Camp for outdoor-minded students
ECO campers learned about forestry through work at Hickory Run State Park, and they also enjoyed outdoor activities such as biking, in Lehigh Gorge State Park. LISA PRICE/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
ECO campers learned about forestry through work at Hickory Run State Park, and they also enjoyed outdoor activities such as biking, in Lehigh Gorge State Park. LISA PRICE/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Hey, high school students. Want to be a park ranger? Or would you rather work to design outdoor landscapes? What about supervising forest maintenance? Planning projects which benefit the environment? Studying aquatic life?
Here’s your chance to get a hiking boot in the door. Not only could you enjoy learning about the outdoors in the gorgeous setting in our area, you’ll also have the chance to later spend time with those working in the field, thanks to the camp’s mentoring program.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has run its Exploring Careers Outdoors (ECO) Camp for 17 years. The six-day camp begins Sunday, July 8 at Camp Kresge, located about 10 miles north of White Haven. Students must apply by April 15.
“Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp has become one of DCNR’s strongest success stories since beginning 17 years ago,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “We’ve successfully worked with hundreds of young people to hone their awareness of the natural world and the variety of related careers available to them.”
“Past campers have come from small towns and large cities, forming a unique pool of intelligence, spirit and commitment to environmental improvement,” Dunn said. “In addition, many DCNR employees have supported this camp effort, some coming back year after year.”
The camp will introduce 20 students in grades 10-12 to conservation and environmental careers and encourage their pursuit. From wildlife conservation projects and stream sampling of aquatic life, to various forestry skills, daily activities offer students a hands-on, team-building learning experience in an outdoor setting. Participants explore a wide range of career experiences, including water quality assessments, geology field studies, and overnight camping experiences. They also will meet conservation professionals to learn about career opportunities.
Offered free of charge, the instruction and daily activities will be overseen by specialists and officials of DCNR’s bureaus of State Parks and Forestry. After the camp, attendees will have a chance to seek internships, job-shadowing and other career-related opportunities through the camp’s mentor program.
The mentor program is an invaluable outreach from the camp, said Terrence Brady, DCNR Press Secretary.
“Essentially, the mentor program gives students guidance through school and into the job market,” Brady explained. “They are paired up – if they request it – with employees from the bureaus of state parks and forestry, who supply career advice when requested.
For more details and applications, visit http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Education/ECOCamp, write to ECO Camp Coordinator, Bureau of State Parks, Outdoor Programming Services Division, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551; or call 717-425-5330.
