Submitted by Brandy E. Brabham
WVU Extension Agent
Teens interested in enjoying and protecting West Virginia's natural resources should sign up for the 68th West Virginia State Conservation Camp June 15-20 at Camp Caesar, near Cowen in Webster County.
And teens who participated in the past can go to camp again this summer.
Because of a recent rule change, teens may now attend the camp more than once.
Camp registration closes June 1.
Each year, campers from all over the state enjoy a fun-filled, action-packed week of interactive workshops, assemblies, outdoor recreation, evening campfires and social events.
The environment-focused experience introduces high school students to West Virginia's natural resources and to the social and economic benefits associated with wisely using and managing the state's resources.
Teens participate in morning class sessions that cover topics such as wildlife management, fish management, forest protection, forest products, conservation law enforcement, nature awareness, watershed management, and parks and recreation.
During the afternoons, campers choose from among several classes in outdoor recreation activities, such as trap shooting, archery, rowing, outdoor cooking, fishing, rifle marksmanship and rappelling.
Instructors for all the classes and activities are natural resource professionals who, in addition to covering their subject matter, also introduce participants to career opportunities, educational requirements and suggestions for selecting appropriate post-secondary educational institutions for campers' respective natural resource fields of interest.
Each year, most of the campers attending State Conservation Camp receive a scholarship that covers all or part of the $150 camp fee. The scholarships are provided by garden clubs, conservation districts, hunting or fishing clubs, civic and youth organizations, and similar groups.
The 4-H Youth Development Program of the West Virginia University Extension Service awards partial scholarships to 4-H members from anywhere in West Virginia. The scholarships are awarded to the first 30 members who register by May 15.
Through the years, more than 16,000 youths have attended State Conservation Camp. While some of the participants have chosen careers in conservation-related fields, most enter other careers with a continuing knowledge of the importance of wisely using and protecting West Virginia's natural resources.
State Conservation Camp participants must be at least 14 years old but no more than 18 years old on June 15.
Additional details about the camp and registration information are available on the Web wvconservationcamp.com
For registration and scholarship information, contact Al Miller, secretary, by mail: West Virginia State Conservation Camp, HC 32, Box 33, Upper Tract, WV 26866 or by phone 304-358-3298.
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