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WEEK OF MARCH 11, 2010

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 Arrows to fly inside Cox Convention Center
            About 1,700 students from across the state are scheduled shoot 32,000 arrows March 31 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Archery in the Schools annual state shoot at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
            Students at the state shoot will come from more than 100 schools to compete in archery after a season of practice and competition in their respective schools as part of the Oklahoma Archery in the Schools (OAIS) program.
            "Coaches have told me time and again that this program has helped every child see success. From the typical athletic student to the child that does not usually excel in most other sports, archery is allowing all students to compete on a level playing field," said Justin Marschall, OAIS coordinator for the Wildlife Department.
            The number of students at the state shoot reflects the growth of the OAIS program during its six years of existence. This year's state shoot will see an increase of more than 600 students over last year's shoot.
            Currently about 230 schools participate throughout the year. Coordinated by the Wildlife Department, OAIS is part of the National Archery in the Schools Program. The program partners state wildlife agencies, schools and the nation's archery industry to introduce students to the sport of archery. The Archery in the Schools curriculum is designed for 4th-12th graders and covers archery history, safety, techniques, equipment, mental concentration and self-improvement.
            The top three shooters in each category at the state shoot will receive medals and prizes. In addition, the top five shooters in each category and first place teams automatically qualify for the national shoot to be held May 6,7 & 8 in Louisville, Ky.
            For more information about Oklahoma Archery in the Schools or the Wildlife Department, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
 
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 Youth discover wildlife-related careers at Wildlife Department's summer camp
            A lifetime of hunting and fishing is full of memories and lessons about life, nature and ethics — and youth who enjoy the outdoors can take that one step further by pursuing a career in wildlife conservation. Teenagers can apply now to attend the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's annual Wildlife Youth Camp slated for July 11-16 and learn about rewarding careers that focus on managing wildlife for the future.
            The youth camp, which is held at Oklahoma University Biological Station at Lake Texoma, introduces youth age 14-16 to careers in wildlife-related fields and increases their awareness of conserving and managing Oklahoma's wildlife resources. The free camp allows youth to gain first-hand knowledge of careers in wildlife and fisheries management as well as law enforcement. Some participants even move on to rewarding careers as employees of the Wildlife Department.
            Courses planned for the week include rifle and shotgun training, muzzleloading, wildlife identification, wildlife law enforcement, fishing, fisheries management, ropes and rappelling, swimming, and turkey and waterfowl hunting, management and enforcement.
            To attend youth camp, applicants must turn 14 prior to June 11, 2010, and be no older than 16. Applicants must write a 75-word essay describing why they want to attend the camp, why they should be selected and what they expect to learn. Additionally, they must provide a letter of recommendation by someone outside their family and a photograph from a recent outdoor-related event or activity.
            The camp will be open to a maximum of 35 youth, and applications will be accepted through April 16, 2010. More information and applications, as well as photographs from previous youth camps are available by logging on to http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/youthcamp.htm .
 
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 Kiamichi Mountains to host students at Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp
            Oklahoma's beautiful Beavers Bend State Park is the setting for one of the longest running summer camps in Oklahoma—the Oklahoma Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.
            This year the camp is slated for June 7-12 for boys and girls aged 13 to 15 years old that want to learn more about forestry, wildlife and conservation while in an outdoor setting. As one of Oklahoma's premier summer camps, students attend from across the state — many following the tradition of their parents and grandparents who are camp alumni. Field trips, Native American crafts, educational sessions and recreational programs are the heart of the weeklong camp. Campgrounds feature air-conditioned bunkhouses, a dining hall, hot showers, basketball and volleyball courts and an amphitheater.
            Along with exploring natural resources through a series of programs on wildlife management, forest management, stream ecology, fire management, urban forestry and multiple resource management, campers will also have time for swimming, hiking, fishing, canoeing and other outdoor recreation in the Kiamichi Mountains while making new friends from across the state.
            'Kids today don't necessarily see how things in the environment are all connected," said Christina Stallings Roberson, education coordinator for Oklahoma Forestry Services. "One main theme of this camp is to show those relationships."
            Older youth, ages 18 to 22, can also participate in the weeklong learning experience as camp counselors. Applicants should be mature, responsible young adults with an interest in outdoor careers such as forestry, wildlife or education and have the ability to guide younger youth throughout the camp. Volunteer adult leaders also are needed.
            Camper, counselor and adult applications will be accepted until April 30, 2010, and can be obtained by logging on to http://www.forestry.ok.gov or by calling (405) 522-6158. The fee for campers is $175, which covers all costs including meals, transportation at camp, field trips, and workshops. A limited number of partial scholarships are available.
            Camper applications must be accompanied by a letter of reference from a teacher, counselor, principal, or club leader that has personal knowledge of the camper's interest and conduct.
 
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