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Contact Information Date
For Immediate Release
Contact: John Campbell
434.220.9070
434.989.0665 		Jan. 7, 2008
VDOF—08001

Holiday Lake Forestry Camp – More Than Just Trees!

Where can teenagers go to learn more about Virginia’s natural resources and their impact on our quality of life? For the past 61 years, hundreds of youth have turned to the Holiday Lake Forestry Camp – a week-long residential program.

Nominations are now open for the 62nd annual Holiday Lake Forestry Camp, to be held June 16-21, 2008 at the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center near Appomattox. This action-packed camp is hosted by Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF), with support and cooperation from other conservation agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals.

“Forestry Camp is much more than a walk in the woods,” said Ellen Powell, camp coordinator. “Campers experience hands-on learning about wildlife habitat, tree identification, timber harvesting, reforestation, environmental protection, and more. They also take part in exciting field trips, exploratory classes, outdoor recreation and a Lumberjack Field Day. The camp also provides an excellent introduction to careers in the natural resources arena.”

Teachers, natural resources professionals, and others working with youth may make nominations for this popular camp. Campers must be 13-16 years old with good academic standing, an interest in natural resources, and must not have attended Forestry Camp before.

“ One unique aspect to Forestry Camp is that school teachers may also attend the program,” Powell said. “Teachers are required by their school systems to earn recertification credits in their field. Forestry Camp can help them meet that requirement.”

Financial sponsorship is generously provided by forest industries, conservation agencies, organizations, and individuals. As a result, every camper selected to attend receives a $200 scholarship and pays just $60 to attend the week-long residential camp. New sponsors are always welcome.

To nominate a camper, visit the VDOF Web site: www.dof.virginia.gov/edu/camp.shtml. Nominations are due by April 15. Nominees will be contacted to verify their interest and notified of acceptance within one month of contact.

For more information, please contact Ellen Powell at 434.977.6555 or ellen.powell@dof.virginia.gov.

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