By Tom Rogers, courtesy VTF&W
Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s Green Mountain Conservation Camp program offers young people the opportunity to learn about natural resource conservation and develop outdoor skills through hands-on learning experiences.
MONTPELIER — If you are 12 to 14 years old and want to learn about Vermont’s wildlife and gain outdoor skills, consider attending one of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Green Mountain Conservation Camps next summer.
The one-week camp program is held at two locations—Lake Bomoseen in Castleton and Buck Lake in Woodbury. Campers participate in hands-on learning experiences about fish and wildlife conservation, ecology, forestry, orienteering, safe firearm and archery techniques, swimming, canoeing, fishing and more in an attractive outdoor setting. Natural resource professionals come to the camp during the week to share information on their programs and take campers out for field activities.
“Whether kids come alone or with friends, they are guaranteed to meet new people and form new bonds while experiencing Vermont’s natural resources to the fullest,” said Fish & Wildlife Education Coordinator Alison Thomas. “An important take-away message and common theme during the week is that conserving and managing habitat will help ensure Vermont will have fish and wildlife in the future.”
Conservation Camps open June 19 and continue until Aug. 19. Tuition is $250 for the week, including food, lodging and equipment. Check the Fish & Wildlife website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) for information, including scholarship availability. A printable application also is available on the website.
Whether campers register online or on paper, it is important to read the information section before the application. It contains policy, refund, cancellation and billing information.
For more information about Green Mountain Conservation Camps, contact fwgmcc@vermont.gov or 802-828-1460.
Vermont’s conservation camp program is unique because it is sponsored and directed by Fish & Wildlife professionals—the same people who manage Vermont’s fish and wildlife resources. Working biologists, foresters, game wardens, and conservation educators teach young people about Vermont’s forests, wetlands and wildlife. The program’s greatest strength is connecting young people to the outdoors. The camp program is sponsored in part through a grant from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.
