Local Trooper Island campers return home after week at Dale Hollow Lake

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Over 30 children from south-central Kentucky returned Friday from a week of fun and learning on Trooper Island.

For eight weeks each summer, the Kentucky State Police takes groups of kids, ages 10 to 12, to an island in Dale Hollow Lake for a chance to experience archery, kayaking, swimming and camping. For some of the children, these are first time experiences.

Trooper Katan Parker, public affairs officer for KSP Post Three, says, “One of my favorite things I saw this year was a kid who came to our camp without knowing how to swim. By the end of the week, he actually learned how to swim. He started jumping in the pool when he was afraid to. It’s stuff like that that actually keeps us going.”

The Kentucky State Police’s Trooper Island Kids Camp gives underprivileged children many opportunities, but the main goal of the program is for youth and troopers to connect with each other, so kids know law enforcement is there to help.

If parents are interested in next year’s program, they can contact Post Three here in Bowling Green.