What is Camp Woods and Wildlife?

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The Virginia Department of Forestry, in cooperation with other natural resource conservation agencies and organizations, has proudly administered Camp Woods and Wildlife (formerly called Holiday Lake Forestry Camp) for more than 70 years. Camp Woods and Wildlife is an academic, structured, residential camp that focuses on field experiences in forestry and other natural resources. This unique camping experience introduces 13-16-year-olds to the challenges, special skills, and knowledge needed for managing the forest resources we use and enjoy every day.

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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

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Camp activities

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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

 

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.

 

Campers participate in a Lumberjack Field Day with group competition in crosscut sawing, log rolling, and other traditional outdoor skills contests.

 

Recreation and athletics include swimming and volleyball.

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Application Process

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• Applications for Camp Woods and Wildlife close April 15. 

• Prospective campers complete the first three sections of Form 13.5, the Camp Woods and Wildlife application form.

• An adult nominator (not related to the camper) must complete the 4th section and submit the application.

  • Examples of nominators include teachers, forestry and wildlife professionals, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, youth group leaders, guidance counselors, and partner sponsoring organizations.

• Applications without the nominator section completed, or submitted by someone other than the nominator, will not be accepted.

• Nominators may submit forms by mail, email, or fax:

Mailing Address:

Virginia Department of Forestry
ATTN: Camp Woods & Wildlife
900 Natural Resources Drive, Suite 800
Charlottesville, VA 22903

EMAIL:   ellen.powell@DOF.virginia.gov

FAX:        (434) 296.2369

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Completed applications will be reviewed and campers notified of acceptance beginning in March.

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