Summer DEC Camperships Now Available

ALBANY, 05/04/09 – Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today invited area youth to apply for DEC environmental education camp.

Seward annually sponsors one student age 12 to 17 who will spend a week at one of the state’s four DEC camps free of charge to the student or family.  The cost is ordinarily $325 per week.  Campers spend one week taking part in hands-on activities that stress the wise use of natural resources, including hiking, stream sampling, birding, canoeing, archery, fishing and hunter safety education.  Traditional camp activities, such as swimming and evening campfires, are parts of the week’s events as well.

“For some students, a week at DEC camp is their first chance to look at wildlife and resource conservation issues,” Seward said.  “The camp offers a great opportunity for young people to find out more about natural resources and conservation.  Participants make new friends, learn lifelong skills and some even find it the start of a future career.”

 Nominees must be considered economically disadvantaged who would not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.

 The week-long camps start in June and run through August.  For more information, interested persons should contact Jeff Bishop in Seward’s Oneonta office at (607) 432-5524.

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