Young Tree Farmers Camp

Providing education and access to information is at the core of the work of CHPP™; providing legal and forestry education and services for historically underserved landowners. The building of trust has been essential to CHPP™ success because of the long-held fear and distrust among these landowners to speak about their land.  Too often, when they sought the help of the authorities or the legal system, they lost their land.  Nearly every African American heirs’ property owner with whom we have worked can tell a story of land lost. To overcome the distrust and fear of these landowners, CHPP decided to work with those already trusted in the community – the pastors and local, civic leaders.  With their imprimatur, CHPP™ routinely held education seminars in rural churches and community centers and gradually these landowners no longer feared that CHPP™ was trying to “get their land.” Due to this proven outreach method with our legal and forestry education, the established relationships with local community groups and leaders would be utilized in promoting the Youth Camp and encouraging the attendance of youth. CHPP™ will also utilize the Forestry team and Outreach liaisons that also have established relationships with landowners. Both teams will provide awareness of the educational opportunity for minority youth via word of mouth and at Forestry workshops, presentations, and other outreach events. The Outreach and Forestry teams will also establish relationships with area schools for recruitment of participants. CHPP™ established relationship with the SC USDA NRCS will also be beneficial in performing outreach and promoting the Youth Camp.

CHPP™ held the Young Camp July 17-21, 2023. During the week, students were exposed to many forestry areas and learned more about careers in forestry. The camp had 14 students for this session. CHPP™ staff foresters provided:

• Overview of sustainable forestry practices.
• Performing safety measures while in a forest.
• Measuring trees.
• Utilizing compasses.
• Surveying.
• Marking boundary lines.
• Taking soil samples.

The youth saw a drone demonstration and learned how to use technology, such as GIS, websites, and phone apps, as a forester. Moreover, the students were equipped with practical skills and knowledge in other land management practices, such as silviculture. They gained a deeper understanding of forest genetics and its role in cultivating faster-growing trees. The CHPP™ forestry team also shared insights on the importance of a forest management plan, a valuable tool for tree farmers to effectively manage their land.

The camp also provided unique opportunities for personal interactions and real-world exposure. A representative from the SC Forestry Commission shared insights on forest health and protection, fire prevention, and prescribed burning, and the management of insects and diseases. A representative from the SC Natural Resources Conservation Service discussed the diverse career opportunities in natural resources. The students also had the privilege of meeting a landowner, a participant in CHPP™'s sustainable forestry program. The landowner generously shared their land and the practices implemented, highlighting the benefits and advantages of tree farming, including the acquisition of new skills and the potential for generational income for families.

The students also experienced other outdoor activities, such as a nature walk at the Old Santee Canal State Park. The students also enjoyed a day at a local zoo, Bee City Zoo, and learned more about bees and bee farming.

The last day included a wrap-up of the week and a recognition/graduation ceremony led by CHPP™ CEO Dr. Jennie Stephens.

*Attached Winter 2023 newsletter (this newsletter is an annual CHPP publication. There is an article about the Youth Camp in the newsletter. 

IMG_1938 3 (video)

Reporting Period 04.01.24 - 03.31.25

Project Update 

During this reporting period (4/1/25 – 3/31/25), CHP continued efforts to identify organizations to partner with for camper participants.  The partnership with Lowcountry Youth Services (LYS), led by ReZaun Lewis, ED, for the 2023 Young Foresters Summer Camp, unfortunately came to an end.  We were informed by Mr. Lewis that LYS is no longer able to provide campers for our program.  

CHP Forestry obtained two new partnerships with local community groups to host the summer 2024 Young Foresters Camp.  The first group, Peter Smith Farms, in Dorchester, SC held a week-long camp that included sessions on farming and healthy food preparation.  During the week of camp CHP held our youth camp for two days, July 8-9, 2024.  A total of (20) youth camp participants were recruited from the local community.  Campers ranged in age from pre-school to middle school.  CHP Forestry and other Center staff educated youth campers about forestry and natural resources.  Activities included instruction in basic forester skills such as pacing and the use of a compass, education about how trees grow, understanding soil properties, and a scavenger hunt for nature items.  The second day included a walk through the working farm by Peter Smith Sr. who has been farming for most of his life. 

The second two-day camp was hosted by Johnny Murdaugh in Orangeburg, SC on July 24-25, 2024, with a total of (12) youth campers.  The first day of camp was held at Johnny Murdaugh’s pond and included the SC Forestry Commission’s entomologist, David Jenkins, who taught the campers about insects.  Campers learned basic forestry skills like tree identification, pacing, using a compass, and how trees grow.  The second day included additional forestry instruction. The camp was a success.  

CHP reached out to Lauren Herterich (ED) of Kids on Point in Charleston, SC in February 2024, and Cane Bay High School (Berkeley County) faculty in April 2024, who currently has a natural resources program that includes forestry. Discussions of future partnerships in coordinating young forestry camps are ongoing.