Hamilton Conservation Corp volunteers and even former campers donated their time and expertise. Their support helps keep the program completely free for families.

Fishing remained the favorite activity for many campers. Using educational materials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ First Cast program, children learned casting, knot tying and the importance of healthy waterways before heading to the pond with rods provided by the chapter. Whether they caught a fish or simply cheered on a friend, the excitement was contagious.

Wildlife programs were equally memorable. Campers learned about turtles from a former camper who now rehabilitates turtles, explored Ohio’s frogs and toads before searching for amphibians around the pond, and discovered the fascinating world of birds through bird walks, binocular activities and owl pellet dissections.

One of the newest additions this year—survival shelter building—quickly became a favorite. Using invasive honeysuckle removed from the property, campers worked together to build shelters while learning how both people and wildlife use natural materials for protection. Many couldn’t wait to recreate their shelters at home.

Conservation Camp also teaches the importance of giving back. During the June session, campers created tree identification stakes that will be installed throughout the chapter property and at a local tree planting site. Previous campers have also planted native flowers, painted rain barrels, created educational displays and participated in community science projects.

Community partnerships make the camp possible. The Izaak Walton League provides the pond, forests, wildflower plantings, playground and meeting space, while Butler Soil and Water Conservation District covers consumable supplies. Educational materials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and support from numerous conservation organizations further enhance the experience.

The greatest measure of the camp’s success isn’t found in attendance numbers—it’s in the excitement of campers asking about next year’s activities before this year’s camp has even ended. After six years, Conservation Camp continues to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and foster a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors, proving that the next generation of conservationists is already hard at work.