Teenagers can apply now to attend the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's annual Wildlife Youth Camp slated for June 24-29 at Oklahoma University Biological Station at Lake Texoma.
The free camp increases awareness of conserving and managing Oklahoma's wildlife resources through courses on wildlife-related career opportunities, rifle and shotgun training, archery, wildlife identification, wildlife law enforcement, fishing, fisheries management, ropes, swimming and turkey and waterfowl hunting, management and law enforcement.
"We urge anybody between the ages of 14 and 16 that's interested in hunting or fishing or a career with the Department to apply," said Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan counties and coordinator for the Wildlife Youth Camp. "Anyone interested in coming should note that the camp is being held in June this year instead of July like the last three years."
To attend youth camp, applicants must be Oklahoma residents and must turn 14 prior to June 24, 2012, and be no older than 16. To attend, prospective campers must fill out an application form and write a 75-word essay describing why they want to attend the camp, why they should be selected and what they expect to learn. Additionally, they must provide a letter of recommendation by someone other than a family member and a photograph from a recent outdoor-related event or activity. Application forms are available online at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/education/youthcamp.htm. The page also includes additional information about the camp and photographs from previous years.
The camp will be open to a maximum of 35 youth, and applications will be accepted through April 13, 2012.