"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 any questions regarding Youth Conservation Camp, please contact ConservationDistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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 from hands-on experience with 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.
Eligible students are enrolled in grades 9-12 and a Virginia resident. Each year, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District receives applications, makes selections and offers a partial scholarship to students who will attend Youth Conservation Camp. The total cost of camp is $550 which includes: meals, lodging, activities, and transportation during camp. Students are responsible for obtaining their own means of transportation to and from Virginia Tech from their homes.
Camp Dates: July 14-20, 2024
Application Due Date: April 26, 2024
Application: 2024 Youth Conservation Camp Application
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 at http://www.vaswcd.org/conservation-camp.
Camp Woods & Wildlife - VDOF
The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) offers their Camp Woods & Wildlife (formerly Holiday Lake Forestry Camp) as another environmental opportunity for youth this summer. 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, all campers receive a scholarship that covers the cost of attending camp. VDOF is currently accepting 2024 nominations for attending Holiday Lake Forestry Camp, which will be held June 17-21, 2024. Deadline for submitting nomination forms: April 15, 2024. Those interested in participating can find more information, along with the nomination form, on the VDOF Camp Woods & Wildlife webpage.