DEC Summer Camps registration opens in March

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced on Wednesday that online registration for 2025 Summer Camps will open in March. Registration will begin on March 23 at 1 p.m.

DEC summer camps are weeklong programs surrounding conservation education for children ages 11 to 17. DEC operates four residential camps for kids: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake, Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor, Camp Rushford in Caneadea and Camp Pack Forest in Warrensburg. 

“At DEC’s summer camps, youth have the opportunity to take part in a variety of lessons and workshops to develop outdoor skills, learn about nature and wildlife, and build a foundation for lifelong environmental stewardship,” DEC's Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said.

All four camps will offer seven one-week sessions for different age groups. At camp, children will be able to explore a variety of outdoor recreations, including fishing, birding, archery, hiking, hunter safety education and more.  

Campers will also participate in hands-on, exploration activities about local field, forest and freshwater aquatic ecological principles. This might involve collecting insects, measuring tree sizes or going on trips to kettle bogs, fish hatcheries or nature museums.

One week of camp is $350 per child and includes lodging, meals, trips and a camp t-shirt. A complete schedule of camp weeks and ages, as well as updates about registration, can be found on the DEC Summer Camps webpage.