Two residential camps for high school students interested in pursuing environmental careers will be offered this summer by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The first camp will be June 17-23 at Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center near Carlisle, Cumberland County. The second camp, July 15-21 will be based at Kirby Episcopal House and Chapel, Glen Summit, Luzerne County.

The ultimate goal of the camps is to introduce students to conservation and environmental careers, and encourage their pursuit. From stream sampling of fish and aquatic life, to forestry skills, daily activities are planned to get students out in the field to meet and observe environmental professionals.

Participants will take part in activities exposing them to a wide range of career experiences, including water quality assessments, geology field studies, and overnight camping experiences. There will be opportunities to meet conservation professionals to learn about career opportunities.

Offered without 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 camps, attendees will have a chance to seek internships, and mentoring and job-shadowing positions, and return as future camp leaders.

For ECO Camp information and registration information, contact ECO Camp Coordinator at 717-783-4356, or ECO_CAMP@state.pa.us .

3/2/2007