Oklahoma youth forestry camp taking applications

Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, is offering students a chance to learn more about the forest during the 57th annual Oklahoma Forestry Youth Forestry Camp.

Campers will get a chance to explore the forest with natural resource professionals who help protect one of Oklahoma’s most valuable resources. From stream ecology to wildlife management, campers will get to participate in different techniques that are performed to manage our forests. Other programs during the weeklong adventure will include tree identification, GPS exploration, forest measurements and soil investigations. Of course there is time for swimming, hiking, fishing and exploring other outdoor recreation.

The camp will be held June 3-8 in Beavers Bend State Park near Broken Bow and is open to boys and girls aged 13-15 from across the state. The fee for campers is $175 and covers all costs including lodging, meals, transportation at camp, field trips and workshops. A limited number of partial scholarships are available.

Apply now at www.forestry.ok.gov/forestrycamp. Applications will be accepted until April 26. The website also has camp information.

Adult leaders and camp counselors are also urged to apply. Camp counselors, age 18 to 22, should be mature, responsible young adults with an interest in education or outdoor careers such as forestry or wildlife. In addition to working with the younger campers and gaining valuable experience in their field, camp counselors will receive a stipend of $200 for the week.

Volunteer adult leaders are also eligible to bring one camper for no charge.