HARRISBURG – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources acting Secretary John H. Quigley is inviting young men and women across the state to apply for its summer residential camp for high-school students interested in pursuing environmental careers.
“As the Environmental Careers Outdoors Camp enters its ninth year, the popular educational effort has become one of DCNR’s strongest success stories,” said Quigley. “We know we’ve successfully worked with young people to hone their awareness of the natural world and the variety of related careers available to them.”
DCNR will offer the six-day camp, beginning Sunday, July 11, at Kirby Episcopal House and Chapel, Glen Summit, Luzerne County. The camp is near Nescopeck State Park and approximately 10 miles south of Wilkes-Barre.
“DCNR staffers have proudly supported this ECO Camp effort,” Quigley said. “Past campers have come from the state’s smallest towns and largest cities, forming a very unique pool of intelligence, spirit and commitment to environmental improvement.”
The ultimate camp goal is to introduce 20 to 25 students to conservation and environmental careers, and encourage their pursuit. From sampling streams for fish and aquatic life, to developing forestry skills, daily activities are planned to get students out in the field to meet and observe environmental professionals.
Participants are exposed to a wide range of career experiences, including water quality assessments, geology field studies, and overnight camping experiences. There will be opportunities to meet conservation professionals to learn about career opportunities.
Specialists and officials of DCNR’s bureaus of state parks, forestry and topographic and geologic survey will offer the instruction and daily activities without charge. Selected students in grades 10-12 will receive a hands-on, team-building learning experience in an outdoor setting.
After the camps, attendees will have a chance to seek internships, mentoring and job-shadowing positions, and return as future camp leaders.
Applications must be submitted by April 1. For enrollment applications and information, visit here; email ECO_Camp@state.pa.us; call (724) 865-7857 or write to ECO Camp Coordinator, Bureau of State parks, Environmental Education and Information Division, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551.