About

Where we come from and why we are here.

Our Mission: Teaching the principles of conservation to young people through instruction and experiences in a camp wilderness setting.

Located on McClure’s Lake, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit celebrating our 86th year of camp!

Began as a cooperation of several local conservation clubs and lake associations back in 1938 at Beaver Dam Lake.  In 1941 our current location of 15.1 acres on McLures Lake, formerly known as Higgins Lake, was purchased for $1 and developed into a permanent Camp setting.  In the early 1950’s, it was named in honor of Chauncey Mollenhour who had spent countless hours dedicated to the Camp and our mission.  Since then, the IDNR Conservation Officers have adopted and become an integral part of our Camp as instructors, camp directors, caretakers, board members, and other supporting roles.

Why do we do it?

Today’s kids are not the kids of yesterday. Parenting, societal change, technology, attitudes, have changed around us.

Since our inception, we have sought to pass along our outdoor sports heritage and create in young people a sense of our responsibility and ethics in the outdoors through conservation (wise use of resources).

Many in the IDNR have attended Camp and their interest was sparked in becoming a wildlife biologist or ICO during their experiences.

Camp Activities

  • Both Hunter and Boater Education Certifications for each camper (Administered by local Conservation Officers and volunteer Hunter Education instructors)
  • ATV and tree stand safety training
  • Native Indiana animal identification
  • Shooting sports
  • Fishing with local Bass Club members
  • ICO SCUBA and river rescue team demonstrations
  • DNR Fisheries Biologist Electrofishing demonstration
  • Bowfishing demonstration
  • Trapping and skinning demonstration
  • Boating, canoeing and fishing basics
  • Swimming, boating & campfires

Partnerships

  • Indiana DNR and Indiana Conservation Officers
  • NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program)
  • IHEA (Indiana Hunter Education Association)
  • BOW (Becoming and Outdoor Woman)

Can you contribute more?

If any of you know more of our history or have pictures, stories, or know someone that does, please contact us.