Applications Available for Dec Summer Environmental Camps

Camps Offer Youth Unique Educational, Outdoor Experiences

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced that applications for DEC's 2006 Summer Environmental Education Camps are now available and encouraged families to consider enrolling their children in these exciting programs.

"We strive to bring children closer to the outdoors through our four Environmental Education Summer Camps located in some of the most pristine, natural areas in the State - the Catskill Forest Preserve, the Adirondack Forest Preserve, and the Genesee River Valley," Commissioner Sheehan said. "Camps Colby, DeBruce, Rushford and Pack Forest offer children the opportunity to participate in activities that help them become more aware of the environment around them and stimulate their desire to conserve our natural resources. The activities and lessons blend learning and outdoor fun like fishing, canoeing, and hiking in a group setting that allows children to get hands-on experience that lasts for a lifetime."

The DEC Summer Environmental Camp Program is in its 59th year of operation, offering week-long adventures in conservation education to State residents ages 12-17. DEC operates three residential camps for children ages 12-14: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake, Franklin County; Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor, Sullivan County; and Camp Rushford in Caneadea, Allegany County.

A fourth residential camp, Pack Forest in Warrensburg, Warren County, features the Teenage Ecology Workshop, a special program of environmental study available to campers 15-17 years of age.

Each camp offers a Returnee Week for students who have previously attended a DEC Camp. DEC has an extra Returnee Week at Pack Forest for campers ages 12-14. This program is offered during the second week of the camp season, July 2-8, 2006.

Guided by experienced DEC education camp staff, campers enjoy a week exploring fields, forests, streams and ponds discovering the interconnected aspects of the natural world. Campers will observe wildlife, discuss and debate environmental issues, sample streams for microscopic life and explore the brilliance of the night sky, while meeting new friends from across the State.

Campers also will have time to pursue and improve their skills in a wide variety of outdoor activities including fishing, birdwatching, fly-tying, canoeing, hiking, camping, orienteering and hunter safety education.

DEC Camp sessions begin June 25, 2006. The cost per camper for a one-week stay is $250. Applications and up-to-date reports on space available for each camp can be found at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/education/edcamps.html on DEC's website. You may also contact DEC at: DEC Camps, 2nd Floor, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4500, or by telephone at (518) 402-8014. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

In an effort to ensure that youth from all backgrounds and parts of the State are given the ability to enjoy one of the Summer Environmental Education Camps, DEC has created a camper sponsorship program. This program allows individuals and sponsoring organizations to fund the costs of a child attending a week at one of the DEC camps. This sponsorship program has helped hundreds of young people from across the State experience the natural beauty and fun that each of the DEC camps has to offer.

More information on the camper sponsorship program can be found on the DEC website at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/education/sponsors.html .

More information on the four DEC Summer Education Camps can also be found on the DEC website at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/education/edcamps.html .