Environment DEC
From the March 2006 issue
Applications Available for DEC Summer Environmental Camps
Organized activities provide
plenty of fresh air and
exercise for campers
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced that applications for DEC's 2006 summer environmental education camps are now available and encouraged families to consider enrolling their children in these exciting programs. "We strive to bring children closer to the outdoors through our four environmental education summer camps located in some of the most pristine, natural areas in the state-the Catskill Forest Preserve, the Adirondack Forest Preserve, and the Genesee River Valley," Commissioner Sheehan said. "Camps Colby, DeBruce, Rushford and Pack Forest offer children the opportunity to participate in activities that help them become more aware of the environment around them and stimulate their desire to conserve our natural resources. The activities and lessons blend learning and outdoor fun-like fishing, canoeing and hiking-in a group setting that allows children to get hands-on experience lasting for a lifetime."
Age-Appropriate Camps
DEC's environmental education summer camps program is in its 59th year of operation, offering week-long adventures in conservation education to state residents ages 12-17. DEC operates three residential camps for children ages 12-14: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake, Franklin County; Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor, Sullivan County, and Camp Rushford in Caneadea, Allegany County. A fourth residential camp, Pack Forest in Warrensburg, Warren County, features the Teenage Ecology Workshop, a special program of environmental study available to campers 15-17 years of age.
Each camp offers a Returnee Week for students who have previously attended a DEC Camp. In addition, DEC offers an extra Returnee Week at Pack Forest during the second week of the camp season, July 2-8, 2006, for campers ages 12-14.
Camp
Friendships can survive long
after the campers go home
Guided by experienced DEC education camp staff, campers enjoy a week exploring fields, forests, streams and ponds discovering the interconnected aspects of the natural world. Campers observe wildlife, discuss and debate environmental issues, sample streams for microscopic life and explore the brilliance of the night sky while meeting new friends from across the state. They also have time to pursue and improve their skills in a wide variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, birdwatching, fly-tying, canoeing, hiking, camping, orienteering and learning about hunter safety.
Sponsorships
In an effort to ensure that youth from all backgrounds and areas of the state have an opportunity to enjoy time at a summer environmental education camp, DEC has created a camper sponsorship program. This program allows individuals and organizations to cover the cost for a deserving child to spend a week at a DEC camp. Hundreds of young people from across the state have been able to experience the natural beauty and fun at DEC's camps thanks to this program.
Further Information
DEC summer camp sessions begin June 25, 2006. The cost per camper for a one-week stay is $250. Applications, space availability and descriptions of each camp can be found on DEC's Website by using the link below; by writing to DEC Camps, 2nd Floor, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4500 or by calling 518-402-8014. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
