Department of Conservation and Natural Resources acting Secretary John H. Quigley this week invited Pennsylvania high school students interested in pursuing environmental careers to apply for DCNR's summer residential camps.

 

Camps will be offered June 21 - 27 at Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center, near Carlisle, Cumberland County; and July 12 - 18 at the Kirby Episcopal House and Chapel, Glen Summit, Luzerne County.

 

"Now entering its eighth year, the Environmental Careers Outdoors Camps program has become one of DCNR's strongest success stories," Acing Secretary Quigley said. "We know we have been successful in honing an awareness of the natural world and the variety of related careers available to young people.

 

"These camps are a worthy investment in the future of our youth and our natural resources. Past campers have represented a unique pool of intelligence and spirit, and have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the environment."

 

Each camp aims to introduce 20 to 25 students to conservation and environmental careers, and encourage their pursuit. Selected students in grades 10-12 will be provided 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 meet conservation professionals to learn about career opportunities.

 

From sampling the fish and aquatic life of stream to forestry skills, daily activities are planned to get students out in the field to meet and observe environmental professionals.

 

The instruction and daily activities are offered without charge and will be overseen by specialists and officials of DCNR's state parks, forestry, and topographic and geologic survey bureaus.

 

After the camps, attendees will have a chance to seek internships, and mentoring and job-shadowing positions, and return as future camp leaders.

 

For Environmental Careers Outdoors Camp enrollment applications and information, write to: ECO Camp Coordinator, Bureau of State Parks, Environmental Education and Information Division, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551; call 717-783-4356; or send email to: ECO_Camp@state.pa.us.