Registrations for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Summer Camps program will open on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 1 p.m. giving 11- to 17-year-olds the opportunity to spend a week of outdoor exploration and environmental education.

Parents and guardians can register their child online via the DEC Summer Camps webpage. The 78-year-old program offers weeklong sessions at four residential camps located across the state: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake, Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor, Camp Rushford in Caneadea, and Camp Pack Forest in Warrensburg.

“At DEC's summer camps, youth have the opportunity to take part in a variety of lessons and workshops to develop outdoor skills, learn about nature and wildlife, and build a foundation for lifelong environmental stewardship,” said Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar.

At each camp, participants can enjoy activities like fishing, birding, archery, canoeing, hiking, camping, and hunter safety education. Campers also engage in hands-on field study, exploring local ecosystems and learning about conservation. They may collect insects in a field, net a stream, investigate soil, measure trees, or practice taking field notes and journaling. Nearby State lands provide access to kettle bogs, State Parks, fish hatcheries, and nature museums.

The program's schedule varies by location and age group. Camp Rushford and Camp Colby offer five weeks for 11- to 13-year-olds and two weeks for 14- to 17-year-olds. Camp DeBruce hosts six weeks for 11- to 13-year-olds and one week for 14- to 17-year-olds. Camp Pack Forest offers three weeks for 11- to 13-year-olds and four weeks for 14- to 17-year-olds, including one Outdoor Adventure Week that emphasizes advanced outdoor skills. Campers can register for one week at a time. After May 24, campers can sign up for additional weeks if there are spots available.

The DEC encourages early registration, as spaces are limited and fill up quickly. The weekly camp fee is $350, which includes lodging, meals, trips, and a camp t-shirt. Financial assistance is available to help make camp more accessible to New Yorkers.

The DEC also seeks organizations to sponsor children to go to camp. For more information about the program, registration, or sponsorship opportunities, email mailto:EducationCamps@dec.ny.gov, or write to DEC Camps, 3rd Floor, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4501.