Alabama Forestry Camp allows eager high school students to learn about the importance of natural resources with the outdoors being the main classroom for five days in June. The camp is held each year at the Rural Training Center of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund in Epes (FSC), Alabama (Sumter County). The Alabama Forestry Commission and partnering agencies have celebrated 14 successful camps thus far

The students are all Alabama residents and must receive a recommendation from their respective high schools before completing an application. The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) specifically targets those who traditionally aren’t exposed to the professional opportunities in Forestry. By attending camp, students are introduced to the idea of a career in forestry and/or other natural resources. Along with the idea of working in the natural resources genre, students are also educated on the impacts that the forestry industry has on Alabama and the nation in general in terms of the economy, daily living and the future generations.

Camp coordinators arrange for the students to tour working farms and productive forest demonstration sites. The lessons for the 9th through 12th graders are hands-on and therefore they learn everything from measuring trees and collecting water samples for testing purposes to the paper-making process and tree identification. Students also receive a lesson in mapping and geographical information systems using advanced technology recon equipment owned by the AFC. While there are many guest lectures and excursion leaders during the week-long program, there is one evening that is reserved as College and Career Night. During that evening, information booths are set-up by college and university representatives and representatives from various professional organizations who arrive at the campsite ready to talk to the students even more about their futures and the wide variety of educational and professional opportunities that are available to them in forestry and other natural resources fields.

While the camp is focused on educating students, it also allows professionals to come together to collaborate on a project that will ultimately lead to new crops of well- educated people in the natural resources workforce. Forestry Camp also allows the professionals who are involved with the program to better learn students’ concerns and thought-processes are as they prepare to choose educational opportunities and career paths. They will get a chance to talk one-on-one to potential students and employees. This allows the professionals to better prepare their organizations to receive new recruits and of course allows students to become better prepared to leave high school successfully.

In all, the Alabama Forestry Camp is an invaluable experience for students across the state who are interested in learning more about the environment, natural resources, the importance of forestry and the impact that its preservation has on Alabama and the rest of the nation. For the AFC, Forestry Camp is also a vehicle to help increase minority employees amongst its workforce as young women and racial and ethnic minority students are encouraged to attend the Camp.

Forestry Camp FAQs for Students That Have Been Accepted into Forestry Camp

When is Forestry Camp?

Forestry Camp will be held June 2-6, 2013.

How much is registration?

Registration is $25.00 per student. Please do not send cash in the mail. Please make checks payable to the Federation of Southern Cooperatives.

Can I specify a roommate?

We do not mind you specifying a roommate and will accommodate your request if possible. However, we cannot guarantee it will be fulfilled.

Will there be supervision for the children at all times?

There will be both day and night time counselors on duty at all times

What transportation accommodations will be available at the camp?

All students will be required to travel with staff during the camp. Vans will be provided for field trips and operated by the camp staff only. All students driving personal vehicles will be required to turn in their keys for the duration of their stay.

What kind of medical personnel will be available?

There will be a certified EMT on site at all times. If additional medical attention is needed, the parents or guardians will be contacted. Instructions from the health form will be utilized and proper medical attention will be administered.

Who do I contact for more information?

Contact: Joelette Crawl, Forestry Program Specialist, FSC, (205) 652-9676
             Jerry Bettis, Forestry Specialist, Tuskegee University at (334) 421-0607