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 in July.

The Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp, or ECO Camp, will introduce 20 to 25 students in grades 10-12 to conservation and environmental careers.

“ECO Camp has become one of DCNR’s strongest success stories since its beginning 11 years ago,” DCNR Secretary Richard Allan said. “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.”

This year’s camp will begin July 7, 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.

The six-day camp will include everything from wildlife conservation projects and stream sampling to forestry skills. Daily activities will offer students a hands-on, team-building learning experience in an outdoor setting.

Participants will be 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.        

“Many DCNR employees have supported this camp effort, some year after year,” Allan said. “Past campers have come from small towns and large cities, forming a unique pool of intelligence, spirit and commitment to environmental improvement.”

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.

For more details or an application, visit the Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp webpage, call 724-865-7857 or send email to: ECO_Camp@pa.gov.

2/11/2013