Registration is open for teens interested in attending West Virginia State Conservation Camp, June 9-14, at Camp Caesar in Webster County. The camp offers youths the opportunity to learn about and get involved with environmental conservation and natural resources education, while participating in outdoor recreational activities.

“Conservation Camp is a great place for youths to make friends with other young people from across the state while learning about the natural world and having a great experience,” said Ben Spong, West Virginia University Extension Service forest operations specialist.

Registration is available to teens between the ages of 14 and 18 by visiting www.wvconservationcamp.com, or by calling Spong at 304-293-9425.

The cost for the camp is $185. Sponsor-provided scholarships may be available to those who qualify. Due to limited availability, campers who are seeking a scholarship should register by June 1.

The weeklong fun, educational experience offers participants a traditional camp atmosphere with scientific components that educate about topics like responsible use of natural resources, how to read and use topography maps, the opportunity to meet experts in the natural resource field and much more.

“Many youth that attend Conservation Camp have been introduced to topics like forestry and watershed education in school, but this camp is usually the first time they are exposed to and interact with classroom concepts up-close in the field,” explained Spong.

“It’s particularly exciting—and educational—when a camper is standing ankle-deep in a stream and discovers a new invertebrate or salamander they’ve never seen before,” he added.

Morning camp sessions consist of science and nature-related education, which include wildlife management, forest protection, nature awareness and conservation law enforcement.

Afternoon activities, which can be selected by camper preference, allow them to take part in outdoor recreation such as archery, rowing, outdoor cooking, fishing, rappelling and more.

During the week, campers also meet and work together with professionals in the wildlife and natural resources field, which includes foresters, park rangers, and wildlife officers who can give insight into future career paths.

The camp is supported by the WVU Extension Service and other local, state and federal organizations and agencies with natural resources management responsibilities.

To learn more about WVU Extension Service and how it works in all 55 counties to bring 4-H and other youth development camps and programs to young people throughout West Virginia, visit www.ext.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

bg/5/21/14

CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu

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