The Central PA Conservancy, in partnership with Pine Grove Furnace State Park, is launching a new summer leadership program for youth, ages 13-15, July 14-19, 2013 at the Ironmaster's Mansion in the park located in Cumberland County.

The program will immerse young adults in the natural, scenic, historic, agricultural and recreational resources of the South Mountain Landscape and offer key lessons in conservation leadership and citizenship from area teachers, practitioners, and community leaders.

The program, which takes inspiration from one of Pennsylvania's greatest leaders in conservation, Maurice K. Goddard, will be housed at the historic Ironmaster's Mansion at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, a recently renovated historic home with modern amenities. It will serve as the base for fun field excursions and team projects to study water connections, forest resources, agriculture and land use, all with an emphasis on how individual and community leadership can help protect our natural resources.     

The Institute is being funded by the South Mountain Partnership, an alliance of organizations working to preserve and enhance the cultural and natural assets of the South Mountain Landscape in Central Pennsylvania, supported by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, in addition to the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation and other private donors.

Collaborating partners include the Cumberland County Conservation District, the Goddard Legacy Project, Fairfield School District in Adams County, the PA Parks and Forests Foundation, Michaux State Forest, Kings Gap Environmental Learning Center, Dickinson College, and The Nature Conservancy--PA Chapter.

If your 13-15 year old has a keen interest in nature, community problem solving and leadership, environmental careers, and/or outdoor recreation, please encourage them to consider the Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute. It offers a reasonably-priced, meaningful, and memorable summer enrichment program right in your own backyard!

To learn more about this program and apply online, visit the Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute website.

3/11/2013