Exploring the Ozarks Outdoors: freshare.net

Kiamichi Mountains Host Students at Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp

By Oklahoma Dept of Wildlife Conservation

First posted on 02-23-2010

Oklahoma’s beautiful Beavers Bend State Park is the setting for one of the longest running summer camps in Oklahoma—the Oklahoma Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

This year the camp is slated for June 7-12 for boys and girls aged 13 to 15 years old that want to learn more about forestry, wildlife and conservation while in an outdoor setting. As one of Oklahoma’s premier summer camps, students attend from across the state — many following the tradition of their parents and grandparents who are camp alumni. Field trips, Native American crafts, educational sessions and recreational programs are the heart of the weeklong camp. Campgrounds feature air-conditioned bunkhouses, a dining hall, hot showers, basketball and volleyball courts and an amphitheater.

Along with exploring natural resources through a series of programs on wildlife management, forest management, stream ecology, fire management, urban forestry and multiple resource management, campers will also have time for swimming, hiking, fishing, canoeing and other outdoor recreation in the Kiamichi Mountains while making new friends from across the state.

“Kids today don’t necessarily see how things in the environment are all connected,” said Christina Stallings Roberson, education coordinator for Oklahoma Forestry Services. “One main theme of this camp is to show those relationships.”

Older youth, ages 18 to 22, can also participate in the weeklong learning experience as camp counselors. Applicants should be mature, responsible young adults with an interest in outdoor careers such as forestry, wildlife or education and have the ability to guide younger youth throughout the camp. Volunteer adult leaders also are needed.

Camper, counselor and adult applications will be accepted until April 30, 2010, and can be obtained by logging on to http://www.forestry.ok.gov or by calling (405) 522-6158. The fee for campers is $175, which covers all costs including meals, transportation at camp, field trips, and workshops. A limited number of partial scholarships are available.

Camper applications must be accompanied by a letter of reference from a teacher, counselor, principal, or club leader that has personal knowledge of the camper’s interest and conduct.

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Comments:

since i was a little kid i have always been in love with the outdoors and learning more about wildlife conservation. I’ve hunted and fished for my intire life. I have always dreamed of being in wildlife careers. thank you for reading.

By brayden watson on March 22, 2010 - 11:03 am

i think this is an amazing article it has been my dream for several years to be a wildlife biologist and learn more about the wildlife

By cody wright on March 22, 2010 - 10:59 am