SILVER LAKE – Camp Mollenhour Conservation Camp may be the county’s best-kept secret. Conservation Officer and Camp Director for the boys Jon Cook said this conservation camp is held two weeks each summer. The first week is the boy’s camp and the second week is the girl’s camp. Cook said this is a traditional camp located at 12522 S. CR 600W, Silver Lake, and also has access to McClure Lake. “It’s a good little traditional camp,” Cook said. “We’ve had kids from inner cities and it’s amazing what they do not know, this is good for them.” In the beginning Cook said the campers are excited, but it is an adjustment for some staying overnight and away from their family for the first time. This week, 63 boys filled the cabins and had counselors who were once campers too. Cook said he has been working with this non-profit organization for 10 years and he enjoys seeing previous campers return as counselors. The camp holds 80 campers and Cook said he hopes to meet full capacity. There are already 40 girls signed up for their session starting Sunday, and registration is still open. He said the camp receives campers from surrounding counties and all around the state. This camp is for boys and girls ages 9 to 14. Cook said the children learn basic survival techniques, teamwork, attend trapper and ATV classes, boater education, hunting, archery, firearm safety and conservation. There is an archery range and a shooting range near the cabins. This week the campers also saw fish cleaning demonstrations, squirrel dog demonstrations from Fulton County coon hunters, learned first-aid and learned about whitetail deer. Cook said this camp is also successful due to their outpouring support from volunteers. Earlier this week, the boys were able to learn about hawks and owls from volunteers from the reservoirs. The boys were also able to go bass fishing with the local bass club. The campers start each day waking up and as tradition, jumping in the lake before breakfast. Teamwork, respect and responsibility are a few things Cook wants the campers to take with them when their week at Camp Mollenhour is finished. “We try to look at what is beyond classrooms and be outdoors and be active,” he said. “Being aware of your surroundings is so important.” Cook said he hopes to see some updates with the facility in the future. Right now the campground is also used for church camps and family reunions and maybe one day in the future, small weddings. “It’s an older facility with a lot of modern updates,” Cook said. “It’s a pretty traditional camp and that is what is so cool about it.” At the end of their week, campers also have a graduation ceremony. The boys camp ends today and the girls camp starts Sunday. The camp costs $200 for the week. More information and a registration form can be found at www.conservationcamp.org
