The campers were able to experience Trooper Island cost-free to their families
Clinton Co., Ky (July 31, 2018) – Recently 64 children from the regions of Post 5 Campbellsburg and Post 12 Frankfort of the Kentucky State Police attended Trooper Island Camp. Nearly 800 children from across the Commonwealth will attend Trooper Island each year during the summer season. Each of the Kentucky State Police’s 16 posts will have the opportunity to select and sponsor 32 children (16 boys; 16 girls) from their respective post areas. Trooper Island Camp is located on Dale Hollow Lake in South-Central Kentucky on the Tennessee border.
The children, or “campers,” spent the week of July 23rd – 27th at the camp while having the opportunity to relax and have fun in all types of camp activities. The children were able to participate in such activities as archery, canoeing, swimming, fishing, nature classes, and much more. The campers were further able to experience Trooper Island cost-free to their families. Trooper Island is a non-profit organization started in 1965 to invest in the youth of Kentucky that operates solely on private contributions and non-profit fundraisers.
This year Post 5 and Post 12 campers got to participate in a very unique scavenger hunt in addition to all of their camp activities. Each night the “Trooper Island Rock,” a specially decorated stone, was hidden by Troopers around the island for the campers to locate. Each night the rock represented a different value that Troopers would discuss and teach to the campers. Respect, Integrity, Honor and Loyalty were the values taught to and instilled within the campers while on the island. The campers quickly learned the importance of team work, good sportsmanship and the rewards of living these values each day. It is the hope and mission of the Kentucky State Police to help these campers grow and progress in a positive manner, so that they will have the tools and embody the values needed to live a fulfilling and rewarding life.
Trooper Island Camp was developed by the Kentucky State Police as part of a long range program of public service to the youth of Kentucky: a place where the tensions and turmoil of our everyday lives can be forgotten; and for one week young people can be given a touch of hope and desire of a better tomorrow.
Spearheaded by former State Police Director, Colonel James E. Bassett, the idea was to establish a permanent recreational site where Trooper and child could share a week long experience. A location was selected in a secluded corner of Dale Hollow Lake near the Cumberland and Clinton County line, where an island was leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and a non-profit charitable corporation was formed.
KSP Post 5 and Post 12 would like to thank everyone who supported or participated in a non-profit fundraiser or made a private donation to Trooper Island Inc. Without their continued support this very unique and special mission would not be possible. If you are interested in making a donation or finding out how you can help with the Trooper Island mission, please contact your local KSP Public Affairs Officer.
