RJ
08-13-2007, 03:30 PM
Commissioner Grannis Commemorates 60th Anniversary With New York’s Young Campers at Camp DeBruce
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today marked the 60th Anniversary of DEC’s Environmental Education Camps during a visit to Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor. DeBruce and other DEC camps across New York State are a summer home to more than 1*600 young residents annually.
“The anniversary of these camps is a reminder of what an outstanding and valuable resource these camps have been* and continue to be for New York’s youth*” said Commissioner Grannis. “These camps provide young people with unique opportunities to discover and learn more about the state’s natural resources* while offering a chance for them to spend time with experienced DEC staff. Campers can explore and benefit from the outdoors* while learning about the many conservation efforts and programs that they can incorporate in their own lives during their time spent at these marvelous camps.”
DEC operates three camps for children ages 12-14: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake* Franklin County; Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor* Sullivan County; and Camp Rushford in Caneadea* Allegany County. In 1998* a new camp at Pack Forest in the southern Adirondacks opened* offering week-long Ecology Workshops for teens 15 to 17 years old.
“Working in the camp system for five years truly brought out my passion for the wilderness and my enthusiasm for teaching others about the outdoors*” said Megan McCone* DEC Forest Ranger. “The rewards from introducing campers to their first high peak or seeing the look of accomplishment on their face when they finish their first portage inspired me to further my career path. The camps gave me the inspiration* motivation and leadership skills required to be a NYS Forest Ranger.”
“I have been a part of the DEC camp program for five years now* and to go from camper to staff was a great experience*” said Rashawn Hoke* 18* of Albany* NY. “I hope to stay around and continue my work with the DEC camp program long enough to become a director.”
Camp DeBruce* a former private estate and fish hatchery* was converted into a conservation education camp in the 1940’s. It is situated on over 300 acres of land adjoining the Catskill Forest Preserve and is in proximity to renowned trout streams the Beaverkill and the Willowemoc.
Guided by experienced DEC education camp staff* statewide campers enjoy a week exploring fields* forests* streams and ponds discovering the interconnected aspects of the natural world. Campers also observe wildlife* discuss and debate environmental issues* sample streams for microscopic life and explore the night sky* while meeting new friends from across the state.
Campers also have time to pursue and improve their skills in a wide variety of outdoor activities including fishing* fly-tying* bird watching* canoeing* hiking* camping* and hunter safety education. Sportsmen Education courses are offered at Camps Colby* DeBruce and Rushford* and shooting sports are offered for a few weeks at Pack Forest.
There are typically five to eight weeks of camp that a student can choose from in the months of July and August. Campers are encouraged to return the next year for a Returnee Week. Special trips and activities are planned for this week.
For more information on these camps or on how to be a part of this experience* visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov and search “Environmental Education Camps” or contact NYSDEC Camps at 518-402-8014.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today marked the 60th Anniversary of DEC’s Environmental Education Camps during a visit to Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor. DeBruce and other DEC camps across New York State are a summer home to more than 1*600 young residents annually.
“The anniversary of these camps is a reminder of what an outstanding and valuable resource these camps have been* and continue to be for New York’s youth*” said Commissioner Grannis. “These camps provide young people with unique opportunities to discover and learn more about the state’s natural resources* while offering a chance for them to spend time with experienced DEC staff. Campers can explore and benefit from the outdoors* while learning about the many conservation efforts and programs that they can incorporate in their own lives during their time spent at these marvelous camps.”
DEC operates three camps for children ages 12-14: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake* Franklin County; Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor* Sullivan County; and Camp Rushford in Caneadea* Allegany County. In 1998* a new camp at Pack Forest in the southern Adirondacks opened* offering week-long Ecology Workshops for teens 15 to 17 years old.
“Working in the camp system for five years truly brought out my passion for the wilderness and my enthusiasm for teaching others about the outdoors*” said Megan McCone* DEC Forest Ranger. “The rewards from introducing campers to their first high peak or seeing the look of accomplishment on their face when they finish their first portage inspired me to further my career path. The camps gave me the inspiration* motivation and leadership skills required to be a NYS Forest Ranger.”
“I have been a part of the DEC camp program for five years now* and to go from camper to staff was a great experience*” said Rashawn Hoke* 18* of Albany* NY. “I hope to stay around and continue my work with the DEC camp program long enough to become a director.”
Camp DeBruce* a former private estate and fish hatchery* was converted into a conservation education camp in the 1940’s. It is situated on over 300 acres of land adjoining the Catskill Forest Preserve and is in proximity to renowned trout streams the Beaverkill and the Willowemoc.
Guided by experienced DEC education camp staff* statewide campers enjoy a week exploring fields* forests* streams and ponds discovering the interconnected aspects of the natural world. Campers also observe wildlife* discuss and debate environmental issues* sample streams for microscopic life and explore the night sky* while meeting new friends from across the state.
Campers also have time to pursue and improve their skills in a wide variety of outdoor activities including fishing* fly-tying* bird watching* canoeing* hiking* camping* and hunter safety education. Sportsmen Education courses are offered at Camps Colby* DeBruce and Rushford* and shooting sports are offered for a few weeks at Pack Forest.
There are typically five to eight weeks of camp that a student can choose from in the months of July and August. Campers are encouraged to return the next year for a Returnee Week. Special trips and activities are planned for this week.
For more information on these camps or on how to be a part of this experience* visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov and search “Environmental Education Camps” or contact NYSDEC Camps at 518-402-8014.