Kentucky State Police and thousands of former camp attendees are celebrating a half century of summertime recreation and mentorship. The fun takes place on an island at Dale Hollow Lake in southern Kentucky.
KSP Spokesman Sargent Michael Webb says it's a structured environment with fresh air, good food, recreation, and esteem building activities. "It's a wonderful respite for these children to be able to go and just get away from all the busyness and other cares of this world and just go there and just have fun," said Webb.
It's estimated more than 25,000 boys and girls, ages 10 to 12, have gathered on Trooper Island since 1965. Its origin is traced back to Ted Bassett, a former state police commissioner in the 1960's. Bassett went on to serve in various capacities at Keeneland race track for four decades.
Over the years, Webb says there has been the misconception that KSP program was for cadets in training or troubled youth. "This is not for delinquent kids who have had a troubled past," explained Webb. "This is for children who are underprivileged, who would not ordinarily get an opportunity to go to camp or receive a fun opportunity like this in the summer. "We want to reinvest in them or shower them with love."
KSP troopers from across the state choose children from all 120 counties. ?
