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, DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti said Friday.

“Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp has become one of DCNR’s strongest success stories since beginning 12 years ago,” said Ferretti. “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 13, 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,” Ferretti said. “In addition, many DCNR employees have supported this camp effort, some coming back year after year.”

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.    

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 and applications, visit DCNR’s ECO Camp webpage; send email to: RA-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.

1/27/2014