Kids have a ball at Sam Davis youth camp
By Mary Kate Holland Intern

A delegation of local dignitaries visited the Sam Davis Youth Camp, July 31, held at Magnolia Springs State Park. The delegation was honored by the campers with a firing of the cannon. Tommy Lane, center, was given the opportunity of "pulling the lanyard." The 50 Youth Campers came from as far west as Texas, and one from England. (Photos contributed)

Kids got a chance to travel back in time at the Sam Davis Youth Camp.

The camp, hosted at Magnolia Springs State Park, started July 20 and lasted through Aug. 3. More than 50 youth from across the Sunbelt came to Jenkins County to experience how people lived during Civil War era.

After lessons, campers walked in the shoes of their forefathers. They were taught the old south etiquette and participated in favorite activities of that time. Fishing, horseshoes and croquet were just some of the activities campers participated in. They weren't allowed to use electronics during the camp. "They're here to learn about what the confederate lifestyle was like back then," said Jack Marler, field representative of the camp. Campers were also taught traditional dances of the time.

Clustered around a 12 pound Napoleon cannon at the Sam Davis Youth Camp are, from left, Conley Drake, Tarah and Haley Thompson, Jenkins County commissioners Floyd Chance and Tommy Lane, Millen-Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce director Paula Herrington, Metter visitors Hu Daughtry and Tony Thompson of the Dixie Guards SCV, 5th Brigade commander Mike Mull and wife Donna of Statesboro, local Camp 2102 officers Ray Garvin, Neil Dickey and Darryl Drake; and kneeling: Jack Marlar, executive director of the SDYC. Not pictured: UDC/OREL member Donna Drake.

"I really like the dancing," said Beth Payne, a camper from North Carolina. At the end of the week kids showed off those dance moves at the Confederate Ball. Many wore traditional dresses and uniforms to get in character.

The hosts of the camp, Ron and Cassie Wilson, say Magnolia Springs State Park is the sixth location they've chosen for their annual summer camp. "This is the second largest group we've had," Mrs. Wilson said. There are fees required for the camp, but according to Wilson scholarships are available for students with the desire to be a Sam Davis camper. The cost must be worth it to many campers who return year after year.