By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter
Texas teens interested in wildlife, the outdoors, and conservation have until May 31 to sign up for this year Conservation Camp organized by the Texas Branch of the Wildlife Society.
“Wildlife Conservation Camp is a five-day summer camp focused on teaching students about wildlife, ecology, and wildlife,” said Bobby Allcorn, camp director and wildlife biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “It started in 1993 and is being set up by the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society through volunteer members trying to educate our high school students about wildlife.”
The camp is July 9-13 in Big Woods at the Trinity in Tennessee Colony.
“We’re really focused on introducing students to the natural world around them,” Allcorn told the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network† “We’re doing a lot of plant identification, trying to find different species of wildlife, and we’re discussing techniques for capturing wildlife.”
The camp also includes hunting as a management tool, the use of firearms and the safety of firearms.
“We’re going to go fishing as a management tool, talk a little bit about different ways to do that and get some experience fishing,” Allcorn said.
The natural resource, conservation and wildlife experts at the camp also discuss survey technique, prescribed fire and habitat management.
“We’re trying to expose young people to many aspects of wildlife and conservation in Texas,” Allcorn said. “There are all kinds of different programs and different aspects that we like to show campers.”
The camp is aimed at high school students, including graduating seniors, who are interested in the conservation and management of wildlife and habitat or who are interested in pursuing a career in a wildlife or field related to natural resources.
Students who have attended the camp in the past can reapply.
“Every year we try to bring back some of our campers from the previous year, if they’re interested. They can learn a lot more and can also help the new campers what kind of camp it will be in,” said Allcorn.
The cost is $350 and includes housing and meals. Scholarships are available. Students can also request money from social organizations or sponsors.
Students must be nominated by a member of the Texas Branch of the Wildlife Society, teacher, county Extension agent, youth leader, natural resource professional, or County Farm Bureau†
Details are available here at: wildlifecamptx.org†
The new motorhome application is available here†
Potential campers must submit their paperwork by Sunday, May 31.