Youth Discover Wildlife-related Careers at Summer Camp

By Oklahoma Dept of Wildlife Conservation

First posted on 03-13-2009

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is currently accepting applications for its annual Wildlife Youth Camp slated for June 15-19.

The youth camp, which is held at OU Biological Station at Lake Texoma, introduces youth age 14-16 to careers in wildlife-related fields and an increased awareness of conserving and managing Oklahoma’s wildlife resources. The free camp allows youth to gain first-hand knowledge of careers in wildlife and fisheries management as well as law enforcement.

“Given the subject matter, it’s easy for kids to enjoy themselves and have a great time at the Wildlife Department Youth Camp,” said Wade Farrar, game warden stationed in Logan County. “We cover all things outdoors and send youth home with a better understanding of what wildlife conservation and management is all about. In fact, some campers even move on to eventually become employees at the Wildlife Department and say their time at youth camp helped them choose their career.”

Courses planned for the week include rifle and shotgun training, muzzleloading, wildlife identification, wildlife law enforcement, fishing, fisheries management, ropes and rappelling, swimming, and turkey and waterfowl hunting, management and enforcement.

To attend youth camp, applicants must turn 14 prior to June 15, 2009, and be no older than 16. Applicants must write a 75-word essay describing why they want to attend the camp, why they should be selected and what they expect to learn. Additionally, they must provide a letter of recommendation by someone outside their family and a photograph from a recent outdoor-related event or activity.

The camp will be open to a maximum of 35 youth, and applications will be accepted through April 17, 2009. More information and applications, as well as photographs from previous youth camps are available by logging on to http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/youthcamp.htm.

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