“Now entering its tenth year, the Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp has become one of DCNR’s strongest success stories,” said Allan. “We’ve successfully worked with scores of young people to hone their awareness of the natural world and the variety of related careers available to them.”
The six-day camp will begin Sunday, July 8, at Kirby Episcopal House and Chapel, Glen Summit, Luzerne County. The camp is near Nescopeck State Park and about 10 miles south of Wilkes-Barre.
“Many DCNR staffers have supported this camp effort,” Allan said. “Past campers have come from small towns and large cities, forming a unique pool of intelligence, spirit and commitment to environmental improvement.”
The camp will introduce 20 to 25 students in grades 10-12 to conservation and environmental careers, and encourage their pursuit. From wildlife conservation projects and stream sampling of aquatic life, to forestry skills, daily activities will offer students a hands-on, team-building learning experience in an outdoor setting.
Participants are exposed to a wide range of career experiences, including water quality assessments, geology field studies, and overnight camping experiences. They will also meet conservation professionals to learn about career opportunities.
Offered free of charge, the instruction and daily activities will be overseen by specialists and officials of DCNR’s bureaus of State Parks, Forestry, and Topographic and Geologic Survey. After the camp, attendees will have a chance to seek internships, mentoring and job-shadowing positions, and can potentially return as future camp leaders.
For more details and applications, visit the DCNR Eco Camp webpage or send email to: ECO_Camp@pa.gov; write to ECO Camp Coordinator, Bureau of State Parks, Outdoor Programming Services Division, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551; or call 724-865-7857.
