"It is hard to believe that we explored such an amazing spectrum of conservation topics in just one week. Each day was filled with activities. It was so wonderful to be with campers, counselors, and scientists who shared an interest in environmental sciences. Every day was an awesome learning experience for me and a fun one at that!"
Amanda Harbison, Past Youth Conservation Camper
If you have questions regarding Youth Conservation Camp, please contact ConservationDistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov. All applications are due no later than April 20th, 2026.
2026 NVSWCD Youth Conservation Camp Application Form
For over 35 years, the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts has sponsored a week-long summer conservation camp in July for Virginia high school students on the campus of Virginia Tech. The program brings together 70 interested students for a week of learning about Virginia's natural resources, with hands-on experiences alongside conservation professionals and faculty from Virginia Tech. Youth Conservation Camp is a selective program and interested students must send their application to their local Soil and Water Conservation District.
Camp is open to all students in 9-12th grade and a resident of Virginia. Each year, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District receives applications and selects students who will attend Youth Conservation Camp. The total cost of camp is $550 which includes: meals, lodging, activities, and transportation during camp. Financial aid is available from NVSWCD. Students are responsible for obtaining their own means of transportation to and from Virginia Tech from their homes.
NVSWCD only accepts applications from students living in Fairfax County, Arlington County, and the cities of Fairfax, Alexandria, and Falls Church. Not your district? Find your local soil and water conservation district here.
2026 Camp Dates: Sunday, July 12th through Saturday, July 18th, 2026.
Applications for Youth Conservation Camp are now open. All applications are due no later than April 20th, 2026! Applications that do not have all required materials by April 20th will not be considered.
Applications MUST be submitted online via email to ConservationDistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov OR via mail to the following address:
Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District
12055 Government Center Parkway
Suite 905, Fairfax, VA 22035
2026 NVSWCD Youth Conservation Camp Application Form
Youth Conservation Camp is a wonderful experience that has brought enjoyment and environmental education to generations of students. For a camp schedule and highlights, please see the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts' camp website.
Camp Woods & Wildlife - VDOF
Applications for Camp Woods & Wildlife are now open! Applications are due April 15th, 2026. The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) offers their Camp Woods & Wildlife (formerly Holiday Lake Forestry Camp) as another environmental opportunity for youth this summer. Camp Woods & Wildlife will be held June 15-19, 2026. The six-day residential camp takes place at the Holiday Lake 4-H Education Center near Appomattox, Virginia. Campers experience hands-on field-based learning about natural resources conservation and other environmental fields. Students interested in participating in this year's camp program must be nominated by any adult who knows them well and is not related to them. Camp nominees must also meet the following criteria:
- Are 13-16 years old
- Are current Virginia residents
- Express interest in natural resources and conservation
- Have good academic standing
- Have not previously attended the program
Following acceptance and registration fee payment ($95), all campers receive a scholarship that covers the cost of attending camp. Those interested in participating can find more information, along with the nomination form, on the VDOF Camp Woods & Wildlife webpage.