Recruiters seek kids interested in DEC camp
CHENANGO – Winter may be just getting started, but recruiters for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) summer camp program are already busy encouraging kids throughout the area to think about their summer plans.
The Federated Sportsman Clubs of Chenango County (or the Federation) is once again looking for willing and eager kids between the ages of 11 and 17 to attend one of the DEC summer camps free of charge.
Each year, the Federation presents a scholarship to as many as 15 students to attend a DEC camp. Named for the late Chenango County sportsman and former Evening Sun outdoors columnist Bob McNitt, the scholarship gives kids the chance to get up and get out during those summer months when they’re away from school.
The Federation says it’s proud of the “Kids to Camp Scholarship Program” which has been in effect for many years and is completely supported by grants from the Chenango County chapter of Friends of the NRA and funding projects including the annual deer hide collections.
The Federation has been able to send dozens of students to DEC camp over the years and looks to continue that tradition again in 2016.
“This is a really a great way to get kids out into nature and become lifelong outdoors people,” said Bruce McGowan, secretary for the Federation in Chenango County. “It’s a general summer camp based on environment for anyone who has a passion to be outside.”
The Federation recently received more than $3,100 in grants from the Chenango chapter of Friends of the NRA which McGowan said will help send at least 10 kids to camp this year without any financial contribution. The Federation will pay the $350 fee for an individual to attend camp and is currently looking for names of people who might be interested.
“Typically these camps fill up by March, so we look for names throughout the school year,” McGowan added.
Activities at DEC camp are numerous and vary from receiving a hunter education certificate to fly tying and fishing. There’s also the pastime camp activities like swimming, hiking, canoeing, backpacking, and camping. Camps use a fun, hands-on approach to teach campers about their environment, according to the DEC website.
Each of the four DEC summer camps are set up a little differently. Camp Colby in Franklin County, next to the Adirondack Forest Preserve, is for 11-13 year-olds. Camp DeBruce in the southern Catskills is for kids ages 11-13. Camp Rushford in Allegany County is for kids ages 11-13 and 14-17, as is Camp Pack Forest in the southern Adirondacks.
“The purpose is to have the older kids separate from the younger kids,” said McGowan. “It makes the camps more enjoyable for everyone who attends.”
While the Bob McNitt scholarship is available, the Federation asks for a $100 deposit for anyone interested in attending a summer camp. That deposit will be returned when the kid returns from camp at the end of summer.
“We know that this time of year, money can be tight; so we try to get as much information out there ahead of time as possible,” said McGowan.
For more information on DEC camps, including locations, events and schedules, visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html.
The Federated Sportsman Clubs of Chenango County (or the Federation) is once again looking for willing and eager kids between the ages of 11 and 17 to attend one of the DEC summer camps free of charge.
Each year, the Federation presents a scholarship to as many as 15 students to attend a DEC camp. Named for the late Chenango County sportsman and former Evening Sun outdoors columnist Bob McNitt, the scholarship gives kids the chance to get up and get out during those summer months when they’re away from school.
The Federation says it’s proud of the “Kids to Camp Scholarship Program” which has been in effect for many years and is completely supported by grants from the Chenango County chapter of Friends of the NRA and funding projects including the annual deer hide collections.
The Federation has been able to send dozens of students to DEC camp over the years and looks to continue that tradition again in 2016.
“This is a really a great way to get kids out into nature and become lifelong outdoors people,” said Bruce McGowan, secretary for the Federation in Chenango County. “It’s a general summer camp based on environment for anyone who has a passion to be outside.”
The Federation recently received more than $3,100 in grants from the Chenango chapter of Friends of the NRA which McGowan said will help send at least 10 kids to camp this year without any financial contribution. The Federation will pay the $350 fee for an individual to attend camp and is currently looking for names of people who might be interested.
“Typically these camps fill up by March, so we look for names throughout the school year,” McGowan added.
Activities at DEC camp are numerous and vary from receiving a hunter education certificate to fly tying and fishing. There’s also the pastime camp activities like swimming, hiking, canoeing, backpacking, and camping. Camps use a fun, hands-on approach to teach campers about their environment, according to the DEC website.
Each of the four DEC summer camps are set up a little differently. Camp Colby in Franklin County, next to the Adirondack Forest Preserve, is for 11-13 year-olds. Camp DeBruce in the southern Catskills is for kids ages 11-13. Camp Rushford in Allegany County is for kids ages 11-13 and 14-17, as is Camp Pack Forest in the southern Adirondacks.
“The purpose is to have the older kids separate from the younger kids,” said McGowan. “It makes the camps more enjoyable for everyone who attends.”
While the Bob McNitt scholarship is available, the Federation asks for a $100 deposit for anyone interested in attending a summer camp. That deposit will be returned when the kid returns from camp at the end of summer.
“We know that this time of year, money can be tight; so we try to get as much information out there ahead of time as possible,” said McGowan.
For more information on DEC camps, including locations, events and schedules, visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html.
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