Environment DEC
From the July 2008 issue
Submit Your Camp Application Now!
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis encourages families to act quickly on submitting applications for DEC's 2008 Summer Environmental Education Camps. The DEC Summer Camp Program is in its 61st year of operation, offering week-long adventures in conservation education to New York State residents ages 12-17.
Campers at Rushford learn about aquatic insects and other wildlife
Typically, more than 1,600 young residents attend DEC camps each summer. Guided by experienced DEC education camp staff, campers enjoy a week searching 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 making new friends from across the state. Campers also have time to pursue and improve their skills in a wide variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, bird watching, fly tying, canoeing, hiking, camping, orienteering and hunter safety education.
Age-Appropriate Camps
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 for the first five weeks of camping season. For the final three weeks, Pack Forest will host 12-14 year olds.In addition, each camp offers a "Returnee Week" for students who have previously attended a DEC camp.
More Information
DEC camp sessions began on June 29, 2008. The cost per camper for a one-week stay is $250. Applications and current reports on space available at each camp can be found under Environmental Education Camps. You may also write to DEC Camps, 2nd Floor, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4500, or call 518-402-8014. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
