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Records the recollections of Rev. Mark E. Wolfe, a World War II conscientious objector who was assigned to CPS (Civilian Public Service) Camp 29, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia from 1942-44. Describes process used by the draft to assign conscientious objector status. Recalls transport to the Camp and checking in process. Talks about Park officers and Church of the Brethren employees that ran the Camp; and general make-up of the Camp according to various religious groups (Brethren, Methodists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Holiness groups, Catholics). Describes a typical day (roll call, work assignment -- usually on the Parkway or at local farms, lunch and return); forest fire service; time-off; ecumenical church services at the local Mennonite Church; and experiences preaching which eventually led to his being licensed as a preacher for his home congregation following the War. Mentions food and the cooking school for training in quantity cooking; also payment allowances (none from the government; around $3.00 - $3.50 per month from the Brethren Church). Talks about various people he met at the Camp including an organ builder who built an organ for the church, an organist, and wood carvers; also his future wife. Mentions rules, regulations and discipline requirements, incl. sign-out/sign-in reporting. Recalls how the whole camp was moved to Bedford, Pennsylvania, in anticipation of the Camp being turned into a POW facility. In general, reminisces about experiences as a conscientious objector during World War II.

Records the recollections of Roger "Hillbilly" Bryant, Conservation Corps enrollee and cook at Camp 8, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia from 1934-39. Describes work in the coal mines of Southwest Virginia, impact of Depression on family; and learning about the CCC. Recalls CCC enrollment process, stay at Fort Meade, Maryland, and transfer to Camp 8. Mentions early days at the camp site: road construction (Howardsville Turnpike, Campbell Mt. Rd., Coal Rd.) cutting trails (Bald Mt. Tower); setting boundary lines using barbwire; and hauling rock. Describes in more detail experiences as a cook: use of coal stoves, 5-6 man crews; different mess halls (for Army officers, Forest Services, and enrollees); particular dishes, the warm table (i.e., buffet style dining); and attendance at a cook and bakers school at an Army base in Pennsylvania). Talks about "deployed" units which were maintained in more remote areas for purposes of trapping and recording game movement. Mentions recreation/off-times at the Camp and in Waynesboro (swimming at the Lake and boxing; entertainment by a CCC string band which regularly played in Harrisonburg on Saturdays at WSVA, the local radio station). Talks about individuals he met and various stories/experiences associated with them (the "local experienced men;" the commanders; also the pet mascots incl. a dog and two bear cubs). Recalls various nicknames men were known by, incl. his own. Mentions several situations related to moonshining: hiding a car which was used for storing and transporting whiskey, and a major fire at Big Priest Mt. which was caused by a still catching on fire. Talks about various friends who met their wives at the Camp and his own discharge after marriage. Reminisces about the impact of the CCC on his life and training which led to his job as a cook in the Navy during World War II. In general, records his experiences and impressions of five plus years as a CCC participant at a camp which later became a part of the national forest recreation system.