Delaware County Students Invited To Compete for DEC Campership

COOPERSTOWN, NY (03/03/2012)(readMedia)-- The Otsego County Conservation Association and Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society has one opening remaining for Delaware County middle-school students who are interested in attending DEC Environmental Education Camp this summer.

OCCA's new Campership Sponsor Program is geared toward sparking the interest of this county's youth in nature and, ultimately, getting them outside more. Working with the DOAS, OCCA is awarding eight winning essayists – seven from Otsego County and one from Delaware County – with a week-long stay at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Environmental Education Camp, the main focus of which is environmental education. Campers spend their week immersed in the natural environment and enjoy a balance of environmental education, sportsman education and outdoor fun.

Delaware County students ages 11-14 (including 10-year-olds who will be 11 by December 1) are invited to compete for the available campership via an essay competition. In 750 words or less, they are asked to consider "Why Kids Need to Experience Nature" and to examine the physical, emotional and social benefits of a healthy, active, outdoor lifestyle.

"Our new Campership Sponsor Program is educational, competitive and interactive," said OCCA Executive Director Darla M. Youngs. "It helps reconnect middle-schoolers with nature through their writing skills and knowledge of science, combined with introspection and real-life experiences.

"Our goal is to strengthen the connection these kids have with the outdoors," Youngs said.

The deadline for Delaware County essay submissions is March 9, and winning essays will be chosen by March 12. The contest will culminate with an awards ceremony and open house in the spring.

Complete contest rules and requirements, and the campership application, are available by e-mailing admin@occainfo.org or by calling (607) 547-4488.

OCCA is a private, non-profit environmental membership organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation and sustainable use of Otsego County's natural resources through education, advocacy, resource management, research, and planning. For more information on OCCA, or to support programming, call (607) 547-4488 or visit www.occainfo.org. The OCCA Campership Sponsor Program Essay Contest is made possible in part by funds from the Stewart's Foundation and Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society.