Printer-friendlyEnvironment DEC
From the September 2007 issue
DEC Environmental Education Camps Celebrate 60th Anniversary
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis marked the 60th anniversary of DEC's environmental education camps during a visit to Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor. DeBruce and other DEC camps across New York State are home to more than 1,600 young residents each summer.
"The anniversary of these camps is a reminder of what an outstanding and valuable resource they have been and continue to be for New York's youth," said Commissioner Grannis. "The camps provide young people with unique opportunities to discover and learn more about the state's natural resources, while offering a chance for them to spend time with experienced DEC staff. Campers can explore and benefit from the outdoors and learn about the many conservation efforts and programs that they can incorporate in their own lives."
DEC Forest Ranger Megan McCone and Commissioner Grannis give some pointers to a young angler
Age-appropriate Camps
DEC operates three 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. In 1998, Pack Forest--a new camp in the southern Adirondacks--opened, offering week-long ecology workshops for teens 15 to 17 years old.
"I have been a part of the DEC camp program for five years now, and to go from camper to staff was a great experience," said Rashawn Hoke, 18, of Albany, NY. "I hope to stay around and continue my work with the DEC camp program long enough to become a director."
Camp DeBruce, a former private estate and fish hatchery, was converted into a conservation education camp in the 1940s. It is situated on more than 300 acres of land adjoining the Catskill Forest Preserve and is close to renowned trout streams, the Beaverkill and the Willowemoc.
The DEC Camp Experience
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 also observe wildlife, discuss and debate environmental issues, sample streams for microscopic life and explore the night sky, while meeting new friends from across the state.
In addition, campers have time to pursue and improve their skills in a wide variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, fly-tying, bird watching, canoeing, hiking, camping and hunter safety education. Sportsman Education courses are offered at camps Colby, DeBruce and Rushford, and shooting sports are offered for a few weeks at Pack Forest.
Check DEC's website for more information on these camps or on how to be a part of this experience, or contact NYSDEC Camps at 518-402-8014.
