For over 70 years, the Virginia Department of Forestry, alongside other conservation agencies, has proudly run Camp Woods and Wildlife (formerly Holiday Lake Forestry Camp). This structured, academic camp offers 13-16-year-olds a hands-on experience in forestry and natural resource management, teaching them essential skills and knowledge to care for the forest resources we rely on every day.
Camp Woods and Wildlife is ideal for students who:
- wish to explore forestry and wildlife related careers
- participate in forestry and wildlife judging teams, Envirothon competitions, or ecology clubs
- want to experience hands-on learning and gain real-world skills in natural resources conservation
Who Is Eligible
Camp Woods and Wildlife is open to boys and girls who:
- are aged 13 to 16 as of the first day of camp
- are Virginia residents
- show an interest in natural resources
- have good academic standing
- have not attended before
Dates and Location
Camp is typically held the third week of June each year, at the Holiday Lake 4-H Education Center, located within the 20,000-acre Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest.
Cost
All students selected to attend Camp are awarded a $300 scholarship and pay a nominal $95 registration fee to confirm their attendance and acceptance of the scholarship.
Camp Activities
Classes are taught mainly outdoors, by natural resource professionals.
Courses include:
- Sustainable Forest Management
- Forest Ecology
- Mapping
- Environmental Protection
- Forest Health
- Wildlife Management
- Tree Identification
For more information on the application process, visit: Camp Woods and Wildlife: Virginia Department of Forestry
