The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week invited high school students interested in pursuing environmental careers to apply for DCNR's summer residential camps.

"The Environmental Careers Outdoors Camps have been very successful," DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said. "As the program enters its seventh year, we now are seeing past campers emerging as stewards of this state's bountiful natural resources. We know we have been successful in honing an awareness of the natural world and the variety of careers related to it."

Camps will be offered June 15-21 at Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center, near Carlisle, Cumberland County; and July 13-19 at the Kirby Episcopal House and Chapel, Glen Summit, Luzerne County.

"These camps are a worthy investment in the future of our youth and our natural resources, and DCNR staffers proudly support them," Secretary DiBerardinis said. "Canoe with these young campers, or join them in a breakfast conversation and you know instantly they represent a unique pool of intelligence, spirit and commitment to environmental improvement."

The ultimate goal of each camp is to introduce 25 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 are exposed 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. Selected students in grades 10 -12 will be provided a hands-on, team-building learning experience in an outdoor setting.

After the camps, attendees will have a chance to seek internships, and mentoring and job-shadowing positions, and return as future camp leaders.

For Environmental Careers Outdoors Camp enrollment applications and information, write to ECO Camp Coordinator, Bureau of State parks, Environmental Education and Information Division, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551; telephone 717-783-4356; or send email to: ECO_Camp@state.pa.us .

4/4/2008