For Release: Thursday, March 26, 2009

S'Mores and More at DEC Environmental Education Camps

Summer Camping Season Is Just Around The Corner

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that applications for the 2009 summer educational camps are now available. DEC urges families looking for an out-of-the-ordinary summer camp to consider enrolling youth ages 12 to 17 in these exciting programs.

DEC operates four residential environmental education camps around the state. The camps focus on conservation education, immersing campers in outdoor activities and games that teach the wise use of natural resources. Highly qualified staff ensure that campers enjoy their week-long outdoor adventure, whether in camp or on an overnight hiking or canoe trip. For those who are interested and with prior permission from parents/guardians, hunter safety training is available from certified sportsman education instructors.

All four camps- Colby and Pack Forest in the Adirondacks, DeBruce in the Catskills, and Rushford in Western New York - serve children 12 - 14 years-old. In addition, DEC offers week-long Ecology Workshops for teens 15 - 17 years-old at Pack Forest during the first five sessions of camp. Eight sessions, each one week long, run from June 27 through August 22. A week at one of these exceptional camps costs just $325 per camper. Many campers are sponsored by local civic groups, garden and sportsmen clubs. Spaces are still available most weeks.

Full information, including registration forms, detailed program descriptions and a recipe for s'mores, is available on the DEC website or by writing to NYSDEC Camps, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4500. You may also e-mail the camps at edcamps@gw.dec.state.ny.us or call 518-402-8014.