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History
First Camp Clements Building At the first state FFA Convention in 1928, Mr. Dudley M. Clements, the first State Supervisor of agricultural Education in Tennessee, had a dream. He wished to have a place in the mountains of Tennessee that would serve as a training place, a haven of rest, and wholesome recreation for the vocational agricultural students of the state. Mr. Clements, a man with vision and foresight, began developing his dream in his mind as a young teacher of agriculture in 1911. He had discussed the possibilities of such a camp with many of his staff in the State Department of Education. In September, 1927, in a newsletter to teachers of vocational agriculture, he expressed his dream for the camp. Mr. Norman Ward deeded 25 acres of land for the camp in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains near the Caney Fork River. The above administration building was constructed in 1927 and served as offices, meeting area, sleeping quarters, kitchen and cafeteria. Soon after, in 1931, Tennessee was recognized as the first state to initiate and promote a camping program for the students of vocational agriculture. Five hundred and forty three FFA members attended the camp that year. In 1934, the state association of Future Farmers of America honored the State Supervisor of Vocational Agriculture by naming the newly built camp located twelve miles south of Sparta, Tennessee: "CAMP CLEMENTS". Camp Clements was closed in 1958 and was reopened in 1961 with a new focus on leadership development. In the early 1960’s the State Department of Education leased the camp from the FFA and started construction of new facilities. In 2001, due to budget cuts, the State Department of Education cut funding from the camp operations and dismissed all camp employees. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of people like Steven Gass, State FFA Advisor, Tennessee FFA Foundation, agriculture teachers across Tennessee, teacher educators and others that serve on the Camp Committee & Board of Directors; Camp Clements remained open and in operation. Once again Camp Clements became the responsibility of the Tennessee Association FFA. The Tennessee Association FFA employed Dale and Brenda Bray to oversee the day to day operation of Camp Clements. The Tennessee Association FFA provided the necessary funding to continue the operation cost of camp and over 850 FFA members attended camp in the 2002 camping season. In 2003, the agricultural education family was able to secure legislation authorizing the State Department of Education to re-establish the funding to operate Camp Clements. The Tennessee Association FFA being responsible for any expenses exceeding that amount. Over the years the camp has expanded considerably in terms of size and use. The 58 acres of land provide facilities for all the Vocational Youth Organizations in Tennessee. These organizations include:
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