There are typically two summer camp opportunities offered through the John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District:

Camp Woods and Wildlife

Who Can Attend?

Applicants must be between 13-16 years of age, be a Virginia resident, should have an interest in forestry or related activities, and should be in good academic standing.  Students may only attend Camp Woods and Wildlife once.  Scholarships to attend the camp are awarded to students which reduces the cost to attend to $95 per camper for the entire week.

What does the camp have to offer?

Classes are taught by professional foresters and wildlife biologists.  Courses include sustainable forest management, forest ecology, mapping, forest health, tree identification, wildlife management, and more.

Other learning experiences include urban forestry and forest products demonstrations;  exploratory classes in topics such as forest fire equipment and tactics, wilderness survival, canoeing, and archery; and presentations by conservation police officers, wildlife researchers, and other natural resource professionals.

Who sponsors the camp?

The camp is administered by the Virginia Department of Forestry and is sponsored by state agencies, local businesses, and interested individuals.

When and where is the camp?

The camp will be held from June 16-20, 2025 at the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center in Appomattox, Virginia.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in attending Camp Woods and Wildlife, you should have an adult such as (but not limited to) a teacher, scout, church or other youth group leader, natural resource professional, or guidance counselor nominate you by completing the "Nomination for Scholarship" form and submitting it to the address listed on the application by the deadline.  

For more information, contact Conservation Education Specialist, Kelsi Steele at kelsi.steele@fauquiercounty.gov or 540-422-8497.

*Applications are due to the Virginia Department of Forestry by April 11, 2025!

Youth Conservation Camp

Who Can Attend?

Applicants must be currently enrolled in grades 9-12.  Twelfth graders who graduate in May, June, July, or August are eligible to attend.  Only two students from Fauquier County will be guaranteed a spot; however, more may be accepted based on availability.

What does the camp have to offer?

Topics discussed at camp include (but are not limited to): soils, water quality, forestry, wildlife, fisheries management, beekeeping, and agricultural best management practices.  More information can be found on the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation District's website.

Who sponsors the camp?

The camp is administered by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.  The John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District sponsors students every year.

Contact: Kelsi Steele
Phone: 540-422-8497
E-mail: kelsi.steele@fauquiercounty.gov

When and where is the camp?

The camp will be held July 13-19, 2025 at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

How do I apply?

To apply to attend Youth Conservation Camp, fill out this application.

Completed applications can be dropped off in person or mailed to, 98 Alexandria Pike, Suite 33, Warrenton, VA 20186, or emailed to kelsi.steele@fauquiercounty.gov

*Application is due to JMSWCD by May 1, 2025*

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