2/13/06

CHEYENNE - Not only is the Game and Fish Department known to present programs at schools and civic groups, the agency takes education a step further by offering three camps for Wyomingites each summer at the Trail Lake Conservation Camp southeast of Dubois.

Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Workshop - If Wyoming’s wilds beckon like a handsome stranger, but you’re not sure how to be introduced, enroll in the "Becoming an Outdoors Woman" workshop.

The June 23-25 workshop is designed for women but open to anyone 18 and over yearning to be introduced to hunting, fishing, backpacking, shooting and campfire cooking. The registration fee is $100 and applications are due by 5 p.m. April 17.

BOW workshops are part of a national program. Nearly 500 women have completed the workshop in Wyoming, conducted by the Game and Fish since 1996.

Other courses featured at the camp include mountain biking, horsepacking, canoeing and nature photography.

Applicants are chosen by drawing. The Game and Fish will accept party applications for up to four prospective campers.

WILD About OREO Youth Conservation Camp - Young men and women 15-18 years old can enjoy a week of shooting sports, fishing and conservation education with plenty of hiking, canoeing and campfire time, too.

"Youth campers not only learn about wildlife and wildlife habitat," said Jake Hohl, Game and Fish conservation education specialist of the July 30 - Aug. 4 camp. "They also experience a variety of outdoor skills and activities."

Campers only need to provide a sleeping bag, hiking boots, rain gear, cool-weather clothing and their transportation to and from camp. Room, board and all other equipment is provided for free.

Enrollment is limited to 50 youngsters. Campers are selected by a Game and Fish panel based on the interests and desires of the applicant and the recommendation from a teacher or youth leader. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. May 15.

WILD About OREO Teacher’s Camp - Teachers and youth leaders interested in the outdoors are invited to a June 19-23 workshop about an outdoor recreation curriculum that includes firearm education, fishing, canoeing, outdoor survival and many more activities and concepts which stress the ethical use of the outdoors.

Outdoor Recreation Education Opportunities, or OREO, as it is commonly known in schools, was developed by the Game and Fish in 1995 to help give youth hands-on outdoor experiences that can be enjoyed over a lifetime.

The workshop will also introduce participants to Project Wild. This curriculum encourages informed, responsible environmental and outdoor behavior by teaching students "how to think" compared to "what to think."

Enrollment costs $100. Teachers are eligible for two hours of University of Wyoming credit for an additional $80 or two hours of Wyoming Department of Education recertification credit. The application deadline is April 1.

For applications or more information about any of the camps, call the Game and Fish at (800) 842-1934. Applications should be sent to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Education Section, 5400 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82006.

(contact: Jeff Obrecht)