About the Pike County Conservation School

About the Conservation School

Introduction

For over 30 years, the Pike County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs has held its annual Youth Conservation School. And this year will be no exception! The School is a week long program starting on Sunday, August 1st and lasting through Friday, August 6th. Students stay at the rustically beautiful "Lodge at Lacawac". The educational staff is comprised of professionals in their respective fields who provide a mix of classroom and field study. Students will get dirty and wet with activities such as banding ducks, creating trout habitat, exploring bogs, and sieving for macroinvertebrates! (Yes, the students will even learn what macroinvertebrates are!)

Purpose

The purpose of the School is to foster an interest within the youth of our community in conservation and our outdoor heritage by providing an in-depth program that is designed to provide information on the proper management of our natural resources --- both renewable and non-renewable. Of equal importance is the education of our youth about the role of hunting and fishing in the cultural heritage of our country and the present day need for developing and continuing a good conservation oriented "sportsmen's ethic". The understanding of these issues will assist the students in making intelligent decisions about the future of our natural resources.

Enrollment Requirements

Any student who will be 13, 14, or 15 years of age at the time of the school is eligible to attend. Students residing in Pike County, attending the Delaware Valley or Wallenpaupack Area School Districts, or who are sponsored by one of the participating sportsmen's clubs will be given priority towards admission. In order to maintain the high quality of the program, enrollment is capped at 20 students. Students who have attended the School in past years are not eligible for enrollment.

Fees and Expenses

The fee for the Youth Conservation School is $50.00 (only $10.00 per day!) The fee includes the student's room, board, field trip transportation, and all activities materials. The fee must be paid at the time of application and is non-refundable upon acceptance. The remaining costs of the Conservation School is provided by scholarships and grants from local businesses, service organizations, sporting clubs, and generous individuals.