State to host Teen Conservation Weekends this summer

The Green Mountains as seen from Woodstock, Vermont, in summer. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Young outdoor enthusiasts will get a chance to experience Vermont’s natural environment and learn together this summer during the state’s Teen Conservation Weekends. 

Announced this week, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is offering two new Teen Conservation Weekends to be held at the Edward F. Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton this August.

“We are pleased to announce a fun and exciting opportunity for teens ages 15 to 17,” said Hannah Phelps, camp coordinator. “The new Teen Conservation Weekends will allow us to provide teens with an exciting weekend of quality environmental education. Campers will arrive Saturday morning and immediately begin participating in Hunter Education programing, before backpacking out to a remote pond for an evening of camping and fishing.”

It’s also a welcome opportunity to connect with peers and enjoy the last days of summer, Phelps added.

“Teen Conservation Weekends are the perfect way for teens to unplug and engage with peers outdoors before heading back to the classroom,” she said.

Each weekend is limited to 25 participants.  Girls can attend on Aug. 14 and 15, and boys will be there Aug. 21 and 22. All participants are required to complete their Hunter and Bowhunter certificates ahead of time to allow for more hands-on fun throughout the weekend, state officials said. Teens will also be expected to only bring gear they can carry themselves while backpacking.

For registration, cost and other details, go to Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s Teen Conservation Weekend web page, where an application can be downloaded. Sponsorships are available on a limited basis. Any questions can go to Phelps at Hannah.phelps@vermont.gov or 802-249-3199. 

— Gareth Henderson