deC summer camp registration opens March 23

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced Jan. 9 that online registration for the 2025 Summer Camps program will open Sunday, March 23, at 1 p.m.

According to a media release, the DEC Summer Camps program offers week-long adventures in conservation education for children ages 11 to 17. DEC operates four residential camps for kids: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake; Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor; Camp Rushford in Caneadea; and Camp Pack Forest in Warrensburg.

Camp Rushford will offer five weeks of programing for children ages 11 to 13, and two weeks for 14- to 17-yearolds. Camp Colby will operate five weeks of camp for 11- to 13-year-olds, and two weeks for campers ages 14 to 17. Camp DeBruce will offer six weeks for kids ages 11 to 13, and one week for 14to 17-year-olds. Camp Pack Forest will host children ages 11 to 13 for three weeks, and 14- to 17-year-olds for four weeks with one Outdoor Adventure Week. Individual campers are limited to one week of camp registration. If spots at camps are still available after May 24, campers will be allowed to sign up for additional weeks. The complete schedule of camp weeks and ages is available on the Summer Camps website Camp Weeks and Availability.

At camp, kids will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of outdoor adventures and are encouraged to try new things, the release stated. Activities may include fishing, birding, fly-tying, archery, canoeing, hiking, camping, orienteering and hunter safety education. One hunter education program of gun, bow or trapping is offered at each camp during four of the camp weeks. Class size is limited for hunter education programs and campers must sign up during registration and complete required homework in advance. Registered campers will receive booklets prior to their session at camp.

One week of camp is $350 per child for 2025, and includes lodging, meals, trips, and a camp T-shirt. Parents and guardians can register youth for a week of camp, manage their account, and complete required forms and waivers through a link from the DEC Summer Camps webpage at https:// dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/ summer-camps. Guardians are encouraged to register early since weeks fill up quickly and are advised to monitor the webpage for upcoming announcements on 2025 camp forms.

For more information, visit the DEC’s website, email EducationCamps@dec. ny.gov, visit “NYS DEC Summer Camps” on Facebook or write to DEC Camps, 3rd Floor, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4501.