What is the Billy Lancaster Forestry Youth Camp?

This Camp provides an indoor and outdoor classroom for energetic, inquisitive students to learn about forestry, wildlife, ecology, tree identification, fire protection, forest products and the people who manage these resources in Georgia's vast forests. It was founded in 1988 by Billy Lancaster and is sponsored by the Georgia Division of the Society of American Foresters.

Camp Purpose

"To develop an awareness among 12- and 13-year-old students of the value of forest resources to Georgia's economy and how those resources relate to everyday life."

Where and When is the Camp?

Forestry Youth Camp is held a the camp of the FFA/Family Career and Community Leaders of America located south of Covington, Georgia on Lake Jackson. Camp will be July 9-13, 2023. Campers stay in cabins with other participants under the supervision of counselors.

From I-20: Take Exit 93 (Hazelbrand Road and Hwy 142). Turn south onto Hwy 142. Proceed 3.3 miles and turn south (left) onto Highway 36. Proceed 9.3 miles to the FFA/FCCLA Camp entrance. Turn left into the driveway and follow FFA Road about one mile to the facility.

From I-75: Take Exit 201 (Hwy 36). Turn north on Hwy 36 and proceed to Jackson. Continue on Hwy 36 approximately 14 miles north of Jackson to the FFA/FCCLA Camp entrance on the right. Turn right into the driveway and follow the FFA Road about one mile to the facility.

 

Who Can Attend?

Boys and girls ages 12 and 13 who want to learn about Georgia's forests are eligible to attend Forestry Youth Camp. Up to 40 campers statewide are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 Registration is at https://www.billylancastercamp.com/registration. 

Sponsorship

The camp is supported by donations from forestry businesses, organizations and individuals. Checks can be made payable to: Billy Lancaster SAF Forestry Youth Camp and sent to the attention of Becky Watson, P.O. Box 187, Thomaston GA 30286.

Accommodations

Campers are housed in cabins with counselors. Adult instructors are also available to campers.

Camp Instructors

Camp instructors are professionals from the Society of American Foresters membership and other forestry-related organizations. These individuals are professionals employed by the public and private sector and donate time from their job to be camp instructors. Students are expected to give their attention to the instructors as an examination is given on the last day.

Recreation

While academics are an important part of the Forestry Youth Camp, there is plenty of time for recreational activities. The camp has excellent facilities for tennis, ping-pong, basketball, swimming, and other activities.

Awards

The student that scores the highest on the test will receive a plaque for their school and a personal plaque. All students receive a Certificate of Completion.

Contact

Phone: 334-606-0087
Email: [email protected]
Mail: P.O. Box 187, Thomaston, GA 30286

Photos from Past Camps


Boak Brantley, Georgia Pacific forester, leads students on a tree identification field trip.


Students learn teamwork while maneuvering an obstacle course.


Monteen McCord of HawkTalk, Inc. introduces raptors to students.


Nathan McClure, Georgia Forestry Commission Forester describes characteristics of a hickory tree to a student.


Students from a diverse background converge each year at the camp to develop an awareness of the value of Georgia's forest resources.


Students learn about the everyday uses of Georgia's forest resources, including building products.