(KFVS) - The 28th Annual Fishing Expedition for Special Populations is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8 at Bleyer Lake.

Bleyer Lake is located about 1.5 miles south of Midland Inn, just off of County Club Road.

Over 1,300 special population youngsters and adults, volunteers and staff will line the shores of Bleyer Laek for this event. They will spend the day fishing and will be provided a picnic lunch. All of the fishing equipment is provided free of charged to the participants.

The participants will come from Southern Ililnois schools and sheltered worshops in Jackson, Williamson, Union and other surrounding counties. The event begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to help participants with their fishing equipment, bait fishing hooks and encourage their efforts. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by a parent or school official.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) -  According to University of Illinois Extension, the 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello, Illinois is the perfect place for your child to experience the finest in summer camp life. 

They have traditional and innovative programs, professional staff and comfortable facilities await campers at 4-H Memorial.

Summer youth camp is open to all youth ages 8-16 years.  Following with the 4-H mission to foster positive youth development through a “learn-by-doing” philosophy, campers experience a five-day, four-night camp full of activities and learning.  Swimming, boating, hiking, arts & crafts, fishing, singing, volleyball, softball, the list goes on and on!

Four summer youth camps will be operated June and July. 

(KFVS) - The Shawnee National Forest Volunteer Corps is inviting volunteers to join them to help assist with upcoming trail work days.

Whether a first time beginner or seasoned trail crew veteran, the Corps says no certain level of experience is needed as training; including how to perform activities safely.

Volunteers will be joining Shawnee National Forest employees in stewardship efforts at several locations on the Hidden Springs and Mississippi Bluff Ranger Districts. With  the arrival of spring to the Southern Illinois region, the Corps says each work day will encompass a fun, hands-on, teamwork centered approach with a backdrop of budding trees, blooming wildflowers and much more.

The following dates and locations from spring 2013 have been scheduled:

Join the Forest and other volunteers to maintain the Indian Point Trail at Garden of the Gods on: