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About Us < Features < 2008 FFA Wildlife Camp
By Robert Phillips, Volunteer Coordinator, Alcovy Conservation Center
 The Georgia Wildlife Federation staff has often discussed how times have changed. Most of us grew up in the outdoors either hunting, fishing, camping, hiking or just enjoying watching nature in all of its glory. Today's technology has certainly changed the way the current generation passes time. The television, iPod, computer and cell phone brought us, at the touch of a button, an extraordinary amount of information, but these modern day instruments have hijacked our youth from the fields and woods that once renewed so many of us spiritually. The extraordinary national success of the book, Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv indicates that GWF staff members are not the only ones concerned by this modern day turn of events.
GWF has long recognized the problem and has often partnered with like-minded organizations to serve up the solution. In 2008 GWF partnered with Georgia Power, the American Fisheries Society, the Georgia Bass Chapter Federation, and the state Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to assist Georgia youth in attending one of several week-long FFA Wildlife Camps in Covington, Georgia. During the week youth are tested physically and mentally. They are offered the opportunity to shoot rifles, catch and clean fish and learn outdoor cooking skills. They learn those skills that make their outdoor time enjoyable and at the same time are challenged to conserve this outdoor heritage for future generations.
I would like to thank our partners of 2008 and extend an invitation to anyone who wishes to sponsor our Georgia youth in one of the week-long camps during 2009 to contact Robert Phillips at 770-787-7887. Help us challenge our youth, conserve wildlife and Georgia's outdoor heritage.
This year a surprise visitor, Governor Sonny Perdue, showed up at the docks of the FFA camp located on the Alcovy River. Governor Perdue (standing, center below) graciously took time to have photos taken with the Yellow Yaks team.
The Call, Fall 2008, Volume 18, Number 4
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