Young people interested in outdoor adventure, learning new skills and making new friends will have an opportunity to discover what Scouting has to offer during a Scout Recruitment Night tonight in Summerville.
Families and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to spend a day enjoying nature, wildlife and hands-on activities when Outdoor Adventure Day returns to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the park, located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road.
Organizers are planning a full lineup of activities for children and adults, including a Kids Fishing Rodeo featuring 50 tagged fish that can be caught for prizes.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to learn archery with instruction provided by park staff.
Wildlife will be a major part of the day’s activities. Southeastern Reptile Rescue is scheduled to present a snake show, while Greg’s Turtle Haven will bring a turtle show to the park. Wings to SOAR will also present a birds of prey program.
Families are encouraged to bring relatives and friends and spend the day exploring the activities at the park.
Food will be available for purchase from food trucks during the event. The Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will also have “Rodeo Catfish” T-shirts available for sale.
Parking is $10 per vehicle.
Outdoor Adventure Day provides families with an opportunity to enjoy one of Chattooga County’s most popular outdoor destinations while learning more about fishing, archery and wildlife.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division has released the 2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations and Seasons Guide, giving hunters and anglers an updated resource ahead of the upcoming outdoor seasons.
Georgians will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors as National Fishing and Boating Week returns June 6-14, 2026, with special events, educational programs, and two free fishing days offered statewide.
Children ages 6 to 12 will have the opportunity to explore the outdoors and learn valuable nature skills this summer during Junior Ranger Camp at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville is gearing up for a busy summer season, with camping, hiking, fishing and family-friendly programs available for visitors.
Park Manager Katy Gramling says summer adventures at the park include several camping options, including electric campsites, backcountry campsites and a pioneer campground with water but no electricity.
Gramling says weekend reservations are mostly booked into June, but weekday campers may have a better chance of finding an available site.
Upcoming events at the park include Junior Ranger Camps June 10-12, June 22-25 and July 16-17. The camps are designed for children ages 6 to 12 and include outdoor skills, crafts and ranger-led activities. The park will also host “Star Spangled S’mores and Stories” on July 4 at 7 PM, featuring campfire games, a storybook, hot cocoa and s’mores.
Visitors can also enjoy the park’s lakes, hiking trails and access to the Pinhoti Trail. For reservations or more information, visit Georgia State Parks online or call the park office at 706-857-0826.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is encouraging anglers to make the Georgia Fishing Forecasts their go-to source before visiting a lake or river. Wildlife Resources Division fisheries biologists and technicians update the forecasts each year for more than 30 reservoirs and 19 rivers across the state.
Officials say the forecasts offer anglers practical information including the best lures, technique tips, suggested fishing locations, and access to an interactive map for each water body. State fisheries leaders say checking the forecast for a specific lake or river can give anglers a better chance at a successful day on the water.
The forecasts cover popular Georgia lakes including Lanier, Allatoona, Hartwell, Oconee, Seminole, Sinclair, West Point, and many more. River forecasts are also available for major waterways including the Chattahoochee, Flint, Savannah, Altamaha, Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Satilla rivers.
Georgia DNR also reminds anglers that fishing license purchases help support fisheries research, hatchery operations, public fishing areas, and conservation work across the state.
Chattooga County 4-H and ANR have announced that F.D. Roosevelt State Park has been selected as the destination for this year’s annual “Into the Wild” Camp.
Students will take part in a three-day, two-night adventure from June 1 through June 3, exploring Georgia’s largest state park. Camp activities will include hiking, swimming, and fishing, along with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about Georgia’s natural resources.
The cost to attend is $80, with payment due by May 1st. Organizers say space is limited, so families are encouraged to register early.
For more information, contact the Chattooga County Extension Office at (706) 857-0744
If winter weather has you looking ahead to warmer days, now is a good time to lock in a camping spot at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville.
‘Tis the season for searching high and low for the perfect gift—and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says there’s an easy idea for the outdoor lover in your life: a hunting or fishing license.