MONTPELIER — Anyone 12 to 14 years old who wants to learn about Vermont’s wildlife and gain outdoor skills can consider attending one of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s Green Mountain Conservation Camps this summer. 
The one-week camp program is held at Lake Bomoseen in Castleton and Buck Lake in Woodbury. Campers participate in hands-on learning about fish and wildlife conservation, ecology, forestry, orienteering, safe firearm and archery techniques, swimming, canoeing, fishing and more. Natural resource professionals come to the camp to share information on their programs and take campers out for field activities. 
“Whether kids come alone or with friends, they are guaranteed to meet new people and form new bonds while experiencing Vermont’s natural resources to the fullest,” said Fish and Wildlife Education Coordinator Alison Thomas. The camps’ aim is to instill the importance of conserving and managing Vermont’s habitat for the future. 
“We would love to have all of the advanced sessions filled for girls who have already attended a basic session,” added Thomas. Advanced sessions are for campers who have completed a basic session the summer before and who are 16 years old or younger. Advanced sessions include more in-depth activities about backpacking, camping, natural resources, and unique hunting and fishing techniques. 
Conservation Camps open June 21 and continue until Aug. 14. Tuition is $250 for the week, including food, lodging and equipment.