From staff reports
HARRISBURG – Young Pennsylvanians interested in pursuing environmental careers are invited to apply by April 15 for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ summer residential camp, said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.
“Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp has become one of DCNR’s strongest success stories since beginning 16 years ago,” said Dunn. “We’ve successfully worked with hundreds of young people to hone their awareness of the natural world and the variety of related careers available to them.”
The six-day camp begins July 10 at Kirby Episcopal House and Chapel, Mountain Top, Luzerne County. The camp is near Nescopeck State Park and about 10 miles south of Wilkes-Barre.
“Past campers have come from small towns and large cities, forming a unique pool of intelligence, spirit and commitment to environmental improvement,” Dunn said. “In addition, many DCNR employees have supported this camp effort, some coming back year after year.”
The camp will introduce 20 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 explore 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 and Forestry. After the camp, attendees will have a chance to seek internships, job-shadowing and other career-related opportunities through the camp’s mentor program.
For more details and applications, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ecocamp or write to ECO Camp Coordinator, Bureau of State Parks, Outdoor Programming Services Division, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551; or call 717-425-5330.
