About Our Camp Counselors
Our counselors are well-educated and committed to providing a great experience for all campers. Many of our staff are former campers, continuing the DEC Summer Camps tradition by returning to teach the next generation of campers. All environmental education camp counselors have at least two years of college in natural or biological sciences, natural resource conservation, recreation management, environmental education or primary and secondary education. Our counselors are all certified in First Aid and CPR/AED and have been checked through the NYS Sex Offenders Registry.
You can read more about the requirements for camps staff or learn how to apply by visiting the Employment at DEC Summer Camps page.
Cost and Sponsorships
DEC camp costs $350 per camper, per week.
Many campers are sponsored by local conservation organizations, hunting and fishing clubs, garden clubs, and community groups. Talk with organizations in your area to find out if they offer sponsorships, and how to receive one. Sponsored campers must work with their sponsoring organization to receive sponsorship ahead of the March 2024 registration opening for camps. Visit Sponsoring Youth to Camp for more information.
Help Support DEC Camps
You can now donate online to help support the camps program. Donations may also be made in memory of loved ones. Funds raised for camperships help underwrite the costs for youth that otherwise would be unable to attend.
The camp donations are handled by the NHT (Natural Heritage Trust). It is a 501 (c) (3) charitable trust created to receive and administer gifts in support of parks, land and water conservation and outdoor recreation in New York State. The NHT works with DEC to administer and raise private funds for the camp program. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Click on the image at left to make a donation on line or follow the instruction below to donate by check.
Memorial donations should be sent to the DEC Camps account in the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT). The check should be made out to NHT, with DEC Camps written in the memo section. Please include a note with the name of the person in whose memory you are making the donation and the name of the family member who should receive a letter informing them of your contribution. Checks should be mailed to NHT Camps, c/o Director of Management & Budget Services, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-5010. NHT will send out acknowledgment letters to donors for tax purposes.