Summer Conservation Camp Scholarship Available to Chester-Area Student

The Chester Conservation Committee [CCC] will sponsor one Chester-area student 12-16 years old to attend the State of Vermont's Green Mountain Conservation Camp this summer. One-week sessions, with separate camp sessions for boys and girls, run from June to August in two locations: Buck Lake in Woodbury and Kehoe Camp, located on Lake Bomoseen in Castleton. The $200 camp tuition fee will be paid by the CCC.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CCC SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FORM

At camp, students will have the opportunity to meet Vermont State game wardens, foresters, biologists, and others who work in the outdoors. The camp offers hands-on learning experiences on fish, wildlife, ecology, botany, forestry, first aid, and outdoor-safety topics that connect young people to the outdoors. Additional activities include hiking, canoeing, fishing, archery, and orienteering. Interested students and parents are encouraged to visit http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/edu_camps.cfm to learn more about the camp application, different sessions and requirements, and the expected Code of Conduct.

Vermont's conservation camp program is unique in that it is sponsored and directed by Fish & Wildlife Department professionals. Working biologists, foresters, game wardens, and conservation educators teach young people about Vermont's forests, wetlands, and wildlife and the need to conserve those natural resources. Students develop valuable life skills and gain environmental knowledge so they can continue to enjoy and respect all aspects of the outdoor world, as well as the state's traditional rural pursuits.

CCC Scholarship Application Process

By Friday April 6, interested students should email to CCC member Gary King at [email protected] or email or submit hard copy to Green Mountain Union High School teacher Allan Garvin ([email protected]) a one-page letter explaining three points: 1. why they want to attend the camp; 2. what they hope to learn from the experience; and 3. why the conservation of our natural resources is important.

Applicants should also complete the CCC Summer Camp Scholarship Form (Available Here) with Photo/Quote Permission signed by a parent, along with the names and telephone numbers of two references. The form is available from Allan Garvin at Green Mountain Union High School, Chester's Whiting Library, and www.ourchester.org. Upon receipt of the CCC Scholarship, the winning student will need to complete the Green Mountain Conservation Camp application from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website.

The camp is a great opportunity for students to be exposed to different outdoor careers and to meet new students with similar interests. For further information, please contact Gary King at 802-875-5153.