{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Trooper Island Kid's Camp","description":"Episode 18:  In this episode, Molley and Chad speak with Kentucky State Trooper Jonathan Biven about a very special place on Dale Hollow Lake, Trooper Island Kid\u2019s Camp.  Established in 1965, KSP Colonel Ted Bassett wanted to provide a place for underprivileged children to have the opportunity to escape their struggles and have a week to interact in a positive way with law enforcement.  It was meant to let them simply be kids. Who Gets to Go to Trooper Island Kid\u2019s Camp? The 35-acre Island has 9 weeks of camps and tries to serve 720 kids ranging between the ages of 10-12 years of age.  It\u2019s open to both girls and boys.  There\u2019s on online Camper Application available on the Camp\u2019s website.  They also offer a Scholarship Program. The Kentucky State Troopers have 16 posts throughout the Commonwealth.  They work with schools, kids and parents to help identify prospective kids who would be interested in coming to the camp.  Since its beginning, over 60 campers have gone on to become KY State Troopers.  The camp has had over 20,000 campers, so far.  In fact, one of the campers from the 1985-1986 years, is the current Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, PJ Burnett. Is the Island just for Kid\u2019s Camp? Actually, no.  The KSP also makes the facilities available to church groups, local area residents and other uses.  Even when people aren\u2019t on site, there\u2019s still a lot of work to be done. How Can People Contribute to the Camp? Trooper Island Kid\u2019s Camp is not supported by state funds.  There\u2019s a constant need to try to raise donations to support the facilities and the mission.  There are raffles, golf tournaments, jeep rallies and other events.  You can donate directly via the website.  There\u2019s also a way to buy raffle tickets directly through the site.  Inflation is dramatically impacting the budget for fuel, supplies, maintenance and food.  The need is tremendous, but so is the good this camp does.  A Day in the Life of a Camper on the Island Trooper Jonathan describes a typical day for the kids who attend Trooper Island Kid\u2019s Camp.  A bus picks them up and transports the 70-80 kids to the camp.  They arrive and take a barge to the island.  They learn how to swim, fish, shoot archery, kayak, hunter & gun safety and general recreation.  It gives them a chance to see the 10-12 troopers interacting with the campers and having fun with everyone. On Wednesday nights, the troopers put on their KSP uniforms.  The kids quickly begin connecting the fun guys they\u2019ve been spending time with are also troopers.  But more importantly, the recognize that each trooper is also a person.  They are there to help, even when they leave the island. Trooper Jonathan basically works and lives on the island.  He was a public affairs liaison for KSP.  He first visited the island in 2004.  He became an avid fundraiser for the camp.  Eventually, an opening became available and Jonathan got the job.  His daughters are camp counselors on the island.  He credits his staff with much of the ongoing success of the island and the overall experience.  People work year-round on the island. Training for Police Officers One of the ways KSP utilizes Trooper Island is as a training facility.  Police officers are training for DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education program).  The Louisville metro police dive team will perform rescue\/recovery training and skill enhancement at Dale Hollow Lake and use the facilities during that time. The Kentucky State Police Academy will also utilize the facilities for a week of survival training. Trooper Jonathan\u2019s Favorite Thing about the Trooper Island Jonathan mentions is about 1 kid.  This boy came to the camp at age 11.  He\u2019s been to the camp every single year since then.  He\u2019s now 19 years old and is helping as a counselor.  There\u2019s a connection and Jonathan knows the camp is having a positive impact on this young man\u2019s life. On the other hand, the winter months can be challenging on the island.  If you forget something in town, it takes time to go back and get it.  The weather can be difficult at times.  Thankfully, the staff is here working, but this camp is designed to be filled with campers and visitors. Open to the Public Molley and Chad originally won a weekend on the island, in an auction sponsored by an organization.  They\u2019ve been coming back and making donations to support the island ever since that first experience. Important:  If you would like to come and spend a few days on the island, you can call the office at (270) 433-5422.  If the cabins are available, you can visit and stay there.  They ask that you make a donation for the opportunity. Closing Words from Trooper Jonathan The camp is always looking for towels and other supplies.  You can drop them off at a KSP post to be used for the Trooper Island Kid\u2019s Camp.  Some of the kids don\u2019t have the most basic things.  If you have extra clothes that would fit a 10-12 year old child (including bathing suits), they are greatly appreciated.  The kids who attend camp will take the clothes home with them We\u2019d like to thank Trooper Jonathan Biven for joining us for this episode.  Trooper Island Kid\u2019s Camp is a wonderful resource, provide by the Kentucky State Police and your generous donations.  That\u2019s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.  Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here\u2019s to warm weather and calm waters! Don\u2019t forget to subscribe! 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