Camp Sousley opens in Fleming County

Camp Sousley is a Military Adventure Camp for youths ages 12-18 interested in the military lifestyle or want to experience something more challenging than the average summer camp.

The new facility is located at 1083 Mt. Hope Road and is a 52 acre property that was once home to the Mount Hope Camp Grounds and has been named in honor of native son, PFC Franklin Runyon Sousley.

“We are very excited for the opportunity to bring Camp Sousley to Fleming County,” Commander Jay Whitehead said. “Military Adventure Camp is a challenging, military-style experience. Although the setting is structured and rules are enforced, the goal is to give young men and women a taste of what the military experience is like. The environment is geared toward developing the whole person academically, mentally, spiritually and physically. The goals are attainable and age-appropriate, but we expect the best from our Cadets. All Military Adventure Camp training programs are designed to build upstanding Americans with physical and mental stamina, discipline and respect for authority. The curriculum provides instruction in: military history, traditions, customs and courtesies, military drill, leadership, infantry drill, rifle drill, rifle and pistol marksmanship, map and compass reading, wilderness and cold weather survival, rappelling and mountain climbing, first aid, swimming and water safety, as well as many other exciting subjects” Whitehead explained.

Whitehead said that 2016 was a milestone year for the Military Adventure Camp with the establishment of it’s own facility at Camp Sousley after years of being housed at the Millersburg location.

“Because of the history of the institution and the friends we made, we are sorry that we were unable to save the Millersburg location. We fought hard, but because of mismanagement by our previous leadership and a multitude of mistakes by our former bank,, it was impossible to remain there. However, we are extremely excited about our new company and our new location in Flemingsburg and invite our all friends from Bourbon County to visit us,” Whitehead said.

Allie Marie McClean, a Bath County Middle School student, is excited about the new camp location.

“I love Camp Sousley, it’s amazing and so are the people. I started my training ten months ago and was so excited when we got the new base. Military Camp has been a great experience for me. I’ve learned to use a gun, a real one and the air-soft kind and I’ve learned how to get along with people and how to be even more respectful than I already am. I have learned many skills that will benefit me for the rest of my life. My time at camp has taught me how to be more responsible for my own actions, and how to work as a team,” McClean said.

Allen Thomas, a retired United States Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer and Psychology teacher, said the staff at Camp Sousley hopes to become strongly involved in the community.

“Our main focus is community involvement, our goal is to maintain activity level throughout the year and to make the facility available to the public and local businesses. We plan to offer our cabins to the DOVES program for temporary housing. We have installed a rifle range that will be available to our local law enforcement free of charge,” Thomas said.

Thomas went on to say Military Adventure Camp is about building inner strength, integrity, and personal responsibility, and a feeling of accomplishment as well as teamwork.

“At this time, Camp Sousley is for kids who have not been in trouble. Our Cadets must be crime-free, drug-free and have the ability to do well in school. We do not accept court-ordered students and are not a substitute for the juvenile justice system. But sometime in the future, if there is a need, we would like to be able to work with the Justice System,” Thomas said.

Camp Sousley was named in honor Fleming County native Franklin Runyon Sousley, a United States Marine who was killed in action on Iwo Jima during World War II. He is one of the six flag-raisers in the famous photograph of United States Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima in World War II.

An in-dept museum dedicated to the history of PFC. Sousley will be housed at the camp site.

Sousley’s nephew, Dwayne Price said his family was honored the camp was named after their beloved family member.

“My family’s very pleased and proud, they did ask us if it was ok to name it after him. They have kept me informed of what their plans are with the camp and seem to be good organization with good people behind it,” Price said.

Camp Sousley is a Military exploration adventure camp that promises an adventurous experience for those who attend.

Basic Cadet training will include a two week course where recruits will learn military drill and ceremonies, negotiate an obstacle course, rappel and learn basic marksmanship

The public is invited to attend an open house at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 11 and the opportunity to take a tour of Camp Sousley.