DNR Summer Camps Foster Appreciation of Natural World

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — Registration is currently open for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) statewide summer programs, which offer children a variety of ways to explore nature through activities such as fishing, hiking, biking, boating, camping, and conservation-oriented activities, as well as field trips, workshops and environmental education.

“These camps offer Maryland’s young people a much-needed opportunity to spend time outdoors,” said Maryland Park Superintendent Nita Settina. “The sustainability of Maryland’s diverse natural resources and park system will ultimately rely on positive outdoor experiences that children have today.”

DNR’s summer programs include the Outdoor Discovery Camp, Natural Resources Club Day Camp, Eco-Adventure Camp, “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs,” and the Natural Resources Careers Conference, as well as programming at Assateague State Park including two Eco-Explorer Camps in partnership with Worcester County. Most of those programs are offered for multiple sessions throughout the summer and registration is limited to a first-come first-served basis.

“These camps offer a great opportunity for youth to benefit from memorable experiences, and engage and connect with Maryland’s diverse natural landscapes,” said Shea Niemann, Program Coordinator and Camp Director. “Time spent playing and learning in nature will foster a greater appreciation for the environment and our natural resources, eventually resulting in a sense of stewardship.”

The Outdoor Discovery Camp features four age-specific adventure camps for ages 8 through 17, focused on adventure activities and environmental education. It is a week-long residential camp that provides an outdoor living experience in Maryland’s State Parks. The Natural Resources Club Day Camp is for children 6 through 12 and features nature-related craft activities and field trips. Eco-Adventure Camp, held at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, offers environmental activities focusing on conservation, Bay restoration and “green” practices along with problem-solving challenges for elementary age children.

“Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs” is offered at five different freshwater sites in Washington, Baltimore/Howard, Harford and Cecil counties. This week-long day program for ages 8 through 15 teaches fishing techniques, along with angler ethics, ecology and watershed education.

For more information on DNR children’s summer camps and programs, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/mydnr/summer_camps.html.

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April 3, 2008

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov