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High school students interested in natural resources are invited to attend the Virginia Academy of Natural Resources, a new virtual camp sponsored by the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) and Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD).

The academy will take place July 12-16. Each morning will feature live virtual presentations from natural resource professionals, with daily themes of aquatics, forestry, soils or wildlife. Each afternoon, participants will complete field explorations on their own as well as further exploring topics through videos and reading material.

“Since both Camp Woods & Wildlife and Youth Conservation Camp were canceled due to COVID-19, we wanted to offer an alternative way for teens to explore natural resource topics and careers,” Bonnie Mahl of VASWCD said.

“This camp has several unique twists you won’t find in most virtual camps,” Ellen Powell of VDOF added.

The daily self-directed field studies — complete with instructions and materials for campers to use and keep — will connect campers with nature in their own backyards, local parks or woods. In addition, small groups of campers will work together to showcase the natural resources of their region of the state, culminating in group presentations on Friday. The week will culminate with a natural resources competition modeled after the Virginia Dominion Energy Envirothon program.

Current ninth to 12th graders may apply for the Virginia Academy of Natural Resources at https://forms.gle/9mRUtyoaPRvFQY2N9. Applications will be accepted through April 30. Once notified of acceptance, campers will receive a schedule, Zoom link and materials for completing their daily field studies.

The coordinators want all Virginia high schoolers to feel this camp experience is available to them. The only cost for the week-long academy is $25 to cover materials; however, financial aid is available.

Please contact Ellen Powell at ellen.powell@dof.virginia.gov to discuss options.