Natural Resources Careers Camp Accepting Applicants for July 2018

Annual Weeklong Program Offered for Grades 9-12

Students observe stream wildlife at Casselman River Bridge State Park during the 2017 Natural Resources Career Camp.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites high school students with an interest in forestry, fisheries, wildlife or parks management to participate in Natural Resources Careers Camp, July 22-28 at Hickory Environmental Education Center in Garrett County.

Experts from a variety of conservation, environmental and natural resources fields will provide campers with a firsthand look at what it takes for a career in natural resources.

“We continue to need new generations of natural resources stewards and find new ways to nurture their interest, and this camp is an ideal opportunity for young people to see if this profession is right for them,” Maryland Forest Service Director DonVanHassent said. 

The camp is sponsored by the Maryland Forest Conservancy District Boards and a partnership between Allegany College of Maryland and the Maryland Forest Service. Arborists, biologists, foresters and park managers will serve as guest instructors throughout the week.

Each group of students will use what they have learned to write and present a management plan for a small area of forest. The camp also features “College Night,” where representatives from West Virginia University, Virginia Tech, the University of Maryland, Frostburg University, Allegany College of Maryland and Garrett College speak to campers about their respective programs.

The camp is open to any student who will be entering grades 9 through 12 next year. Applications are available through the Maryland Forest Conservancy District Boards. Funding assistance is available for Maryland students.