Camp Koch's Ranger James

09/17/2026

It has been a very hot and humid late summer at Camp Koch.

Thankfully that didn’t really start until after resident camp, which was awesome!!!

We have had, and continue to have many days with heat indexes over 100 degrees as the heat dome continues to hover over us.

Yet, with all the humidity, I don’t think the grass really ever quit growing this year. It’s like living in the tropics, without the beach and cold drinks. 😂

That reminds me. No PawPaws this year. I guess the critters got to them first. I checked on them in late August, but they weren’t ripe yet. Checked back a few weeks later, GONE! 😆 I was really looking forward to making PawPaw ice cream again. Maybe next year. I might put a trail camera out Fox Ridge next year and see what all eats them.

Here are a few pictures I’ve collected over the past couple of months. I’ll post more updates and pictures around the property in the coming weeks and months as the hot weather breaks.

08/06/2026

Apparently this Katydid hood ornament had an appointment with his Entomologist this morning in Evansville.

He may have eaten some bad lettuce and now has some gastrointestinal issues. 😂 We certainly know he isn’t having any muscular issues or problems with his feet.

He rode on the hood the entire way. There was some serious turbulence while I was behind a big truck, but he got low and hung on. Surprisingly, they don’t have sticky feet. Just claws. And their ears are on their front legs below the knee. I hope he had some earbuds in or something.

We’ll pick him up on our way out of town. Hopefully his doc isn’t running late.
😂 😂

07/31/2026

Look at this guy.

The Luna Moth.

They do all their eating as caterpillars. Once they transform, they have no mouth or digestive system, live for one week 😬, and only focus on reproduction.

Beautiful creature!

07/08/2026

We had a great time at family camp this year and the weather was perfect.

06/12/2026

I’m glad we are getting a break from the humidity for a few days. Makes working outside so much nicer.

Yesterday was Blue Wells Trail maintenance day when it was still hot and sticky.

Here some camp season pics from around the property.

05/28/2026

Getting it done! Camp season starts very soon. I waited until the front hill was in the shade to mow it today. It kicks my b***y, but it’s a good sweat 😅.

There’s a patch of Mugwort near the spillway that smells so good when I mow. 🙂

05/23/2026

Here’s hoping everyone has a great holiday weekend with family and friends.

Thank you to all those that serve and those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🙏

All these photos were taken in the Hidden Meadow/Ballfield area.

04/30/2026

Don’t forget to sign up for Good Turn Weekend. Hope to see you there….here 🙂

by donating supplies and/or getting dusted off, cleaned up, and ready for summer campers at Good Turn Weekend!

Clean-up takes place from 9 AM to 4 PM CT on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31. Drop off to the GSSI Council Shop & Office during business hours. This is a great opportunity for adults, local businesses, troops, and families!

So come join us for Good Turn Weekend 2026 | Camp Koch!

04/24/2026

Happy Friday everyone.

Reflection Shelter - What a perfect name for this structure!

04/13/2026

The tents are up! Summer camp is coming!

We had great weather Saturday and with the help of great volunteers, got all the tents raised. It takes a team of 4 or more to raise each tent.

Thank you Mike, David, Dan, Simon, Barry, Brianna, Chris, and Ethan. 💚 We could not do this without you!!

There is still plenty of rope work, adjusting and tightening, and of course, getting all the cots out of storage and in the tents, but having the tents up for the season definitely makes the units feel alive again!