In 1996, the then-commissioner of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Edward F. Kehoe created the Green Mountain Conservation Camps to provide youth with the opportunity to connect with the environment around them.

In the program’s 16th year, camp organizer’s have seen many happy campers go through their hands-on forestry and biology, orienteering, aquatic ecology lessons and various outdoors; fishing, hiking, camping activities. I spoke to Ali Thomas, the education coordinator for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department via email. She passed on a quote from a camper this past summer.

“I had a great time at camp this year! While I was at camp I met a lot of new people and made some great new friends! Also, all of the counselors, junior counselors, and staff were a lot of fun! Overall, this was a great experience and I’m so glad I got to go!”

Thomas said this camp is a unique experience because it is sponsored and directed by Fish and Wildlife Department professionals-the same people who manage the fish and wildlife resources. “Working biologists, foresters, game wardens and natural resource instructors teach campers about Vermont’s forests, wetlands and wildlife,” Thomas said. Young adults, either currently enrolled in college or with a college degree focused on natural resources are also present to help out that week.

Original Press Release Issued By Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department on January 17th, 2012:

If you are 12 to 14 years old and want to learn about Vermont’s wildlife and gain outdoor skills next summer, consider attending one of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s Green Mountain Conservation Camps.

The one-week camp program is held at two locations — Lake Bomoseen in Castleton and Buck Lake in Woodbury. Campers participate in hands-on learning experiences about fish and wildlife conservation, ecology, forestry, orienteering, safe firearm and archery techniques, swimming canoeing, fishing and more in an attractive outdoor setting. Natural resource professionals come to the camp during the week to share information on their programs and take campers out for field activities.

Conservation Camps open June 17 and continue until August 17. Tuition is $200 for the week, including food, lodging and equipment. Please check the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website for information about partial and full scholarship availability. Information about the program is under “Education and Training” on the left side of the home page.

You can print the camp application from the camp page, fill it out, and send it in with a check.

For more information about Green Mountain Conservation Camps contact: fwgmcc@state.vt.us or call 802-241-3768.

Vermont’s conservation camp program is unique because it is sponsored and directed by Fish and Wildlife Department professionals — the same people who manage Vermont’s fish and wildlife resources. Working biologists, foresters, game wardens and conservation educators teach young people about Vermont’s forests, wetlands and wildlife. The program’s greatest strength is connecting young people to the outdoors.

Photo courtesy of Vermont Fish and Wildlife