Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release: Correction

April 13, 2007

A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

News Contacts: Michael Bergin or Micah Holmes (405) 521-3856

Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com

Editor's correction: The following is a revision of a story included in the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's April 12 news release. In the original story, it was reported that the Oklahoma Forestry Service's Forestry and Wildlife Camp is free of charge; however, the cost of the camp for accepted applicants is $175. The Wildlife Department's Youth camp is free of charge, as was originally reported. The following news release reflects the changes.

Outdoor camps slated for Oklahoma youth

Youth interested in the outdoors have plenty of opportunities this summer to learn about wildlife, forestry and conservation from the state's experts.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Youth Camp as well as the Oklahoma Forestry Service's Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp will both be held in June, but applications are due this month.

"Youth can learn a lot about the outdoors by attending either camp, but they need to get their applications in as soon as possible to make sure they get a spot in the camp they want to attend," said Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne Co. Cunningham also serves as the coordinator for the Wildlife Department Youth Camp.

The Wildlife Department Youth Camp is scheduled for June 10-15, but applications are due April 27. The camp is free of charge and is aimed at youth interested in wildlife, fisheries and law enforcement.

Held at Camp McFadden near Ponca City, the camp is open to Oklahoma youths ages 14 to 16 and is designed to give an increased awareness of protecting and managing Oklahoma's wildlife resources. Participants will attend courses in firearms handling, wildlife law enforcement, wildlife and fisheries biology, water safety, self-defense, rifle and shotgun training, waterfowl hunting and archery. The camp will be limited to 35-40 participants.

Wildlife Department Youth Camp applicants should be interested in fish and wildlife management or law enforcement and must submit a 75-word essay explaining why they want to attend the camp, why they believe they should be selected and what they expect to learn while attending. They must also submit a letter of recommendation from a person of their choice other than a family member. Applicants must turn 14 prior to June 10, 2007. Obtain applications by logging on to the Wildlife Department's Web site at wildlifedepartment.com/campap.htm. Simply print off the application, fill it out and mail it in with the essay and letter of recommendation to: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Law Enforcement Division Youth Camp P.O. Box 53465 Oklahoma City, OK 73152.

The Department also has been actively involved in recent years with the Oklahoma Forestry Service's Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp. Scheduled for June 4-9 at Beaver's Bend State Park near Broken Bow, the camp will focus on the forestry profession in Oklahoma as well as the state's wildlife. Students will learn about wildlife and forest management, stream ecology, fire management, urban forestry and more. The camp is for youth ages 13-15 years old, and the deadline to submit applications is April 25. Accepted applicants will have until May 11 to return medical forms and the $175 camp fee. Applications and other additional information are available at whatisforestry.org/pdf/camper-application2007.pdf. and should be sent to: OK Forestry Services/Youth Camp, 2800 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105. They can also be faxed to (405) 522-4583 or e-mailed to info@whatisforestry.org.