Love spending time outdoors? Is science your favorite subject in school? If so, then Haywood County Soil and Water Conservation District has an opportunity for you this summer. Our Youth Environmental Stewardship (YES) Camp is an intensive, one week camp for rising 8th and 9th graders who are passionate about the environment. Each day, campers will participate in hands- on activities that will enrich their understanding of water and air quality, conservation, sustainability, climate, wildlife, soils and more. Check out some of the things campers will be doing this summer in the “Camp Highlights” section below. 

We are looking for a diverse group of campers to join us on July 19-July 23 or July 26-July 30. Campers will need transportation to and from the Mountain Research Station where camp will be held each day. Drop-off is 8:30 a.m. and pick-up is at 3 p.m. The camp will be free for participants, but they will need to bring their lunch each day. Please be advised that campers will be exposed to outdoor elements including moving water, insects and the changing weather.  

Due to the ongoing pandemic, we are taking all safety precautions possible including, but not limited to, temperature checks and camper screenings each morning, capping the number of participants, socially distancing whenever possible, regularly cleaning and sanitizing, wearing face masks at all times, and doing as many activities outdoors as possible. The entirety of the camp will take place on a designated portion of the Mountain Research Station, isolated from others. All participants and their families are required to be responsible, abide by all policies and procedures, and complete medical and liability paperwork before attending camp. 

Applications are due on May 28, 2021. We will be in touch with applicants by June 11, 2021 with more information regarding the camp. If you have any questions, please contact dana.miller@haywoodcountync.gov or call 828-452-2741 ext. 3. We look forward to meeting you this summer for camp!

Camp Highlights

• Water quality testing
• Meet & greet with a climate scientist
• Nature walks
• Wastewater treatment simulation lab
• Exploring wildlife skulls and skins
• Alternative energies STEM challenge
• Soil macroinvertebrate sampling
• Making art with recyclables
• Plenty of other guest speakers and activities