DEC summer environmental camps registration under way

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reports that registration for the 2011 summer camp programs is under way. Parents may submit applications postmarked no earlier than Jan. 29.

The Summer Camp Program offers weeklong adventures in conservation education to children ages 12-17. The DEC operates four residential camps for children ages 12-14, including Camp Rushford in Caneadea, Allegany County, in Western New York.

Campers participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, bird watching, fly-tying, archery, canoeing, hiking, camping, orienteering and hunter safety education. Campers also learn about fields, forests, streams and ponds through fun, hands-on activities and outdoor exploration. DEC counselors teach youth conservation techniques used by natural resource professionals, such as measuring trees and estimating wildlife populations.

Changes for the 2011 camp season include:

•Camp fee for one week is $350.

•All four camps will run for seven weeks, beginning July 3.

•Children who have attended camp in the past may register for any of the seven weeks.

•Campers may attend for more than one week during the summer. The fee for the total number of weeks must be included with the application. Campers will not be able to stay at camp on Saturday night, so parents should make alternative arrangements if two consecutive weeks are selected.

•Camp Rushford will no longer offer one week for 15 to 17 year olds. Older campers are encouraged to sign up for the Teenage Ecology Workshop at Pack Forest for one of the first three weeks of camp, beginning July 3.

For information and applications, visit DEC's website: www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html, or call 518-402-8014. Interested parents may also sign up for DEC's camps list serve at http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/decenvironmentaledcamps or contact DEC in writing at DEC Camps, 2nd Floor, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4500.