The South Carolina Waterfowl Association (SCWA) officially kicked off its 2026 Camp Woodie season this week, welcoming the first campers of the summer to the SCWA Wildlife Education Center in Pinewood for a summer filled with outdoor adventure, conservation education, and lifelong memories.
Now entering its 31st summer, Camp Woodie continues to provide youth with hands-on experiences that connect them to the outdoors while fostering an appreciation for wildlife conservation and responsible stewardship.
This year's theme, "New Energy. New Heights. Same Mission.," reflects several exciting enhancements made to the camp experience while remaining grounded in the conservation-focused mission that has impacted thousands of young people across South Carolina and beyond.
Among the most anticipated additions for 2026 are Camp Woodie's new multi-lane climbing tower and expanded adventure programming, giving campers even more opportunities to challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop leadership skills. The summer also features a restructured camp staff model designed to enhance camper engagement, supervision, and overall experience.
"Camp Woodie has always been about much more than outdoor recreation," said SCWA Education Programs Director Jami Lisenby. "Our goal is to help campers develop a connection to the natural world that lasts long after they leave camp. We're excited to welcome another summer of campers and provide experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their lives."
Throughout the summer, campers will participate in a wide range of activities including archery, shooting sports, fishing, canoeing, ziplining, climbing, wildlife education, conservation programming, team-building activities, and more. Every activity is designed to blend fun with educational opportunities that reinforce SCWA's mission of conserving South Carolina's wildlife heritage through education and habitat conservation.
Camp Woodie's impact extends far beyond the summer months. Many former campers have gone on to pursue careers in natural resources, wildlife management, education, and conservation, while others return as counselors and staff members to help inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Since its founding in 1995, Camp Woodie has served thousands of campers and remains one of the premier conservation education summer camps in the Southeast.
Families can follow Camp Woodie throughout the summer on social media and through SCWA's digital channels for weekly updates, photos, and highlights from camp activities.
For more information about Camp Woodie and the South Carolina Waterfowl Association, visit SCWA.org.
About the South Carolina Waterfowl Association: The South Carolina Waterfowl Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and perpetuating South Carolina's wildlife heritage through education and habitat conservation. Through programs including Camp Woodie, Camp Leopold, Outdoor Heritage Events, and wildlife habitat initiatives, SCWA works to educate and inspire future generations of conservationists.
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