Do you know a teen who could benefit from a week of canoeing and hiking, while learning about natural resources, in a beautiful forest? Oklahoma Forestry Services invites girls and boys between the ages of 13 to 15 to apply for its 62nd annual Oklahoma Forestry Camp, which will be held June 4 – 9 at Beavers Bend State Park in southeast Oklahoma.
“Youth Forestry Camp offers a truly unique experience, especially for teens who don’t spend a lot of time outdoors,” said Oklahoma Forestry Services Director and State Forester George Geissler. “It’s a fun way to learn about our environment from foresters and other natural resource professionals, while having memorable adventures and making new friends. Our camp experience has a lasting influence on kids, whether it’s a new appreciation for the forest or even choosing natural resources careers.”
In addition to swimming, canoeing, fishing and hiking, campers will also participate in hands-on forestry management and stream ecology learning activities with natural resource professionals. These professionals, who represent organizations such as Oklahoma Forestry Services, Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, Oklahoma State University Research Extension, Lower Mountain Fork River Foundation, US Forest Service and Weyerhaeuser Company, will also discuss career opportunities with the teens. Campers also take field trips to the Oklahoma Forest Heritage Center and Carter Mountain Fire Tower.
The fee for campers is $250, which covers all costs, including lodging, meals, field trips, workshops and transportation at camp. A limited number of partial scholarships are available to help defray the cost. Camp staff applications are also being accepted.
Teens are encouraged to register now for this extraordinary camp experience, as space fills up quickly and registration closes on May 12th. Visit www.forestry.ok.gov/forestrycamp to get more information, register or view pictures from previous years. Those who are interested are also welcome to contact Camp Director Jeri Irby, at 405-249-9612 or Jeri.irby@odaff-staging.kochcomm.dev.