"Working to Preserve South Dakota's Hunting & Fishing Heritage."
Camp
Youth Conservation Camp
June 1st – June 7, 2025
Imagine sending your teenagers on a week-long adventure where they can learn to hunt, fish, and enjoy the great outdoors! This once-in-a-lifetime experience is called Youth Conservation Camp and it’s sponsored by the South Dakota Wildlife Federation.
Since the first camp was held in 1964, thousands of South Dakota youth have experienced the excitement of outdoor sports while learning the importance of conserving our natural resources.
The Youth Conservation Camp is held in early June at Camp Bob Marshall in the beautiful Black Hills. Camp participants are housed in rustic cabins with modern bathrooms and eating facilities. The camp has a director, two assistant directors, and two counselors for each cabin of 12 teens, along with other staff members. Transportation is available to and from the camp.
This is a great opportunity for high school students to spend a week in the Black Hills learning about conservation, resource management, shooting sports, hunting, fishing, hiking, and building life-long friendships with others from across the state.
Youth Conservation Camp is run by volunteers dedicated to enriching the lives of those that show interest in wildlife and the outdoors. It does not discriminate against an individual’s age, condition, creed, race, religion, gender, identity, or sexual orientation. We are proud to o er this camp to a wealth of young people from across the state of South Dakota year after year in an e ort to broaden their conservationist and environmental horizons.
Prepare to get your hands dirty, and walk away with memories that will last a lifetime!
Who May Attend?
Any student who has completed 8th grade, or is currently in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade in high school and is interested in conservation, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
How Do I Apply?
Reservations for camp will be accepted from March 1st to May 1st. After May 1st, reservations will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis until the camp quota is filled. For a priority reservation, apply directly to a local affiliate club or to a local Soil Conservation District Office. These organizations screen applicants as to eligibility and provide financial assistance to participants.
Make a Donation
Sponsor a Camper or Donate to the Camp online by clicking here.
Camp Experience Video
If neither of these are available in your area, send the Camp Application Form to Bob Schaeffer, Camp Director. A check in the amount of the current camp fee must be included. Sponsorships for camp may be available. Contact Camp Director, Bob Schaeffer, with inquiries.
Reservations can be cancelled and checks refunded until May 15.
For more information on the SDWF Youth Conservation Camp, please contact:
Bob Schaeffer
Camp Director (Operations)
Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: 605-380-0125
Email: hunterbob1@abe.midco.net
Kemari Blumhardt
Assistant Camp Director (Logistics)
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Phone: 605-216-9046
Email: kemblum91@gmail.com
Jayden Halsey
Assistant Camp Director (Camper Applications)
Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: 605-290-5128
Email: jaydabear98531@gmail.com
A variety of conservation and outdoor recreation activities are offered, such as:
- Archery
- Build a Bow
- Stream Ecology
- Lake/Stream Fishing
- Wilderness Survival
- Outdoor/Wildlife Photography
- Dutch Oven & Outdoor Cooking
- Turkey Hunting
- Boating Safety
- Fly Tying & Fishing
- Shooting Skills
- Conservation Officer Investigations
- Hiking in Custer State Park
- Lighting Ceremony and trail exploring at Mt. Rushmore and MORE!
AWARDS
There are a total of four awards presented at the camp each year:
- “Doc McClellan Award” recognizing the outstanding staff member during camp.
- “Putzier Award” recognizing the outstanding efforts of an individual who promoted the camp.
- “Bob Erdman Award ” recognizing an outstanding camper.
- “Ervin Roher Award” recognizing an outstanding camper.
Thank You’s
“Hayden absolutely LOVED it last year! He is a typical boy teenager and doesn’t say much to his parents, but oh my goodness he got off that bus last year and wouldn’t stop talking for two hours! He loved the classes, the atmosphere, the food, everything…if you are the one who put the classes together – You are doing a wonderful job – A big THANKS to you. He loved how the instructors talked about their real life experiences and how they seem to inspire kids to “get involved” in the world around them.
I could go on forever, but mainly wanted to say you are doing a Great job and Thank You!”
With help from our many friends in the organizations, businesses, government agencies, and private donors who support, or assist this camp, we are able to provide this wonderful opportunity for the youth of South Dakota. We thank them for their support!!
Future Camp Dates
June 7 – June 13, 2026 (Registration for this camp will begin on March 1st, 2026)
Let’s Connect
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
PO BOX 7075
Pierre, SD 57501
1-605-415-8443
info@sdwf.org
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