FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky State Police's (KSP) Trooper Island Kid's Camp will look a little different for its 55th year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the camp will be turned into a free virtual camp that kids of all ages can attend by watching online. 

 


What You Need To Know


  • Trooper Island Kid's Camp to go virtual this year

  • Episodes will air on KSP Youtube channel and Facebook page

  • Each episode to feature activity usually done at camp

 

“We have the technology and resources to bring a piece of the island to the kids – even if it is virtually,” said KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer. “While we may not be able to interact in person, we can still connect with these young people and teach them skills they can utilize at home or when camp is back in session.”

The online camp's first episode will air on the KSP Youtube channel and Trooper Island Facebook page June 30 at 10 a.m. Following the first episode, KSP will release two episodes per week during July, each episode featuring an activity campers would have done at the island. There will also be downloadable activities kids can do at home.

Some of the activities will include swimming, campfire cooking, archery and the traditional flag raising ceremony. 

Parents are encouraged to show their virtual camper's involvement at home by using the hashtag #VirtualTrooperIsland on social media and sharing photos or videos of their child participating in the activities. Trooper Island Camp Director Trooper Jonathan Biven will share some of the posts and use them for an online graduation ceremony in August. 

“The neatest thing for me, is that we are going to host a ‘live’ graduation on Facebook. During that time, we plan to highlight many of the photos that we receive, announce our camp graduates and have the opportunity to give some prizes away,” says Biven.

Every child who certifies they have watched all the episodes will receive a camp certificate and patch.

KSP hopes to reach out to a new demographic of children they hadn't reached before.

“Virtual Camp is open to all children. There are no ‘qualifiers’ for this program and because of that, I hope this platform provides the opportunity to connect troopers with more young people,” said Brewer.