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TextChantilly Student Conservation Minded
(Conservation Currents, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, September 2005)
Dear Northern Virginia SWCD,
Thank you for sending me to Youth Conservation Camp. I learned many new
things here. The information I obtained was well rounded. I also learned
a lot about going to college.
—Brian
Each July, high school students from around the Commonwealth gather at the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg for Youth Conservation Camp, a week-long extravaganza of fun and career exploration organized by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Attendance at the camp requires the sponsorship of the local conservation district and only the most dedicated students are chosen. For 2005, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District selected Brian Stebner, a rising junior at Chantilly High School, to participate in Youth Conservation Camp. Along with sponsorship, Brian received a partial tuition scholarship to help fund his camp experience.
As a volunteer at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Brian regularly participates in stewardship activities such as stream clean-ups, tree planting, and invasive plant removal. He has decided to pursue a career in wildlife management. Brian applied to attend Youth Conservation Camp for the opportunity to learn more about wildlife resources careers, to have fun, and to get a taste of what college life might be like.
During his week at Youth Conservation Camp, Brian canoed, swam, and hiked with 56 like-minded high school students. Field trips let the teen study soil, forestry and wildlife, and illustrated how agricultural and urban land uses affect water quality and aquatic habitats. Brian also learned his way around the Virginia Tech campus and experienced dorm life.
For Brian and his fellow campers, Youth Conservation Camp was a fun way to spend a week of summer and a hands-on exploration of conservation careers. Applications for Youth Conservation Camp are available each spring from the Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District. To learn more about this opportunity or to be placed on an application mailing list, email the district or call 703-324-1460, TTY 211.
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