June 2006 - Oklahoma Department of Wildlife youth camp.
Note: Hunting and firearms are not allowed at Camp McFadden unless part of a curriculum being presented by qualified persons.
This is the second year in a row the Oklahoma Wildlife Department camp has been held at Camp McFadden. Camp McFadden is an excellent place for this type of camp since it adjoins Kaw Lake, has both the High and Low Ropes courses, cabins to stay in, and a lodge for cooking and meetings.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Department camp is designed for youth to learn how to protect and manage Oklahoma's wildlife resources. It also provides an excellent opportunity for youth to explore possible future careers in wildlife management.
In order to give participants a better understanding of wildlife and fisheries management and law enforcement, the entire camp is conducted by game wardens, wildlife and fisheries professionals and dedicated hunters and anglers.
Youths are shown scenarios the game rangers come up against both in the daytime and at night.
Department accepting applications for youth wildlife camp
Kids who love the outdoors will want to turn in their application to attend the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Wildlife Youth Camp. Youth interested in wildlife, fisheries and law enforcement can have fun and learn a thing or two at the weeklong camp, which is conducted each year by wildlife professionals including game wardens and biologists.
“It is one of my favorite events of the year. The camp is a great opportunity for kids to learn what wildlife professionals do on a day to day to basis. And the thing parents will like the most – it’s absolutely free,” said Jon Cunningham, camp coordinator and Oklahoma game warden stationed in Payne County.
Scheduled June 11-16 at Camp McFadden near Ponca City, the camp is open to Oklahoma youths ages 14 to 16. Applicants must turn 14 prior to June 11, 2006. Participants will attend courses in firearms handling, wildlife law enforcement, wildlife and fisheries biology, water safety, self-defense, rifle and shotgun training, waterfowl hunting and archery.
The camp is free of charge, but will be limited to 35 participants. Applicants should be interested in fish and wildlife management or law enforcement and must submit a 75-word essay explaining why they want to attend the camp, why they believe they should be selected and what they expect to learn while attending. They must also submit a letter of recommendation from a person of their choice other than a family member.
Link to the Oklahoma Wildlife Department youth camp page. Check it out and register for next year.
Courses planned for the week this year included:
Career Opportunities
Turkey Hunting, management, and enforcement
Rifle/Shotgun Training
Ropes and Rappelling
Water Safety
Wildlife Identification
Archery
Waterfowl hunting, management and enforcement
Survival/First Aid
Waterfowl hunting, management and enforcement
Snakes/Poisonous Animals
Fishing
Swimming
Wildlife Law Enforcement
Self Defense
Muzzleloading
Fisheries Management
A parent gets a chance to shoot a black powder rifle.
Skeet shooting taught the use of a shotgun.
